How to sign up for TSA touchless ID?

What the new security lanes do and where they are

TSA’s touchless ID lanes are a rollout of special security lines designed to speed identity verification and reduce physical contact at checkpoints. The infrastructure is now live at 40 U.S. airports, with larger hubs such as Miami and Boston among the early participants. The lanes use digital identity verification and touchless processes so travelers can move through the ID check without handing over paper documents to an officer.

What to expect at the airport

Passengers using a touchless lane will see dedicated signage and a separate queue. When you reach the front, a TSA officer will manage the lane as usual, but the authentication step is performed using the touchless system rather than by repeatedly handling passports or IDs.

How to prepare and enroll

• Confirm availability: check TSA’s official list of participating airports before you travel.
• Enroll or opt in: travelers must complete TSA’s enrollment or opt-in process to use the lanes; details and links are published by TSA.
• Bring the right documents: bring the ID you used to enroll and any boarding pass or mobile credential required by your carrier.

Why it matters for travelers

Touchless lanes are meant to reduce bottlenecks at security and improve throughput, especially at busy checkpoints. For frequent flyers and families, the lanes could shave minutes off the screening process and reduce touchpoints in crowded areas. But availability varies by airport and not all flights or all travelers will be able to use the dedicated lanes.

Practical tip: if your itinerary includes an airport listed among the 40, enroll in TSA’s program ahead of time, arrive earlier than usual on travel day while the system settles into operations, and always reconfirm lane availability before heading to the airport.