Samsung Electronics America has announced a partnership with CLEAR to launch Samsung ID with CLEAR, a free digital ID service that lets US passport holders verify their identity at airport security checkpoints using just their Samsung phone.
The new feature allows travelers to add their US passport to Samsung Wallet and use it for identity verification at more than 250 TSA checkpoints across the country. Users can also access select sporting venues like BMO Stadium in Los Angeles with their digital ID.
This partnership represents a significant step forward in digital identity verification, as major smartphone manufacturers race to replace physical documents with secure digital alternatives. Apple has offered similar digital ID capabilities in select states, but Samsung’s approach focuses specifically on passport-backed verification through CLEAR’s existing infrastructure.
Samsung ID with CLEAR creates a TSA-approved digital ID backed by information from a user’s US passport and verified by CLEAR’s identity platform. Travelers can present their ID at security checkpoints through a simple tap or QR code scan, eliminating the need to dig through bags for physical documents.
The integration makes sense for both companies. Samsung gains a competitive feature for its Galaxy devices and Samsung Wallet platform, while CLEAR expands its reach beyond its traditional subscription-based airport lanes to a broader mobile audience. CLEAR already operates fast-track security lanes at airports and has been building partnerships to embed its identity verification technology in various platforms.
Setting up Samsung ID with CLEAR requires several steps:
- A valid US passport
- Opening the Quick Access tab in Samsung Wallet
- Selecting Digital IDs and then Samsung ID with CLEAR
- Following the setup prompts to verify passport information
Samsung emphasizes security through multiple layers of protection. Users need a fingerprint or PIN to access their digital ID, and the information is encrypted directly on the device using Samsung Knox security. The company designed the system so passport data stays on the phone rather than being stored in the cloud.
The timing aligns with growing acceptance of digital IDs by government agencies. The TSA has been gradually expanding digital ID acceptance at checkpoints, though availability still depends on having compatible reader machines and varies by airport. The agency maintains a list of participating locations on its website.
“Samsung ID with CLEAR represents the future and remains at the forefront of digital identity,” said Woncheol Chai, head of Samsung’s Digital Wallet Team. “By enabling them to leave their physical IDs in their bag and rely on secure digital identity instead, we’re combining the best of convenience and security.”
CLEAR CEO Caryn Seidman Becker noted that the partnership extends the company’s secure identity platform into mobile wallets, making verification “easier than ever” for travelers.
The feature is currently limited to US passport holders and select TSA checkpoints. Travelers may still need to show boarding passes at security, and availability depends on individual airports and TSA discretion. Samsung Wallet requires Android 9.0 or higher and works with select credit and debit cards from participating banks.