KENNER, La. (WGNO) — New Orleans’ Louis Armstrong International Airport is now one of 27 airports in the United States that will now accept mobile driver’s licenses and identification cards through apps like LA Wallet.
The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles reported travelers with the LA Wallet app will have the option to use their mobile driver’s license or ID card at select TSA checkpoints. They’ll be able to do so by tapping their phone or scanning a QR code in the app.
The TSA technology will then verify a traveler’s identification by comparing it to a real-time photo.
The technology will also be able to verify a traveler’s ticket, eliminating the need to present a boarding pass.
Some travelers say they’re all for digital IDs because it would make navigating the airport easier.
“I think some consolidation would be nice,” said traveler Abbey Cooke. “We moved our payment cards to our phone, and we moved our boarding pass to our phone. I think an ID would be a natural next step, and I think that would be hugely helpful.”
State leaders say this digital initiative is just the beginning.
“By the end of the year, we are hoping that all airports in Louisiana will be able to use LA Wallet,” said Governor Jeff Landry.
All passengers must still continue to have their physical IDs with them. This is because if the mobile ID can’t be verified, the passenger must have an acceptable physical ID document.
TSA officials also used the announcement as an opportunity to remind travelers that their license or ID will need to be REAL ID compliant before May 7, 2025.
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