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Anyone tried the new MDL 'Mobile Drivers License ID for security?

I didn't find this topic on the Forum, hope it's useful ! Just saw this notice at SFO & ONT security lines last week, allows some state driver's license holders to use a mobile app with a drivers license photo ID, (which you have to download & have approved beforehand) to skip taking out physical ID at security. The list of participating states is here - https://www.tsa.gov/digital-id

Since most airports already ask you to stare into the camera at security & when boarding international flights, this seems like a reasonable way to check ID. I downloaded the app, uploaded DMV data, took about 10 minutes & another 10 minutes to be approved. There are only 26 airports across the country participating, but imagine there will be more coming!

Volunteers must have TSA PreCheck and be traveling using the Terminal 3-F1 Checkpoint in the next few months. (Bet this gets broadened to more areas.) At the T3-F1 Checkpoint, volunteers can use one of two newly installed CAT-2 ID verification stations which include biometric facial cameras that compare the data from a mobile driver’s license to the photo captured at the station for quick and hands-free identification. The data is then compared to TSA’s Secure Flight list, so scanning a boarding pass is also not required. Once you are enrolled, passengers would also be able to use the mDL at 26 participating airports across the U.S. where TSA has CAT-2 machines.
https://www.flysfo.com/california-dmv-mobile-pilot-program-sfo

https://www.flysfo.com/california-dmv-mobile-pilot-program-sfo#:~:text=The%20mDL%20offers%20a%20quick,through%20TSA%20PreCheck%20at%20SFO.

Posted by
717 posts

Just a warning, I recently read a long involved rant on another travel site from someone who tried to use one of these to check into a hotel and they told them no

you do still have to carry your hard ID other places in the United States

I haven’t bothered with this because the airport I use most often has a digital ID feature where all they need is my face and I’m through security

Posted by
996 posts

Ah, thanks Carol. HUH, a digital photo without any ID for security... thanks interesting!
I wouldn't leave my ID at home, doubt the rental car companies would accept it either? I just don't like taking my drivers license out of the sleeve, might forget to put it back!