Cordelli, the TSA link you posted, is actually where I found the information about acceptable IDs, but thank you. Part of what I noticed is that it has a list of acceptable ID, but it doesn't actually say acceptable IDs are limited to that list. As to who is issuing the ID, my understanding is the reason they started to standardize the ID badge between different federal government agencies was not only so it would be easier to identify a real one, but also the process you have to go through to get one. They don't give you that permanent badge (although it does have an expiration date) until they finish their background check on you, which includes fingerprinting you and verifying certain thing for at least the past 5 years of your life. It is not as extensive as a security clearance, but it was certainly more difficult to get than my driver's license.

Janus, that info is good to know. Considering that I fly out of DCA, where both the airline employees and TSA agents accept the PIV, you would think DC area TSA would of all people know the difference between a CAC and PIV (since so many of us in the area have one of those), and thus if PIV is not really acceptable, would not let me and my coworkers use it.

However, I still don't know the answer as to whether or not the ID badge has to have your birth date on it, like the LEX TSA agent said. Janus, do you know if the CAC has the birthdate on it?