Lois Larson
Personal Identity Verification (PIV) cards are a secure and reliable form of government identification. They are issued to federal employees and contractors to access facilities and systems. While PIV cards are not specifically designed for airport use, they can be used as a form of identification when passing through airport security checkpoints. However, there have been instances where TSA agents have been unable to scan PIV cards, requiring passengers to provide alternative forms of identification. It is recommended to check the list of acceptable IDs before travelling to ensure a smooth airport experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can I use my PIV card at the airport? | Yes, PIV cards are a government-issued ID and are on the TSA's list of acceptable IDs. |
| What is a PIV card? | A personal identity verification card, also known as a credential, common access card, LincPass, smart card, or badge. |
| Who uses a PIV card? | Federal employees and contractors use PIV cards to access facilities and systems. |
| What information is on a PIV card? | x509 PKI digital certificates, two interoperable fingerprint templates, and a digital image of the cardholder's face. |
| How long does a PIV card last? | The physical card expires after five years, but the certificates expire three years from the date of activation. |
| What happens if I forget my ID at the airport? | You can still fly without your ID as long as you arrive with enough time to fill out the paperwork and complete the identity verification process. |
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What You'll Learn
PIV cards are a government-issued ID
PIV cards are compliant with the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 and the Federal Information Processing Standards, providing a secure and reliable form of government identification. They meet higher reliability standards than driver's licenses.
The physical card expires after five years, but the certificates expire after three years from activation. PIV cards can be used at TSA checkpoints at airports and are on the list of acceptable IDs. However, in practice, some TSA agents may be unfamiliar with them as they are not commonly used at checkpoints and vary in appearance between agencies.
Additionally, PIV cards may not always work with badge readers at airports due to their short range, and the UV stamp on the card's surface can wear off over time, which may cause issues with TSA acceptance. Despite these potential issues, some individuals have reported using their PIV cards at various airports without any problems.
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TSA checkpoints and PIV cards
Personal Identity Verification (PIV) cards are a government-issued ID that meets higher reliability standards than all driver's licenses. They are issued in person by an authorized agent in a credentialing facility to the relevant individual, eliminating the risk of someone intercepting the ID. PIV cards are used by federal employees and contractors to access facilities and systems.
PIV cards are on the list of acceptable IDs at TSA checkpoints, and some people have reported using their PIV card at many airports, both small and large, across the US, without any issues of non-acceptance. However, others have reported that TSA agents have been unable to scan their PIV cards, and they have had to provide an alternative form of ID. It seems that the acceptance of PIV cards at TSA checkpoints may depend on the individual TSA agent and the specific PIV card design.
DHS employees (but not contractors) can register their PIV cards on an intranet site to obtain a KTN for free TSA PreCheck. However, some consider this an ethics violation as it provides special treatment not offered to all government employees.
It is worth noting that as of May 7, 2025, state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant will no longer be accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. Passengers should travel with an acceptable alternative form of ID, such as a passport, or enroll for a state-issued REAL ID through their state DMV offices.
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DHS employees and PIV cards
Personal Identity Verification (PIV) cards are a government-issued ID that meets higher reliability standards than driver's licenses. They are issued in person by an authorized agent in a credentialing facility to the relevant individual, eliminating concerns about ID interception. PIV cards contain a computer chip, allowing them to receive, store, recall, and send information securely. They are used by federal employees and contractors to access facilities and systems.
DHS employees can use their PIV cards at the airport as a valid form of identification. Additionally, DHS employees (but not contractors) can register their PIV cards on an intranet site to obtain a Known Traveler Number (KTN) for free TSA PreCheck. This allows them to access expedited security screening at airports.
It is important to note that PIV cards should not be stored in a wallet, purse, or any unapproved plastic cardholder or sleeve, as this may damage the card. Instead, they must be stored in the electromagnetically opaque sleeve or holder provided during pickup.
While PIV cards are generally accepted at airports, there may be instances where a TSA agent or scanner cannot read the card. In such cases, individuals may be asked to provide backup identification, such as a driver's license. To avoid any issues, it is recommended to check the list of acceptable IDs provided by the TSA before traveling and ensure that your PIV card is up to date.
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Scanning issues with PIV cards
Firstly, ensure your PIV card is stored correctly. PIV cards should be kept in an electromagnetically opaque sleeve or holder provided during pickup. Improper storage, such as in a wallet or purse, can damage the card.
If your PIV card is not recognised by a card reader, there are several potential solutions. One user recommends testing your card reader with "pcsctest" on a Mac or Linux system. This command-line tool will help determine if the issue lies with the card or the reader. You can also try reading the card using Apple's System Profiler or System Information tool. Additionally, ensure your local password is synchronised with your NDC password, as this can impact card functionality.
Another suggestion is to utilise the "TokenShow" application to view the certificates on your card. This can help identify any issues with expired or invalid certificates. Furthermore, checking your system preferences on a Mac can provide insights into potential binding issues with the NASA Domain Controller (NDC).
When logging into systems, you may encounter issues if you choose the wrong digital certificate associated with your PIV card. Selecting the incorrect certificate may prevent you from logging in. It is recommended to choose the certificate labelled only as "Digital Signature".
Finally, if you encounter a persistent error message after a period of successful PIV login and authentication, the problem could be due to a poor connection between the PIV card and the reader. Cleaning the contact pad on the PIV card with a pencil eraser and then reinserting it may resolve this issue.
Remember to keep your PIV card and readers up to date, and always follow the guidelines provided by your agency or organisation for the best results.
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Wear and tear of PIV cards
Personal Identity Verification (PIV) cards are issued to federal employees and contractors to access facilities and systems. They are compliant with the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 and the Federal Information Processing Standards and provide a secure and reliable form of government identification.
PIV cards are susceptible to wear and tear due to various factors, including frequency of use, storage conditions, and environmental exposure. To minimize wear and tear, it is recommended to use ID card holders that protect the cards from abrasion and exposure to the elements, reducing the risk of bending and cracking. Cards with holograms, embedded chips, or magnetic stripes may be more prone to uneven surfaces, affecting print quality. Retransfer printing can enhance durability and security by printing the design on a clear film adhered to the card. Lamination adds a protective layer, guarding against scratches, cracks, bending, and UV damage while maintaining a professional appearance.
Additionally, card durability, security requirements, and print quality are essential considerations. Cards used outdoors frequently can degrade due to UV exposure, leading to premature cracking. The printer's quality and power supply can impact print quality and card longevity. Older printers may produce less crisp prints or experience errors, indicating a potential power supply issue.
To maintain PIV card functionality and security, it is crucial to take preventive measures against wear and tear. Proper storage, protection, and printing techniques can ensure the cards remain effective for their intended purposes.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can use your PIV card at the airport. It is a government-issued ID and meets higher reliability standards than all driver's licenses.
PIV stands for Personal Identity Verification. It is a credential, common access card, or badge issued by the Federal Aviation Administration to its employees and contractors to gain access to and from FAA facilities.
All PIV cards have common visual elements that are printed in the same location regardless of the agency. Information that's visible on the card includes two interoperable fingerprint templates and a digital image of your face.
Other acceptable forms of ID at the airport include a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, a state-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL), a U.S. passport, a U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential, and a DHS-trusted traveler card.
If you forget your ID at the airport, you will have to fill out some basic paperwork. A TSA supervisor will then call an identification office to confirm your identity by asking questions about your background. You will then be cleared to fly but will be subjected to a more thorough search.
