Tribal IDs remain valid for airport security, TSA confirms

May 20, 2025

Tribal identification cards are still accepted by airport security officials under the new Real ID requirements, according to reporting by ICT. The federal rule took effect May 7 and requires travelers to present a Real ID or alternative form of identification to pass through security.

The tribal photo identification must be issued by a federally-recognized tribe. According to the TSA website, IDs that cannot be scanned will be checked manually and cross-referenced with the Federal Register, which matches the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ list of tribal entities.

Kristi Noem, secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, told a congressional panel May 6 that those using tribal IDs may face an extra step or be diverted to a different line.

1.ICT.

1.ICT.

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