Biometrics Technology

TSA is evaluating the use of biometric technologies to enhance security effectiveness, operational efficiency, and the passenger experience while protecting privacy and civil liberties.

TSA’s exploration of biometric technologies is scientifically driven and capitalizes on significant advances in biometric accuracy, speed, and the ability to automate processes to help move passengers through screening more quickly.

In recent years, TSA began testing biometrics to identify passengers at the checkpoint and we continue to evaluate the use of proven and emerging solutions to further understand operational impact, security gains, and policy implications.

Passenger participation in TSA biometric technology tests is voluntary. You may notify a TSA officer if you prefer a standard ID check.

Please visit the links below for additional information on TSA’s biometric technology efforts.

TSA Biometrics Roadmap: Outlines TSA’s plans to transform aviation security operations using biometric technology through four key goals: partnering on biometrics for international travelers, operationalize biometrics for TSA PreCheck®, expand biometrics to additional domestic travelers, and associated objectives and guiding principles to include security and operational effectiveness, privacy, and cybersecurity.
Identity Management Roadmap: Builds upon the success of the TSA Biometrics Roadmap and articulates a comprehensive end-to-end strategy for Identity Management at TSA. Identity Management is critical to TSA’s mission as it ensures the right people have access to the right transportation infrastructure areas at the right time.
TSA Myth Busters: Highlights myths and facts regarding TSA’s biometric technology efforts.
TSA and U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Report to Congress on Deployment of Biometric Technologies: Describes TSA and CBP development and implementation of biometric technologies.
TSA Privacy Impact Assessments: Explains how TSA identifies and mitigates privacy risks and notifies the public what personally identifiable information (PII) is being collected and how it is collected, used, accessed, shared, and safeguarded during the use of biometric technologies.
TSA-CBP Biometric Technology Pilot for Trusted Travelers: Outlines ongoing testing at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ALT).
Digital Identity Phased Rollout: Outlines ongoing testing at select airport checkpoints.

TSA’s Use of Biometric Technology

TSA continues to explore the use of biometric technology to enhance security effectiveness, improve operational efficiency and yield a more streamlined passenger experience. TSA is grounding its exploration of biometric solutions based on rigorous scientific study and analysis by testing these solutions in TSA’s laboratories and operational environments in collaboration with Department of Homeland Security components, other federal agencies, airlines, airports, and industry partners.

Facial matching, digital identity, and facial identification technologies can play an important role in enhancing the TSA checkpoint by automating current manual ID verification procedures.

1:1 Facial Matching

TSA is testing 1:1 (one to one) facial matching capabilities by integrating a camera that will take a picture of a passenger and compare the photo to the image on their photo ID, such as a passport or driver’s license, using Credential Authentication Technology 2 (known as CAT-2). This approach does not require a database of pre-staged images because it simply compares an image from the document presented by the passenger against an image taken of the passenger at the checkpoint.

Digital Identity

In recognition of the increased use of digital identity documents, TSA is evaluating their potential impact on aviation security and operations. TSA is upgrading CAT machines with biometric, digital identity, and self-service capabilities (CAT-2) in response to COVID-19 and the growing availability of robust identity solutions in the market.

1:n Facial Identification

TSA is also testing 1:n (one to few) facial identification capabilities by using the Traveler Verification Service to compare a passenger’s live image to a database of pre-enrolled reference photos. This solution is currently being developed for the TSA PreCheck® Application Program and CBP Global Entry Program trusted traveler populations. You can find additional information on CBP’s Traveler Verification Service on CBP’s biometrics webpage. This solution will be integrated with CAT-2 in TSA PreCheck® lanes.

Current Tests: Building on What TSA Has Learned

1:1 Facial Matching

In August 2020 at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), TSA demonstrated CAT-2. Based on further analysis of the DCA pilot, TSA conducted formal field tests with volunteer passengers at DCA, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), Indianapolis International Airport (IND), and Miami International Airport (MIA) to identify, evaluate, and mitigate system performance issues across diverse operational environments and passenger demographics. In 2022, TSA started conducting additional pilots to further evaluate CAT-2 performance.

During the tests, TSA will verify a live image captured to the image on a credential (e.g., passport or driver’s license). The device enables passengers to scan their own identity documents for authentication and biometric identity matching, reducing unnecessary contact between TSA officers and passengers. It also includes a Plexiglass shield to further minimize contact between TSA officers and passengers.

