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Personal Identity Verification (PIV) cards are issued to federal employees and contractors to access facilities and systems. They are government-issued ID cards and are on the list of acceptable IDs at TSA checkpoints. However, some travellers have reported issues with using their PIV cards at airports, as the design and acceptance of PIV cards may vary across agencies and airports. While some travellers have successfully used their PIV cards at TSA checkpoints without any issues, others have encountered situations where their cards were not accepted or required additional paperwork. It is recommended to check the list of acceptable IDs before travelling to ensure you have the necessary identification.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is PIV card acceptable ID at the airport? | Yes, it is a government-issued ID card and is on the TSA's list of acceptable IDs. |
| Is PIV card always accepted at the airport? | No, it depends on the TSO and the airport. Some users have reported issues with their PIV card not being accepted at certain airports or by certain TSOs due to variations in design and lack of familiarity. |
| Are there any benefits or perks associated with using a PIV card at the airport? | No significant benefits have been mentioned, but some users have reported receiving perks such as corporate discounts, reduced hotel rates, and access to a fast pass line at the airport. |
| Are there any issues with using a PIV card at the airport? | Yes, the UV stamp on the card may wear off over time, which may cause issues with acceptance at the TSA checkpoint. |
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What You'll Learn
PIV cards are government-issued ID cards
Personal Identity Verification (PIV) cards are issued to federal government employees and contractors as a form of identification. They are used to access facilities and systems and are compliant with the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 and the Federal Information Processing Standards. PIV cards are considered a secure and reliable form of government identification.
While PIV cards are government-issued ID cards, their acceptance as a valid form of identification at airports may vary. Some individuals have reported using their PIV cards when flying, while others have encountered issues with scanners not accepting the card. It is recommended to check with the specific airport or TSA guidelines before assuming that a PIV card will be accepted.
As of May 7, 2025, state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant are no longer accepted as valid forms of identification at TSA checkpoints in airports. Passengers without a REAL ID-compliant ID must present an alternative form of ID, such as a passport, or enroll for a state-issued REAL ID.
It is worth noting that TSA agents have the discretion to accept or reject any form of identification. While PIV cards are government-issued, they may not be widely recognized and could slow down the identification process. In some cases, individuals have reported benefits such as expedited screening when presenting a PIV card, while others have received an audible sigh or eye roll from TSA agents.
To avoid any issues, it is advisable for individuals with PIV cards to carry alternative forms of identification, such as a passport or a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, when travelling. Additionally, individuals should ensure that their PIV cards are stored in the provided electromagnetically opaque sleeve or holder to prevent damage.
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They are accepted at TSA checkpoints
Personal Identity Verification (PIV) cards are accepted at TSA checkpoints. They are government-issued ID cards, and as such, can be used at TSA checkpoints and to board flights. In fact, PIV cards are on the list of acceptable IDs at TSA checkpoints.
However, some travellers have reported issues with using PIV cards at airports. For example, one traveller reported that their card was not accepted by a scanner at the airport in Atlanta. Another traveller reported that their PIV card was not recognised by a TSA agent, who may have been unfamiliar with the card.
It is important to note that the design of PIV cards can vary depending on the agency that issued them, and this may affect their acceptance at TSA checkpoints. Additionally, the UV stamp on the surface of the card can wear off over time, which may cause issues at TSA checkpoints.
To avoid any potential issues, travellers with PIV cards should ensure that the UV stamp on their card is still visible and consider checking the TSA's list of acceptable IDs before travelling. It is also recommended that travellers arrive at the airport with enough time to fill out any necessary paperwork in case their ID is not accepted.
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They can be used to access corporate discounts and fast-track lanes
Personal Identity Verification (PIV) cards are issued to federal employees and contractors as a secure and reliable form of government identification. They are used to access facilities and systems and can also be used for airport security clearance. While PIV cards are on the list of acceptable IDs at TSA checkpoints, some travellers have reported issues with their PIV cards not being recognised by new ID scanner machines or being confused for other types of ID badges.
