Hawaii Introduces Digital IDs for TSA Checkpoints at Honolulu Airport

Hawaii has joined a growing list of U.S. states where domestic passengers can use digital identification (ID) cards, including digital driver’s licenses, for Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening at airports. This new system, now available at Honolulu Inouye International Airport (HNL), allows residents to use digital IDs stored on Apple iPhones or Apple Watches to move through security without presenting a physical ID.

The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) announced that passengers flying domestically from Terminal 1 at HNL can now use this digital ID option. Terminal 1 handles flights within Hawaii and between Hawaii and the mainland U.S. However, Terminal 2, which manages international flights, has not yet introduced the digital ID option.

The digital ID system leverages TSA’s Credential Authentication Technology, known as CAT-2, which features digital ID readers and cameras. When a passenger presents their digital ID at the checkpoint, the CAT-2 system takes a real-time photo of the traveler and compares it with the photo on the digital ID. If the match is confirmed, a TSA officer verifies the process, allowing the traveler to proceed to security screening without needing to present a boarding pass or physical ID.

According to TSA, “officers can perform additional passenger verification if needed.” This system aims to streamline the screening process while maintaining high security standards.

Hawaii joins other states, such as Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Maryland, New York, Ohio, and Utah, in offering TSA-accepted digital IDs where CAT-2 equipment is available at checkpoints. The initiative reflects a broader push toward integrating technology into aviation security, making travel more convenient for passengers while ensuring security protocols remain robust.

Nanea Vasta, TSA’s federal security director for Hawaii, emphasized that the introduction of digital IDs is part of the agency’s efforts to enhance the aviation security process without additional costs to passengers. “We have taken great care to ensure that the use of the digital ID can be done so securely and privately when traveling,” Vasta said.

While the use of biometric facial recognition is becoming more common at TSA checkpoints, passengers still have the option to opt out of the digital ID process. Those who prefer not to use biometric verification can choose the traditional ID verification process. TSA also reassured passengers that photos captured by CAT-2 units are not stored or used for any purpose beyond immediate identity verification.

Hawaii’s move to adopt digital IDs at HNL aligns with the growing trend of incorporating mobile technology into daily life, offering a more streamlined and efficient process for travelers. As part of its expansion, TSA plans to deploy CAT-2 units at other airports in Hawaii in the coming months, further extending the convenience of digital IDs to more passengers across the state.

This new option is expected to enhance the travel experience by reducing wait times and simplifying the security process, making it a welcome addition for frequent flyers and tech-savvy travelers alike.