Acceptable Identification for Domestic Travel [Consolidated Thread]
Oct 26, 2011, 1:16 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 2
Acceptable Identification for Domestic Travel [Consolidated Thread]
I have searched the past forums for information on acceptable ID, but as the rules seem to change constantly, I did not see recent info. My question is what is acceptable ID? I am a federal employee with the nice standard federal employee ID badge (with microchip) which by the way is the same standard ID that TSA people have. According to my fellow federal employees and based on past experience flying, this is acceptable government issued ID for the checkpoints. Today flying home to DC, I flew out of LEX. The TSA agent would not accept the ID badge because according to him, it has to have a birth date on it. TSA website makes no mention of birthdate on what is acceptable ID. It does not refer to federal employee ID badges as acceptable, but it does refer to DOD badge which is exactly the same. Anyone know any info on this?
Oct 26, 2011, 1:36 pm
#2
In Memoriam
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Easton, CT, USA
Programs: ua prem exec, Former hilton diamond
Posts: 31,801
Welcome to Flyertalk.
The list of acceptable ID's is here - http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtrav...documents.shtm
Employee ID's is not on the list, except for airline or airport workers. While the badge may look the same, they are probably considering who is issuing it in their decision to accept a DOD badge and not yours.
I can get a document that looks exactly like my drivers license, but they won't accept it if they know it's not a real license.
The list of acceptable ID's is here - http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtrav...documents.shtm
Employee ID's is not on the list, except for airline or airport workers. While the badge may look the same, they are probably considering who is issuing it in their decision to accept a DOD badge and not yours.
I can get a document that looks exactly like my drivers license, but they won't accept it if they know it's not a real license.
Oct 26, 2011, 2:04 pm
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Marriott or Hilton hot tub with a big drink <glub> Beverage: To-Go Bag™ DYKWIA: SSSS /rolleyes ☈ Date Night: Costco
Programs: Sea Shell Lounge Platinum, TSA Pre✓ Refusnik Diamond, PWP Gold, FT subset of the subset
Posts: 12,509
Airline employee IDs will not have a date of birth either, although they may have a date of hire for non-rev seniority purposes, and an expiration date which I imagine is also on the OP's federal employee badge.
Oct 26, 2011, 4:37 pm
#4
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: DCA
Programs: DL Diamond, HH Diamond, Avis First
Posts: 553
I have searched the past forums for information on acceptable ID, but as the rules seem to change constantly, I did not see recent info. My question is what is acceptable ID? I am a federal employee with the nice standard federal employee ID badge (with microchip) which by the way is the same standard ID that TSA people have. According to my fellow federal employees and based on past experience flying, this is acceptable government issued ID for the checkpoints. Today flying home to DC, I flew out of LEX. The TSA agent would not accept the ID badge because according to him, it has to have a birth date on it. TSA website makes no mention of birthdate on what is acceptable ID. It does not refer to federal employee ID badges as acceptable, but it does refer to DOD badge which is exactly the same. Anyone know any info on this?
That being said, I would not be surprised to hear of stories where the PIV card was accepted. Simply because the TDC confused it for a CAC card.
Oct 26, 2011, 5:42 pm
#5
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: BLI or CLT
Programs: The usual suspects
Posts: 1,902
You may want to print the list of acceptable ID's and take it with you to the airport, as there are numerous reports here of standard ID's, labeled as acceptable and appearing on the TSA list, having not been recognized by TSA.
I personally had a TSO at SEA refuse to accept my US passport as acceptable ID. She insisted that I had to show "government issued ID" such as a drivers license; I requested a supervisor, who allowed me to pass through using my passport as ID, though she told me that I should bring my drivers license next time. Since then I have used my passport as ID without a problem, but you just never know.
I personally had a TSO at SEA refuse to accept my US passport as acceptable ID. She insisted that I had to show "government issued ID" such as a drivers license; I requested a supervisor, who allowed me to pass through using my passport as ID, though she told me that I should bring my drivers license next time. Since then I have used my passport as ID without a problem, but you just never know.
Oct 26, 2011, 7:34 pm
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 2
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?
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?
Oct 26, 2011, 7:35 pm
#7
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: LAS
Posts: 1,279
It's amazing that a card that could make even the most hardened terrorist's heart melt into a ginormous pool of humanitarianism, while simultaneously curing cancer and singing show tunes, can't even get you on an airplane.
I'm starting to think the whole idea was just to make some political insider rich.
Oct 26, 2011, 7:45 pm
#8
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: LAS
Posts: 1,279
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?
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?
2) ABQ accepts both the CAC and PIV. Other locations with a significant government or military presence do as well. Some locations are hit and miss, depending on the whims of the clerk.