Passengers may choose not to have a photo taken by the camera at the checkpoint and may instead notify a TSA officer if they prefer a standard ID check.

Digital Identity

TSA began deploying CAT-2 units in early 2022 to support the phased rollout of state-issued mobile driver’s licenses, mobile identification cards, and other types of digital IDs. During the initial stages of the rollout, TSA is only accepting these IDs from TSA PreCheck® passengers for testing and evaluation. TSA plans to expand this effort and will release information about additional airports, states, devices, and partners. Passengers without TSA PreCheck® may be able to use state-issued mobile driver’s licenses and mobile identification cards at a future date.

Additional information on digital identity can be found here.

1:n Facial Identification

In March 2021 at DTW, TSA and CBP, in cooperation with Delta Air Lines, began a pilot for Trusted Travelers (e.g., TSA PreCheck® and CBP Global Entry members). This pilot tests the use of CBP’s Traveler Verification Service systems to verify a passenger’s identity at the TSA checkpoint. The technology compares a photo of the passenger taken at the checkpoint to a pre-staged gallery of photos previously provided to the government for travel purposes (i.e., passport). In November 2021, the pilot was expanded to support the baggage drop touchpoint at ATL, and in May 2022, the pilot launched at the ATL checkpoint

During the Delta Air Lines mobile app check-in process, eligible passengers will be notified of their ability to participate in the pilot and can opt in (consent) to participate. Passengers who choose to participate will have a consent indicator on their mobile boarding pass. Passengers who do not opt in and do not have a consent indicator on their mobile boarding pass will not be able to participate at this time.

Additional information on the DTW and ATL pilots can be found here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I required to be processed by the biometric technology tested at an airport checkpoint?

No. Facial recognition technology is voluntary. Tell a TSA officer if you do not wish to participate. The officer will use the standard ID verification process.

Do passengers still need to bring physical IDs to the airports?

Yes. Currently, all passengers must continue to have physical IDs on hand. If a digital ID cannot be verified at the TSA security checkpoint, a passenger must use an acceptable physical identity document (e.g., driver’s license, passport) for identity verification.

Does TSA protect all data (e.g., photos) collected during testing of facial recognition technology?

Yes. TSA is committed to protecting passenger privacy. Under normal operating conditions TSA facial recognition technology deletes traveler data and images immediately after your identity is verified. If you use TSA PreCheck® Touchless Identity Solution, your information is deleted 24 hours after your scheduled departure time.

In rare instances TSA will collect and temporarily retain photos and data to test the accuracy of TSA’s facial recognition technology. These data collection mode events are limited in time and place and begin with passenger notification signs. If you decline to participate you will receive standard identity verification and will not lose your place in line.

We secure all personal data and images used or temporarily stored by our facial recognition technology. Additionally, all of TSA’s facial recognition technologies adhere to DHS and TSA cybersecurity requirements.

How do digital IDs enhance passenger security and experience?

Digital IDs such as mobile driver’s licenses are more secure than physical credentials, which can be counterfeit or fraudulent. Digital IDs are also more private because you only share the information TSA needs to verify your identity - nothing more. The acceptance of digital IDs has the potential to modernize checkpoint screening procedures and technologies to better serve the aviation security ecosystem, reduce points of contact for passengers, and pave the way for a more seamless travel experience. This effort is one of the steps TSA is taking under President Biden’s Executive Order on Transforming Customer Experience.

How do I set up ID pass in Google Wallet for TSA checkpoints?

Open the Google Wallet app and select ‘Add to Wallet’
Select ‘ID’, then ID pass
Follow the instructions to verify your identity with your U.S. passport.
Once your information has been successfully verified, you will receive a confirmation notification that your ID pass has successfully been created! You can access your ID pass in Google Wallet.

How do passengers know they are not required to participate?

TSA posts signs at checkpoints using facial recognition technology. The traveler’s right to decline a photo is highlighted in the sign, on passenger-facing screens, in officer advisements, and on TSA.gov. Also, TSA publishes Privacy Impact Assessments (PIAs) to notify the public about facial recognition technology and additional information on privacy protections.

How is TSA addressing concerns related to the accuracy of biometric technologies, including facial recognition?

