I use my GE/Nexus ID as my general ID as I do not like having something with my address on it given out to random people and lots of people take it. When asked I tell them it's a Federal ID and they accept it no issues.
As for TSA, most of the agents now know about the cards and don't hassle like it was in the beginning. Carrying your passport, to me, is overkill in this situation and opens you to having it stolen or lost.
You're overthinking the being questioned about why you're carrying your passport part. I carry mine whenever I am going anywhere near a border or on a transcon as I don't know if I'll need it for a border crossing I decide to take or a work trip that comes up last minute.
As for the jerks that sling wall comments at you..I'm sorry.
Last edited by essxjay; Oct 25, 2017 at 10:17 pm
Reason: profanity workaround