Colorado is one of a handful of states rolling out Digital IDs, which let people flash their ID on their phone as a form of identification. The program rolled out in Denver in 2021, with Colorado ID holders able to get access through the myColorado app and add their IDs to Google and Apple Wallets (you can also add your vaccine records).
Starting this month, Coloradans with digital IDs in their digital wallets can use them as identification at Denver International Airport (DIA). The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is rolling out the program at all checkpoints across the airport.
To process digital IDs, TSA recently installed CAT-2, a new identity verification technology. The program reads the ID and takes a picture of the traveler to verify identification while also checking tickets remotely. According to TSA, the photo is not stored beyond immediate identification. TSA says the program also speeds up security lines.
Here's a map of other airports in addition to DIA that also use this technology and will accept Colorado Digital IDs.
Facial recognition software can be controversial -- San Francisco banned its use by city agencies in 2019 out of fears of surveillance and privacy.
According to the Washington Post, TSA says its technology is more accurate than manual scanning, but studies of other facial recognition software have shown less accuracy with people of color.
No travelers are required to use the new CAT-2 technology at DIA and can always opt-out of photos -- though it's worth noting that airports have been using a number of biometric and other surveillance technologies for years, especially after the 9/11 attacks. Travelers using regular IDs will likely encounter these cameras, but are not expected to use them.
All this technology for digital IDs, whether used by TSA or on the side of the road with a police officer, operates using scanning -- that means people using digital IDs are never required to hand their phone over to an officer, and can always use a regular ID as an alternative.
Only 26 airports in the U.S. are using CAT-2 technology, and only seven states offer digital IDs. That means travelers should bring their hard copy with them in case of technical difficulties and emergencies, and in order to board return flights to make it back home.
Here's how to add the IDs on your Google and Apple Wallets:
Google put together this video that show how users can add their digital IDs.
And for iPhone users, Apple has a step-by-step guide that you can find right here.
