mahohmei

I've been throwing around the idea of getting a passport card (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passport_card) for the purpose of showing to the TSO to get through the "security" checkpoint. I see disadvantages to the two existing government-issued photo ID cards I already have:

- My state driver's license has my home address on it. We all know about <TSOs'>' criminal tendencies, and I'd rather not receive a call from my burglar alarm monitoring agency while I'm on vacation.

- My US passport is currently empty as I have not gone abroad since getting it, but once it does get some stamps in it, I don't want a <TSO> scrutinizing my international travel history. I don't want the screener to see that I've been to XYZ country and either (1) grill me about why I was there, or (2) turn on the Super Silly Special Search because anyone who's ever been to XYZ country has several kilos of marijuana in their carry-on and/or is a Terrorist(TM).

Disadvantage? Being held up an hour or being denied access to airside because the <TSOs> don't think it's a TSA-accepted ID, even though it is.

Or am I being paranoid?

Maxwell Smart

I use my passport card all the time now at the ID check. Unlike some other folks, though, I have been fortunate enough to never have had a problem with it not being accepted automatically. And this is at LAX, LAS, SFO, ATL, RIC, MSY, ORF, and DAY.

My reasons for using it are pretty much the same as yours, particularly after one occasion when a screener (a BDO or BDO trainee, I think) at my home airport looked over my DL in detail, paying close attention to every item. Considering my address is a very easy-to-remember one, AND I WAS ASKED HOW LONG I WAS GOING TO BE AWAY, (amongst a lot of other questions), I was justifiably concerned about burglary possibilities under such circumstances (though not too worried in that particular instance because the house wasn't going to be empty during my trip).

Plus it's nice to have as a backup govt ID in general (I never keep it together with my DL)

Boggie Dog

I use a Passport Card because it does not have address or SSN on it.

At PBI the TDC using a pen to follow the lines went through my name and address on my DL. I felt very uncomfortable not knowing this persons intent.

Don't give them any more info that you have to and if they refuse the card call for the FSD.

mkt

I use my Passport Card all the time, and so far the only issues I've had have been with the same TDC @ SJU.

vkng

I have started using my green card as ID for these reasons. Lets me keep my more bulky passport safely in my bag or pocket, and they have no business seeing my address.

mre5765

I value my green card more than my passport, so the former won't be shown to the TSA.

mahohmei

Even though a Passport Card wouldn't have my address on it, a resourceful screener could, theoretically, look me up on the county pr

vkng

I can see that. I refuse anymore to use my passport for anything but check-in and customs because every time someone takes it they bend it back beyond a safe point, causing my old passport to start cracking and tearing at the seam. I think all check in agents and TSA ID checkers think that all passports are as flexible as US passports...

Since losing a green card does not mean I cannot return home (can enter the US under the visa waiver program), nor to my home country I value my passport more than my green card. Not to mention that the only places I can apply for a new passport are in person at my country's embassies makes it a bit more difficult to replace.

N1120A

If you don't have a NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST or similar, the PP Card is the way to go.

N965VJ

As others have mentioned, the TDCers seem to be on the ball about passport cards these days being acceptable. In fact, I even use it now when I get carded for alcohol.

Combat Medic

I use my passport card with the TDC for a different reason. If I lose my passport card at the airport I can still rent a car when I get to my destination. If I lose my drivers license, I am screwed.

FriendlySkies

How so? IIRC, my home state is not listed on my PP card. How would they pick you out of millions of people?

I have not used my DL for almost a year. If I don't have much time, I'll use the PP card. If I have plenty of time, then I use NEXUS... Always fun to see the clerks eyes when I refuse to show my DL, as they have never seen NEXUS

SpaceCoastBill

I use the passport card for travel and only find an occasional TDC who does not know it is approved ID, and sometimes claim its not valid for travel by air (domestically).

Good luck trying to look me up on the assessor website, its been redacted!

Clamqueen

I use my passport card for US travel and have never had an issue with it.

atk5015

Since I received my PP card about 6 months ago, it's all I've been using at the CP. Only once on the very first use, was I ever questioned about it. I carry documentation from the TSA to show the TDC what their employer deems acceptable ID.