How does CommonPass work?

CommonPass is a digital health app you use to present standardized, verifiable proof that you are vaccinated or tested negative for COVID-19. CommonPass uses secure and private mechanisms to create a digital health pass that you present for travel and border crossings, or to demonstrate compliance with the venue or destination’s health entry rules.

How do I use CommonPass?

The CommonPass app is available for free at the Google Play or Apple App stores. Anyone can use CommonPass to store their vaccination and test results. If you’re using CommonPass for travel, your destination may require a specific invitation code to confirm that you meet associated travel policies. In the app, get started by selecting whether your pass is for travel or general use, and retrieve your health status using one of two methods:

• Option 1: Scanning a SMART® Health Card

  If you received a SMART QR code with your negative test result or vaccine record, simply scan the QR code in the CommonPass app and confirm the pass creation. 

• Option 2: Manual login to health provider portal (for tests only)

  Search for and select your test provider from the CommonPass approved list, then log in to their portal while staying in the CommonPass app. Select the individual for whom you’d like to create a pass, then confirm pass creation.

After successfully retrieving your health status, a CommonPass is generated.

Note: Currently, the only way to pull vaccination records into CommonPass is through importing your SMART Health Card.

What information is shown on a CommonPass?

The information shown on a CommonPass is the minimum required information for its intended use. A CommonPass for entry into the United States, for example, shows:

• Person’s name and birthdate 

• Passport number and issuing country

• The remaining validity period for the pass

• Date and time the test or vaccine was taken

• Test or vaccine type, method, and result (if applicable)

• Name and address of health care facility

Do I need to create a CommonPass account?

No, you do not need to create a CommonPass account. CommonPasses are stored on your device and your device alone. Please note that you may still need to have an account with your health care facility in order to log in to their portal to access your personal test or vaccination results.

What technology do I need to have in order to download and use CommonPass?

To use CommonPass, you’ll need to have either an iPhone with operating system 13.2 or above or an Android device with operating system 8.0 or above. You will also need to have access to the internet to download the CommonPass app and create your CommonPass. Once a CommonPass is generated, it is available offline.

Does CommonPass support pediatric vaccination records?

CommonPass currently supports vaccinated individuals who are 12 or older. Pediatric vaccinations (ages 5-11) are not supported at this time.

What personal information does CommonPass keep?

CommonPass enables you to pull COVID-19 related health records (which contain both identity and health information) onto your mobile device, but this information is stored only on your mobile device. This information is used to generate a CommonPass that demonstrates just your COVID-19 health status to the verifier, without revealing any additional personal information. A de-identified (HIPAA compliant) CommonPass, based on your test result, is stored on a server for up to two weeks in order to support your travel needs, but this CommonPass does not contain any personally identifiable information.  

Is CommonPass free?

Yes. CommonPass is and will always be free for its users. There are no hidden fees or paywalled features. There are no ads, and we do not collect or sell personal data of any kind. CommonPass is a service of The Commons Project Foundation, a nonprofit public trust that builds services for the common good.

Is CommonPass an immunity passport?

No. CommonPass is not an immunity passport and cannot be used to prove that a person is immune to COVID-19. CommonPass can only verify that a person has recently received a negative test result or vaccine for COVID-19, which does not guarantee an immune status. 

Is CommonPass a contact tracing app?

No. CommonPass is not a contact tracing app and does not collect contact or location information on its users.

What does a CommonPass look like?

Here is a sample of the CommonPass:

What if I cannot download CommonPass?

If you cannot download the CommonPass app, please contact our customer support team at [email protected]. 

Why is there an error message when I try to retrieve my lab results from CommonPass?

If you cannot retrieve your lab results from the CommonPass app, please contact our customer support team at [email protected]. 

Why is there an error message when I try to retrieve my vaccination records from CommonPass?

If you cannot retrieve your vaccination record and you are using a SMART Health Card, please contact our customer support team at [email protected]. 

At this time, the only way to add your vaccination record to CommonPass is by using a SMART Health Card. We are working to ingest more types of vaccine verification, but right now we cannot accept pictures of your vaccination card or any type of other QR code. 

What is a SMART Health Card? 

A SMART Health Card is a type of verifiable credential that contains healthcare information such as vaccination or lab report data. SMART Health Cards contain this information in a format that is secure, portable, and easy for entities like airlines, governments, and venues to verify. When scanned, a verifier can easily see that the information on the card has not been tampered with, making SMART Health Cards a safe and reliable way to demonstrate health status.

If I take another test, what will happen to my previous results?

CommonPass retrieves only the most recent lab result from a given provider for pass creation. If a CommonPass was generated from a prior test, that CommonPass is still available until deleted by the user. Future versions of the app may support retrieving and using test results other than the most recent one. 

When can I retrieve a new test result?

As soon as your testing facility notifies you that your new test result is available, you can retrieve that new result and generate a new CommonPass. 

How long will my test and/or vaccination information stay in the CommonPass app?

A CommonPass is available in the mobile application until you explicitly delete it or uninstall the app. 

How do I add my COVID-19 vaccination booster shot?

CommonPass does not yet support records for booster shots. If you have a SMART Health Card that contains just the record of your first two shots, please upload that record. 

We appreciate your patience as we update our functionality to address the complexity of booster shots.

Who has access to my test results and vaccination records?

