Social Media Users Voicing Discontent Over TSA's ID Rule for Tribal and Indigenous Populations
In the ever-evolving landscape of airport security, a recent issue has surfaced regarding the acceptance of Tribal IDs by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Some travelers have reported instances of TSA staff denying valid federally recognized Tribal IDs at checkpoints, despite federal regulations affirming their acceptability.
This issue seems to stem from gaps in TSA staff understanding or implementation of the policy. The TSA currently accepts Tribal IDs issued by federally recognized Tribes as valid identification for airport security checks. However, if a Tribal ID cannot be scanned by TSA’s technology, travelers are required to present a secondary ID that can be scanned to complete identity verification during screening.
The TSA website explains that extra checks happen when a Tribal ID cannot be read by a scanner. If checkpoint staff raise questions about your Tribal ID, passengers are encouraged to ask to speak with a supervisory TSA officer.
To ensure a smooth journey, it's wise to arrive at the airport a little earlier due to potential manual lookup in the Federal Register. If you are traveling with only a Tribal ID, be prepared to stand your ground, as some TSA agents may not realise it's legitimate.
Reddit users have offered advice on how to navigate this situation. u/DecisionCharacter175 suggests calling ahead to inform airport staff about your Tribal ID, so they can familiarise themselves with it before your arrival. u/caliigulasAquarium, a current TSA employee, confirms that Tribal IDs are accepted by TSA, but they are not seen frequently, so issues may arise.
u/ahutapoo advises that when using a Tribal ID at the airport, passengers should be prepared to stand their ground, as some TSA agents may not realise it's legitimate. Many travelers on social media have expressed frustration after being asked to show additional documentation when going through security, even when their Tribal IDs should have been accepted.
While TSA has pledged to treat passengers from Tribal Nations with "respect and dignity," some travelers are feeling shortchanged on that promise. A video from TikTok creator @josephinewebster213 claims one TSA worker said, "You can't use your Tribal ID as identification ... it's not even American."
It's important to note that the TSA accepts photo ID cards issued by federally recognized Tribal Nations as valid alternatives to Real IDs. However, no recent official updates indicate changes in this policy or enhanced TSA training specifically targeting this issue since July 2025.
If you encounter any issues related to your experience, TSA’s customer service is available to help. You can find their contact information online. Remember, patience and persistence are key when navigating this issue.
The TSA began enforcing the rule that passengers need a Real ID to fly in May 2025. However, the acceptance of Tribal IDs remains a complex issue, and travelers carrying Tribal IDs should be prepared to present an additional valid ID if necessary.
[TSA contact information]
References: [1] TSA website [3] Various social media posts and user testimonials
In the midst of this complications, travelers with Tribal IDs might find it beneficial to reach out to airport staff ahead of their arrival, as suggested by Reddit user u/DecisionCharacter175. Despite TSA accepting Tribal IDs, occasional issues may persist, with some TSA agents lacking awareness of their legitimacy, a concern raised by u/ahutapoo.