TSA’s use of biometric solutions is based on rigorous scientific study and analysis. We are aware of a variety of public concerns related to the accuracy of facial recognition and other biometric technologies and take those concerns seriously. We study biometric solutions in both laboratories and operational environments to identify and mitigate performance issues. Accuracy and equity in biometric system performance are key issues for TSA and travelers alike. TSA works closely and regularly with external stakeholders to provide timely and detailed updates on our facial recognition technologies and the benefits they provide to secure and convenient travel.

How will this improve the passenger experience?

Facial recognition technology and digital IDs partially automate the ID and boarding pass verification process for more efficient and secure screening.

How will this make U.S. flights more secure?

Facial recognition technology and digital IDs improve the performance and security of TSA operations by increasing the accuracy and reliability of passenger identity verification. Facial recognition technology automates part of the current manual procedures and allows professional screening personnel to leverage their training and experience to focus more on alarms and error resolution.

Is an ID pass in Google Wallet available in all states?

ID pass is available to all U.S. passport holders.

Is TSA using facial identification recognition technology to profile and deport passengers?

No. TSA is using facial recognition technology at the airport to improve and automate identity verification of passengers, not for law enforcement or immigration enforcement purposes. Additionally, TSA does not tolerate racial profiling. Profiling is not an effective way to perform security screening. TSA personnel are trained to treat every passenger with dignity and respect.

What are digital IDs and mobile driver’s licenses?

A digital ID is an electronic representation of personally identifying information (PII) that may be used to verify the identity of a person.

A mobile driver's license is a type of digital ID issued by a state. It is a digital representation of the information contained on a state-issued physical driver’s license or ID card that is stored on a mobile electronic device such as a smartphone and read electronically through a secure transaction. Use of a mobile driver’s license requires biometric verification prior to each transaction.

A digital ID may also be issued by a non-governmental entity based on information derived from governmental or non-governmental sources.

What happens if TSA is not able to match my biometrics live photo to my travel documents?

If TSA is unable to obtain a match through facial recognition technology, the TSA officer will use standard passenger identity verification procedures.

What role has biometric technology played in TSA’s response to COVID-19?

TSA prioritizes the health and safety of our officers and the traveling public.

Some of our Travel Document Checker positions offer travelers the ability to insert their own ID cards and passports into readers. Personal devices with digital IDs and mobile driver’s licenses should always be presented by the traveler and should never be handled by the TSA officer.

Some of our Travel Document Checker positions also have Plexiglas panels to retard the airflow between travelers and officers.

TSA PreCheck® Touchless Identity Solution, currently in operational assessment, eliminates the need for travelers to present a passport, ID card, or personal device with a digital ID. Instead, the traveler volunteers to allow TSA to match their live photo with a stored photo from a passport or other source document. (Travelers should always carry a physical form of acceptable ID.) For travelers opting in to TSA PreCheck Touchless Identity Solution, their face is their ID.

When TSA conducts a test event and data is collected and temporarily saved, how is my data protected?

Consistent with the DHS Fair Information Practice Principles (FIPPs), TSA retains personally identifiable information (PII) only for as long as is necessary to fulfill the specified purpose(s) of testing the accuracy of facial recognition technology. DHS FIPPs and TSA’s PIAs provide guidance on matters such as transparency, specific use limitations, data minimization, and purpose specification for our facial recognition technology. Additional information on data protection procedures for each test is available in TSA’s PIAs. In short, TSA informs the traveler in advance of data collection, securely transits the data and images for testing, then deletes the data.

Will digital forms of identification be REAL ID compliant?

When enforcement begins for REAL ID, TSA will accept digital IDs that are compliant with the 6 CFR Part 37: Minimum Standards for Driver’s Licenses and Identification Cards Acceptable by Federal Agencies for Official Purposes; Waiver for Mobile Driver’s Licenses.

Will the eventual implementation of digital identification allow TSA to build a national database of identification information?

No. TSA only receives a passenger’s digital identification information at TSA checkpoints with the passenger's consent. Passengers control access to and use of the digital ID kept in their mobile device. TSA does not copy or store the digital ID, unless it is done in a limited testing environment for evaluation of the accuracy of facial recognition technology. In that instance, TSA informs the passenger through signs, advisements, PIAs on tsa.gov and other means.