Your CommonPass is only available on your mobile device. CommonPass does not store or share your CommonPass with any outside vendors, contractors, partners, or healthcare providers. Only a de-identified (HIPAA compliant) version of your records is stored temporarily on our servers for troubleshooting purposes (two weeks for test results, and 30 days for vaccination records). 

Can I delete a pass from my CommonPass app?

Yes. You can delete a pass from the CommonPass app by swiping left on the preview card on the home screen. Note that this does not delete health care facility records data from the original health provider. 

How does CommonPass keep personal data safe?

You remain in control of your Personally Identifiable Information (PII), as it only lives on your device. In cases where it is important for your airline or venue to verify your status, CommonPass servers store your status using cryptographic techniques that allow us to respond on your behalf only to those parties that know you but not to parties that you don’t know. Your status is automatically deleted from servers after two weeks. 

Why should I use CommonPass to travel to Aruba?

Using CommonPass when you travel to Aruba is the easiest way to satisfy entry requirements while preserving your privacy and security.

Can I use my CommonPass QR code at the airport?

Yes, you may show your CommonPass QR code once you land in Aruba to access the pre-approved lane for health screening. You may also need to show your Aruba Embarkation and Disembarkation (ED) Card at the airport, in addition to your CommonPass. You’ll receive your ED card after you complete the Aruba online Embarkation and Disembarkation process for instant verification. Your CommonPass ID will be used when going through this process. 

How long before my trip should I get my CommonPass?

If you are getting a COVID-19 test to create your CommonPass, you must get tested within 3 days of departure, and you can create your CommonPass as soon as you receive your results. 

Where can I get a COVID-19 test to fly to Aruba using CommonPass?

You must get tested at a CommonPass compatible lab to use CommonPass for your travels to Aruba. Compatible labs in the U.S. include:

We’re working hard to expand our lab network around the country.

Why should I use the CommonPass exception in Hawaii Safe Travels?

Using CommonPass when you travel to Hawaii is the easiest way to satisfy entry requirements while preserving your privacy and security. 

When you use the CommonPass exception, you’ll be cleared by Safe Travels instantly, rather than waiting for manual verification of your paper CDC vaccination card or test results. 

Can I upload my CDC card or Excelsior Pass to CommonPass?

CommonPass does not accept paper CDC card uploads at this time as they are not verifibale. CommonPass does accept New York State credentials if they are Excelsior Pass PLUS, which is a SMART Health Card.

To add your vaccination record to CommonPass, use a SMART Health Card from a verified issuer, listed below. SMART Health Cards are paper or digital versions of your clinical information, such as vaccination history or test results. They allow you to keep a copy of your records on hand and easily share this information with others if you choose.

CommonPass will soon become compatible with many different vaccination record types, but for now, we cannot accept pictures of your vaccination card or any type of other QR code. CommonPass does NOT currently support non-cryptographically protected vaccination proofs, like photos of CDC cards. 

Will I show my CommonPass QR code at the airport in Hawaii?

No, you will need to show the Hawaii Safe Travels QR code, sent by the State of Hawai’i' to your email, at the airport. For step-by-step instructions, please see here. 

What is a SMART Health Card and how do I get one?

SMART Health Cards are paper or digital versions of your clinical information, such as vaccination history or test results. They allow you to keep a copy of your records on hand and easily share this information with others if you choose. SMART Health Cards can be issued by any organization that has your clinical information, such as a pharmacy, doctor’s office, or state registry. 

At this time, CommonPass supports SMART Health Cards provided to anyone vaccinated by the following:

More organizations will begin issuing SMART Health Cards over the next few weeks. 

Here are some of the ways you may get a SMART Health Card from your provider:

• A paper copy that includes a QR code may be handed to you by the organization at the time of your visit.

• A paper copy may be mailed to you by the organization after your visit.

• You may download it from a website or app hosted by the organization and print a copy and/or save it as a file.

How long before my trip should I get my CommonPass?

If you are using proof of vaccination to create your CommonPass, the pass will be valid for 30 days. You may create your CommonPass and fill out your Hawaii Safe Travels form at any time within the month prior to departure. 

If you are getting a COVID-19 test to create your CommonPass, you must be tested within 3 days of departure, and can create your CommonPass as soon as you receive your results.

Where can I get a COVID-19 test to fly to Hawaii using CommonPass?

You must get tested at one of the following labs. Tests from labs not on this list cannot be used by CommonPass under any circumstances:

We’re constantly expanding our lab network around the world, so check back for updates. 

Why did Hawaii Safe Travels reject my CommonPassID?

First, check to make sure you have created a “Travel to Hawaii” pass (indicated at the top of the pass) and not a “General Use” pass. If your pass does not say “For Flight to Hawaii,” follow these steps to fix it:

• Click the three dots in the upper right corner and tap “Change invitation code.” 

• This will bring you back to the invitation code screen, where you will enter “HAWAII”. 

• Then create a “Travel to Hawaii pass” using a test or vaccine record. 

• Lastly, enter your CommonPass ID from your Travel to Hawaii pass in the Hawaii Safe Travels portal.

Sometimes, there can also be an issue if your name in CommonPass does not exactly match your name in Hawaii Safe Travels. Please make sure your first, middle, and last name match exactly. 

If you are still having an issue,  please contact [email protected].