TSA accepts myColorado mDLs during identity verification

DENVER - The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) now accepts myColorado mobile driver's licenses (mDLs) for identity verification at all Colorado airports where TSA screens passengers, including Denver International Airport (DEN). Coloradans with a state-issued driver license or identification card can add their mDL to their myColorado app and use it to provide proof of identity at Denver International Airport TSA security checkpoints and more than 250 participating airports when traveling outside of Colorado.

TSA uses the latest generation of Credential Authentication Technology (CAT-2) during the travel document checking process. CAT-2 units are equipped with digital readers and cameras that take real-time photos of travelers to help verify their identity at security checkpoints. Using CAT-2 facial comparison technology, TSA can compare the traveler's photo from the myColorado mDL with the in-person, real-time photo.

Through a secure internet connection, CAT-2 can also confirm the traveler is ticketed for same-day air travel and whether the passenger is eligible for a specific screening status, such as TSA PreCheck^®, eliminating the need to present a boarding pass.

"The process of verifying identities is fundamental to ensuring transportation security," said TSA Colorado Federal Security Director Douglas Cruz. "By enabling travelers to use mobile driver's licenses, we are leveraging technology to strengthen security and streamline our operations. Our TSA officers are fully trained to accept and process myColorado mDLs, and we are glad to provide this convenient option for those departing DEN and our other state airports."

TSA will continue to accept a traveler's physical credential if they do not have or do not want to use the myColorado mDL. TSA also advises travelers to carry their physical credentials as a backup option.

Photos captured by CAT-2 units are never stored or used for any purpose other than immediate identity verification. Travelers who do not want to participate in the facial comparison process can opt out in favor of an alternative identity verification process conducted by the TSA officer.

The Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles has made the myColorado mDL available to state residents at no cost. The myColorado mDL is secure and available in the myColorado app Wallet. Other mDL alternatives are available in Apple Wallet, Google Wallet and Samsung Wallet. More information, including how to enroll in and get the myColorado mDL, is available at myColorado.gov.

Colorado is one of 21 states offering mDLs accepted by TSA's CAT-2 units. Any traveler with an mDL from these states can use it at TSA security checkpoints at DEN and throughout Colorado.

Digital IDs such as mDLs 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. Adopting digital IDs helps modernize checkpoint screening processes and technologies, enhance the overall aviation security environment, minimize passenger contact points, and support a smoother travel experience.

TSA continues to integrate new technologies into its identity verification process. Read more about these programs at www.tsa.gov/digital-id.

TSA encourages all travelers to prepare for airport security screening, particularly during the busy summer travel season. For more details, visit TSA.gov, text or AskTSA before heading to the airport. You can get real-time assistance by texting questions to 275-872 ("AskTSA") or through @AskTSA on X or Facebook Messenger. An automated virtual assistant is available 24/7. You may also reach the TSA Contact Center at 866-289-9673. Visit our Contact Us page for more information.

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