Getting through airport security could be a bit easier for Maryland travelers with the launch of a digital ID option for people with Android smartphones.
Getting through airport security could be a bit easier for Maryland travelers with the launch of a digital ID option for people with Android smartphones.
Maryland is now the first state in the nation to offer a digital driver’s license and ID for Google Wallet — and the first to offer a digital ID on both major mobile operating systems. Last May, Maryland launched the mobile ID option for Apple Wallet, which is available on iPhones.
Thursday’s announcement means virtually all Marylanders with smartphones have the ability to swipe their phone at a TSA checkpoint — where the option is available -— to pass through security.
“Maryland is leading the way in creating a more competitive and innovative digital environment while prioritizing accessibility and customer service,” said Maryland Gov. Wes Moore in a statement. “Maryland Mobile ID advances our administration’s work to deliver safe and secure services that benefit all Marylanders.”
Basically, the mobile ID is a digital version of your state-issued ID that is stored on your mobile device.
For now, the option to use is a digital ID to go through airport security checkpoints is only available at certain airports and only at PreCheck stations. Both BWI International and Reagan National airports are among the 25 airports across the country where digital licenses are accepted, according to the Transportation Security Administration.
Here’s how it works: Passengers approach the podium at the checkpoint. If desired, they can consent to providing their mobile ID simply by turning on Bluetooth and holding their phones near a reader device. The information stored in the digital ID is encrypted and sent digitally to the device. A real-time camera captures an image that is then compared to the photo stored on the mobile ID, as well as the information from the passenger’s boarding pass. A TSA officer verifies the match and the passenger proceeds to screening — without having to exchange a boarding document.
The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration website includes a step-by-step guide to adding your license or ID to either Google Wallet or Apple Wallet.
Maryland officials say all the data on the mobile ID is encrypted and no data is ever shared unless users provide consent.
Many people use the wallet feature on their smartphones to store credit cards, concert tickets and mass-transit cards. Google says having a way to save state-issued ID in a smartphone’s wallet is “critical” to adopting a fully digital wallet.
Maryland officials say the digital version of your license is meant to be a companion to your actual physical driver’s license, so you should always carry the physical version with you, too.
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