3) The CAC does not have birth date printed on it, but has that info imbedded in the smart chip and the barcode. Very few people and places, including the TSA and airports, have the ability to read the info off the smart chip (or to even tell if it is real), thereby making it essentially useless for it's intended purpose.
4) I know of no requirement that your government issued ID must have your date of birth, or address, or anything else besides you name. The CAC/PIV has only your name.
Oct 26, 2011, 7:48 pm
#9
In Memoriam
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Easton, CT, USA
Programs: ua prem exec, Former hilton diamond
Posts: 31,801
Q. Can I fly without ID?
A. Adult passengers, 18 and over, are required to show a valid U.S. Federal or State-issued photo ID that contains a name, date of birth, gender, expiration date and a tamper-resistant feature. A passenger that refuses to provide any ID and will not cooperate in the identity verification process will not be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint. If you lose your primary ID or it has expired, TSA may accept other forms of ID to help verify your identity.
Oct 26, 2011, 8:00 pm
#10
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: LAS
Posts: 1,279
Oct 26, 2011, 8:36 pm
#11
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,657
Let me be diplomatic and say ... opinions on that subject differ.
Oct 26, 2011, 9:27 pm
#12
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: DCA
Programs: DL Diamond, HH Diamond, Avis First
Posts: 553
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.
As for requiring DOB, I think everything on TSA's allowed list does include DOB (though not sure about TWIC, Airline/Airport ID, and Canadian ID). The PIV card standard (NIST's FIPS 201-1) does not require DOB.
Oct 27, 2011, 5:16 am
#13
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: LAS
Posts: 1,279
Agreed. And these opinions differ wildly. Some might say that it's a requirement just because TSA says it is. Since they can make up anything they want and refuse to let you into the secure area (or fine you, or threaten to have your arrested), they apparently already won that argument.
I'm old school and think the government should actually have a properly promulgated rule for requiring citizens to identify themselves while traveling freely throughout these United States. @:-) And I also think they should be transparent about it (I'm a skeptic/pessimist "from Missouri"). Silly me.
I agree completely. It's a self-serving 'local' implementation. The TSA would say they are creating randomness to keep the evil mongers confused. 
I'm old school and think the government should actually have a properly promulgated rule for requiring citizens to identify themselves while traveling freely throughout these United States. @:-) And I also think they should be transparent about it (I'm a skeptic/pessimist "from Missouri"). Silly me.
If you dig around the TS/S forums you'll see countless examples of TSA accepting and not accepting valid/invalid ID. This is just another example of that. Also, DCA TSA knows full well that their purse strings frequent their airport. Which makes me think they would be a little more lenient on certain things.
Oct 27, 2011, 5:30 am
#14
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Nashville, TN
Programs: WN Nothing and spending the half million points from too many flights, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 8,043
From the TSA website
Q. Can I fly without ID?
A. Adult passengers, 18 and over, are required to show a valid U.S. Federal or State-issued photo ID that contains a name, date of birth, gender, expiration date and a tamper-resistant feature. A passenger that refuses to provide any ID and will not cooperate in the identity verification process will not be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint. If you lose your primary ID or it has expired, TSA may accept other forms of ID to help verify your identity.
Q. Can I fly without ID?
A. Adult passengers, 18 and over, are required to show a valid U.S. Federal or State-issued photo ID that contains a name, date of birth, gender, expiration date and a tamper-resistant feature. A passenger that refuses to provide any ID and will not cooperate in the identity verification process will not be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint. If you lose your primary ID or it has expired, TSA may accept other forms of ID to help verify your identity.
- Passenger's name
- Government issued
- Photo
- Date of issue
- Date of expiration
- Date of birth
- Sex
- Security feature
You are correct that the FAQ page says this:
Q. Can I fly without ID?
A. Adult passengers, 18 and over, are required to show a valid U.S. Federal or State-issued photo ID that contains a name, date of birth, gender, expiration date and a tamper-resistant feature. A passenger that refuses to provide any ID and will not cooperate in the identity verification process will not be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint. If you lose your primary ID or it has expired, TSA may accept other forms of ID to help verify your identity.
A. Adult passengers, 18 and over, are required to show a valid U.S. Federal or State-issued photo ID that contains a name, date of birth, gender, expiration date and a tamper-resistant feature. A passenger that refuses to provide any ID and will not cooperate in the identity verification process will not be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint. If you lose your primary ID or it has expired, TSA may accept other forms of ID to help verify your identity.
Adult passengers (18 and over) are required to show a U.S. federal or state-issued photo ID in order to be allowed to go through the checkpoint and onto their flight.
