The new regulation allows states to apply for a temporary waiver of certain Real ID requirements to enable mDLs to be accepted
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has published a final rule permitting the use of mobile driver’s licenses (mDLs) as a form of identification at airport security checkpoints, a policy that will continue even when Real ID enforcement begins on May 7, 2025. The rule, which takes effect on November 25, 2024, aims to streamline the identification process for travelers using digital ID technology.
The new regulation allows states to apply for a temporary waiver of certain Real ID requirements to enable mDLs to be accepted as proof of identity at TSA security checkpoints. Once a state’s waiver is approved, passengers from that state can use their mDLs as a secure form of ID when flying domestically. TSA will publish a list of states with approved mDLs on its website.
An mDL is a digital version of a state-issued driver’s license that can be stored in a smartphone’s digital wallet. To verify a passenger’s identity, an mDL reader at the checkpoint scans or taps the smartphone, validating both the ID and the individual’s identity. This process is similar to how digital wallets store and use credit card information.
Currently, TSA accepts mDLs issued by 11 states—Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, New York, Ohio, and Utah—at 27 participating airports. The agency plans to expand this technology nationwide, with the long-term goal of mDL acceptance across all airports. Once federal guidelines and industry standards are finalized, TSA intends to implement a comprehensive set of mDL requirements that will replace the temporary waiver system.
The TSA’s efforts align with an increasing demand for digital convenience, providing passengers with a flexible and secure way to present identification at airports. As more states develop compatible digital IDs, TSA aims to make mDLs widely accepted for travel, enhancing both security and convenience for travelers across the U.S.
