Travelers can now board an airplane using their phones, eliminating the need to present physical IDs.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) held a press conference on December 14 at the Terminal 7 TSA security checkpoint to introduce the Mobile Driver’s License (MDL), a digital ID issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
LAX officials encouraged travelers to utilize the MDL during the busy holiday season.
According to LAX, travelers can verify their identity at TSA checkpoints using their phones. If they have digital tickets, they can navigate the entire boarding process using their devices.
This innovation is thanks to recent advances in multi-factor authentication technology, including smartphone biometrics, which have improved the reliability of mobile identity verification and security.
On that day, LAX demonstrated an MDL identification device in actual use. Positioned at TSA checkpoints in place of traditional ID checks, the device features a facial camera and a QR code scanner.
Passengers can scan their MDL’s QR code and have their face captured by the camera. The device then cross-references the passenger’s face with a photo registered with the DMV to confirm their identity.
“We no longer have to rely solely on human agents for facial recognition,” said Ian Law, Digital Transformation Officer at Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA). “Biometric technology will automatically match the passenger’s face to the photo on their driver’s license, streamlining the verification process.”
However, as the MDL is in its pilot phase, it is currently only available in the PreCheck lanes at LAX’s Terminals 3 and 7, with three devices in each terminal.
“Last summer, we deployed the identification devices, focusing on areas anticipating a large number of travelers,” said Law. “Starting with United Airlines at Terminal 7 and Delta Air Lines at Terminal 3, we plan to expand the system’s services nationwide in the coming year.”
“I’ve already downloaded and tried it, and it’s incredibly convenient; I don’t even need to take my ID out of my wallet,” said Jisoo Kim (27), who is planning a trip to South Korea next March. “I intend to use it at the airport for my journey. I’m hopeful that it will become more widespread in the future.”
In addition to LAX, MDL is currently in use for identification at San Francisco and San Jose International Airports, and at four major discount stores in Sacramento.
Any resident with a valid ID or driver’s license can download the MDL onto their phone.
The downloading process is straightforward. Search ‘CA DMV Wallet’ in the App Store or Google Play. After installing the app, log in to your ‘MyDMV’ account, scan your physical license or ID card, and confirm your identity with a facial photo.
BY SUAH JANG, JUNHAN PARK [jang.suah@koreadaily.com]
