Yeah, notice the OP did reply why, and there was no response to that. LOL

For the $11, I probably would have replaced it. But back when it was damaged a number of years back, the options were that DPS replaced it for the $11 if it was damaged beyond repair, but that if it was still valid (I.E. data not obscured), you had to get a full renewal, which was significantly more.

As I said, telling them I lost it after I had just showed it to them wouldn't be too bright. And who wants to go back and stand in a DPS line again just because TSA doesn't know what they're doing?

As I said above, nuts to that. I just smile and nod at the ignorant TDC, knowing he/she can't do anything about it, and get on with my life.