We understand passengers occasionally arrive at the airport without an ID, due to lost items or inadvertently leaving them at home. Not having an ID, does not necessarily mean a passenger won’t be allowed to fly. If passengers are willing to provide additional information, we have other means of substantiating someone’s identity, like using publicly available databases.
Passengers who are cleared through this process may be subject to additional screening. Passengers whose identity cannot be verified by TSA may not be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint or onto an airplane.
Acceptable IDs include:
U.S. passport
U.S. passport card
DHS "Trusted Traveler" cards (NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
U.S. Military ID (active duty or retired military and their dependents, and DOD civilians)
Permanent Resident Card
Border Crossing Card
DHS-designated enhanced driver's license
Drivers Licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)
A Native American Tribal Photo ID
An airline or airport-issued ID (if issued under a TSA-approved security plan)
A foreign government-issued passport
Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) card
Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
We understand passengers occasionally arrive at the airport without an ID, due to lost items or inadvertently leaving them at home. Not having an ID, does not necessarily mean a passenger won’t be allowed to fly. If passengers are willing to provide additional information, we have other means of substantiating someone’s identity, like using publicly available databases.
Passengers who are cleared through this process may be subject to additional screening. Passengers whose identity cannot be verified by TSA may not be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint or onto an airplane.
Acceptable IDs include:
U.S. passport
U.S. passport card
DHS "Trusted Traveler" cards (NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
U.S. Military ID (active duty or retired military and their dependents, and DOD civilians)
Permanent Resident Card
Border Crossing Card
DHS-designated enhanced driver's license
Drivers Licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)
A Native American Tribal Photo ID
An airline or airport-issued ID (if issued under a TSA-approved security plan)
A foreign government-issued passport
Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) card
Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
There is also a Why page that has the following:
Why do I have to show my ID?
Passengers whose identity cannot be verified by TSA may not be allowed to go through the checkpoint or onto an airplane. TSA uses a standardized list of acceptable identification for airline travel. Passengers who present a federal- or state-issued photo ID containing name, date of birth, gender, expiration date and a tamper-resistant feature that is free from evidence of tampering can expect to proceed through the travel document checking process.
Passengers whose identity cannot be verified by TSA may not be allowed to go through the checkpoint or onto an airplane. TSA uses a standardized list of acceptable identification for airline travel. Passengers who present a federal- or state-issued photo ID containing name, date of birth, gender, expiration date and a tamper-resistant feature that is free from evidence of tampering can expect to proceed through the travel document checking process.
Also on April 28, DHS and TSA provided greater clarity on the types of identification that will be accepted at checkpoints in the United States.
Beginning on May 26, 2008, adult passengers (18 and over) will be required to show a U.S. federal or state-issued photo ID that contains the following: name, date of birth, gender, expiration date and a tamper-resistant feature. These IDs include:
U.S. passport
U.S. passport card
DHS "Trusted Traveler" cards (NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
U.S. Military ID
Permanent Resident Card
Border Crossing Card
DHS-designated enhanced driver's license
Drivers Licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent) that meets REAL ID benchmarks (All states are currently in compliance)
A Native American Tribal Photo ID
An airline or airport-issued ID (if issued under a TSA-approved security plan)
A Registered Traveler Card (that contains the following: Name; Date of Birth; Gender; Expiration date; and a Tamper-resistant feature)
A foreign government-issued passport
Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) card
Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
Beginning on May 26, 2008, adult passengers (18 and over) will be required to show a U.S. federal or state-issued photo ID that contains the following: name, date of birth, gender, expiration date and a tamper-resistant feature. These IDs include:
U.S. passport
U.S. passport card
DHS "Trusted Traveler" cards (NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
U.S. Military ID
Permanent Resident Card
Border Crossing Card
DHS-designated enhanced driver's license
Drivers Licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent) that meets REAL ID benchmarks (All states are currently in compliance)
A Native American Tribal Photo ID
An airline or airport-issued ID (if issued under a TSA-approved security plan)
A Registered Traveler Card (that contains the following: Name; Date of Birth; Gender; Expiration date; and a Tamper-resistant feature)
A foreign government-issued passport
Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) card
Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
Bottom line: Even the TSA web site conflicts with itself and pages are indeed "out of date." Knowing if you are using current policy is nearly impossible.
Oct 27, 2011, 7:47 am
#15
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: STL
Posts: 1,546
I personally had a TSO at SEA refuse to accept my US passport as acceptable ID. She insisted that I had to show "government issued ID" such as a drivers license; I requested a supervisor, who allowed me to pass through using my passport as ID, though she told me that I should bring my drivers license next time. Since then I have used my passport as ID without a problem, but you just never know.
I will probably never use it for its intended purpose (land/sea entry), but I got it just to piss the TSA off. And I don't really want them seeing any more information than they need (my address, etc) that's on my drivers license.