Your Galaxy phone just became a TSA-approved passport. Samsung today launched Samsung ID with CLEAR, a digital identity feature that lets US passport holders store a verified copy of their passport in Samsung Wallet and use it at more than 250 TSA airport checkpoints nationwide. The feature works through a partnership with CLEAR, the secure identity company with over 41 million members. Users upload their US passport information into the "Digital IDs" section of Samsung Wallet, CLEAR verifies the data, and the encrypted information stays on-device behind Samsung Knox security. At TSA checkpoints, travelers tap their phone or scan a QR code instead of pulling out a physical passport.
Samsung Wallet already stored payment cards, boarding passes, and digital keys. Samsung ID with CLEAR adds a government-grade identity document to that list, effectively making a Galaxy phone a TSA-approved travel credential for domestic flights. The setup takes just a few steps. From the Quick Access tab in Samsung Wallet, users select Digital IDs, choose Samsung ID with CLEAR, and follow the prompts. A valid US passport and a Galaxy device running Android 9.0 or higher are the only requirements. The feature is free, though users can upgrade to a paid CLEAR+ membership for expedited airport lane access.
Beyond airports, the digital ID works for age verification at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, with Samsung and CLEAR planning to add more venues. "BMO Stadium is proud to be among the select venues leading the adoption of mobile digital identity verification," said Christian Lau, the stadium's Chief Technology Officer.
Samsung's EVP and Head of Digital Wallet Team, Woncheol Chai, called the integration "the future" of digital identity, saying the company is "combining the best of convenience and security." CLEAR CEO Caryn Seidman Becker said the partnership puts "a simple, secure ID in the palm of your hand." The launch arrives as digital identity adoption accelerates across airlines, stadiums, and government agencies. Samsung joins Apple, which added driver's license support to Apple Wallet in select states, in turning smartphones into official ID documents. But Samsung's CLEAR partnership gives it a head start on passport-based travel credentials at scale across 250-plus TSA checkpoints nationwide.
