SCIENCE + TECHNOLOGY

TSA digital ID process lets travelers use app to get through security

Mar 10, 2023, 10:12 AM | Updated: Mar 20, 2023, 1:07 pm

a phone is pictured using the new tsa digital ID process...

Katrina Pelkey, TSA human factors analyst, demonstrates using a digital ID with next-generation credential authorization technology units at the Salt Lake City International Airport in Salt Lake City, on Thursday, March 9, 2023. The units enable the use of digital state-issued IDs. They also take photos of travelers and compare them to photos on travelers’ photo IDs. Utah drivers can use the GET Mobile ID app to get a digital version of their Utah driver’s license or photo ID card on their Android or iOS device. (Kristin Murphy/Deseret News)

(Kristin Murphy/Deseret News)

SALT LAKE CITY — If you’re traveling through the Salt Lake International Airport there’s some brand new security tech at the TSA check-in. A new digital ID verification process is aimed at simplifying TSA screening. 

The TSA’s newest tech makes sure all you need is your phone. TSA’s design aims to confirm a traveler is who they say they are, and to speed up boarding procedures.

TSA Spokesperson Lorie Dankers said their new CAT-2 unit takes a picture of the traveler to verify their ID, and with digital ID options now available in Utah, all you need to do is scan your phone.

“You approach the CAT-2 unit, you place your phone under the reader. That’s all that you do. It pulls up the information off your driver’s license, the tablet takes your picture, and once that match is made, you’re going to be waved in.”

The TSA only uses the photo to verify the image on your government-issued ID, then erases it.

Dankers said that this way, you don’t need to worry about exchanging documents, or losing tickets again.

But, the TSA also noted that travelers will need to present a physical ID if asked by an agent.

You can download your digital license to an app, which is compatible with both IOS and Android devices.

Related:

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Today’s Top Stories

Science + Technology

Linda Yaccarino, here in 2022, is leaving NBCUniversal amid reports that Elon Musk has selected her...

Chris Isidore

Elon Musk names NBCU ad chief Linda Yaccarino as Twitter CEO

 (CNN) — Elon Musk on Friday named longtime media executive Linda Yaccarino as the new CEO of Twitter, months after he promised to step back from the role. “I am excited to welcome Linda Yaccarino as the new CEO of Twitter!” Musk wrote in a tweet on Friday. He said she “will focus primarily on business operations, […]

1 year ago

twitter building shown, a new ceo will replace elon musk...

Chris Isidore, CNN

Twitter’s new CEO is an NBCUniversal executive with deep ad industry ties

Elon Musk confirmed that the new CEO for Twitter will be NBCUniversal’s Linda Yaccarino, an executive with deep ties to the advertising industry. “I am excited to welcome Linda Yaccarino as the new CEO of Twitter!” Musk wrote in a Friday tweet. He added that Yaccarino “will focus primarily on business operations” while Musk will […]

1 year ago

Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai speaks at a Google I/O event in Mountain View, Calif., Wednesday, May 10...

MICHAEL LIEDTKE AP Technology Writer

Google is giving its dominant search engine an artificial-intelligence makeover

Google has disclosed plans to infuse its dominant search engine with more advanced artificial-intelligence technology.

1 year ago

Multiple facial features are placed together to create a face -- AI is being used to impersonate pe...

Curt Gresseth

How to spot a fake when AI is used in kidnapping and extortion schemes

Artificial intelligence has found its way into science, education, social media and much more. Now, AI has made its way into scams.

1 year ago

A giant A and I are pictured -- would an AI chatbot replace human interaction?...

Samantha Herrera

Combatting loneliness with AI? It may be a slippery slope

As AI technology continues getting more and more sophisticated, there's a concern that something like a chatbot could replace real social interaction.

1 year ago

tiktok logo is shown, kids' social media use is under scrutiny from health officials...

Peter Johnston

APA urges adults to limit kids’ social media use

Kids' social media use should not be without guidance and oversight from parents, an advisory from the American Psychological Association said.

1 year ago

Sponsored Articles

close up of rose marvel saliva blooms in purple...

Shannon Cavalero

Drought Tolerant Perennials for Utah

The best drought tolerant plants for Utah can handle high elevations, alkaline soils, excessive exposure to wind, and use of secondary water.

Group of cheerful team members high fiving each other...

Visit Bear Lake

How To Plan a Business Retreat in Bear Lake This Spring

Are you wondering how to plan a business retreat this spring? Read our sample itinerary to plan a team getaway to Bear Lake.

Cheerful young woman writing an assignment while sitting at desk between two classmates during clas...

BYU EMBA at the Marriott School of Business

Hear it Firsthand: 6 Students Share Their Executive MBA Experience at BYU’s Marriott School of Business

The Executive MBA program at BYU offers great opportunities. Hear experiences straight from students enrolled in the program.

Skier being towed by a rider on a horse. Skijoring....

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking for a New Winter Activity? Try Skijoring in Bear Lake

Skijoring is when someone on skis is pulled by a horse, dog, animal, or motor vehicle. The driver leads the skiers through an obstacle course over jumps, hoops, and gates.

Banner with Cervical Cancer Awareness Realistic Ribbon...

Intermountain Health

Five Common Causes of Cervical Cancer – and What You Can Do to Lower Your Risk

January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness month and cancer experts at Intermountain Health are working to educate women about cervical cancer.

Kid holding a cisco fish at winterfest...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get Ready for Fun at the 2023 Bear Lake Monster Winterfest

The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is an annual weekend event jam-packed full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy.

TSA digital ID process lets travelers use app to get through security