The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced a final rule that enables travelers to continue using mobile driver’s licenses (mDL) for identity verification at airport security checkpoints beyond the enforcement of the REAL ID Act.
The announcement, published in the Federal Register, aligns with TSA’s ongoing efforts to enhance the passenger experience and ensure a smooth transition to digital identification methods.
The rule, effective November 25, 2024, grants states the ability to apply for a temporary waiver from certain REAL ID requirements. Once approved, the mobile driver’s licenses issued by these states will continue to be accepted at TSA checkpoints nationwide.
As part of this initiative, TSA will maintain a list on its website detailing which states have received approval for federal acceptance of mDLs. The overall goal is to expand the use of mDLs nationwide, covering all U.S. airports.
Currently, mDLs are accepted at 27 airports in 11 states, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, New York, Ohio, and Utah. The TSA’s long-term vision is to incorporate mobile licenses into identity verification processes at all airports, with an expanded rollout of the necessary technology.
A mobile driver’s license is a digital version of a state-issued physical driver’s license, typically stored in a digital wallet application on a smartphone. Similar to how credit cards are stored digitally, mDLs are scanned or tapped against an mDL reader to verify a person’s identity.
In line with the ongoing development of industry standards, TSA plans to release future guidelines that will further define the requirements for mDL use in federal settings. These guidelines aim to eventually replace the temporary waivers and create a more comprehensive system for digital identification.
With the REAL ID enforcement deadline approaching on May 7, 2025, the introduction of these digital measures offers a convenient and secure alternative for travelers, reflecting the increasing reliance on technology in the travel sector.