PIV cardholders who are DHS employees can register their card on an intranet site to obtain a Known Traveler Number (KTN) for free TSA PreCheck. TSA PreCheck is a Trusted Traveler program that allows pre-cleared passengers to move more quickly through security. They can keep their belts, shoes, and light jackets on and do not need to remove their electronic devices or "3-1-1 compliant bags" containing liquids and gels.
TSA PreCheck passengers are also eligible for certain perks, such as corporate discounts, reduced hotel rates, and access to fast-track lanes at the airport. These benefits are acceptable as long as they are offered to all employees of the service/agency/department and are not exclusive to a select few.
It is worth noting that while PIV cards can be used for airport security clearance, it is always a good idea to carry an alternative form of ID, such as a passport, as a backup in case of any issues or confusion regarding the PIV card.
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They are used by federal employees and contractors
Personal Identity Verification (PIV) cards are issued to federal employees and contractors as their work IDs. They are used to access facilities and systems. PIV cards are acceptable IDs at TSA checkpoints, and some federal employees and contractors have reported using them to clear security at airports. However, the acceptance of PIV cards at airport security may vary depending on the airport and the Transportation Security Officer (TSO) on duty. While PIV cards are on the list of acceptable IDs, they may not be widely recognised by TSOs as they are designed differently for each agency. Additionally, some airports' scanners may not be able to read PIV cards, and the UV stamp on the card may wear off over time, further complicating the verification process.
Federal employees and contractors who choose to use their PIV cards at airport security should be aware of these potential issues and be prepared to provide alternative forms of identification if needed. It is recommended to keep the PIV card in an electromagnetically opaque sleeve or holder provided at pickup to maintain its integrity.
While PIV cards can be used as a form of identification at airports, they may not always be the most convenient option. Some federal employees have reported that presenting a PIV card at airport security can result in an audible sigh or eye roll from the TSA agent. This could be due to the less familiar format of PIV cards compared to more commonly used IDs, such as passports or driver's licenses.
It is worth noting that PIV cards do not contain certain information typically found on other forms of ID, such as the date of birth or an easily visible expiration date. This could be a potential drawback when using a PIV card as a travel document.
In conclusion, while PIV cards are acceptable IDs for federal employees and contractors at TSA checkpoints, the practical experience of using them at airports may vary. It is advisable for federal employees and contractors to familiarise themselves with the latest acceptable forms of identification before travelling and to carry alternative forms of ID if there is any doubt about the acceptance of PIV cards at their departure airport.
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Their acceptance may vary depending on the airport and TSO
Personal Identity Verification (PIV) cards are issued to federal employees and contractors to access facilities and systems. They are government-issued ID cards and are considered an acceptable form of ID at TSA checkpoints.
However, some travellers have reported that their PIV cards were not accepted at certain airports. This may be because, despite being on the list of acceptable IDs, TSA agents may not be familiar with PIV cards, as they are not commonly used at checkpoints. Additionally, the design of PIV cards can vary slightly between agencies, which may cause confusion or skepticism among TSA agents who are unfamiliar with the card.
Furthermore, travellers have reported that the UV stamp on the surface of the PIV card can wear off over time, which may make TSA agents less likely to accept it as a valid form of identification. It is also important to note that the list of acceptable IDs at TSA checkpoints is subject to change without notice, and travellers are encouraged to check the list before travelling to ensure they have acceptable identification.
While PIV cards are generally accepted at TSA checkpoints, there may be variations in acceptance depending on the airport and the individual TSO (Transportation Security Officer). Some travellers have reported that presenting a PIV card resulted in eye rolls or audible sighs from TSA agents, indicating a lack of familiarity or comfort with this form of identification. In some cases, travellers have had their PIV cards returned without further issue, while others have been asked for additional forms of identification or subjected to additional screening.
Therefore, while PIV cards are officially recognised as acceptable identification at TSA checkpoints, travellers should be prepared for varying levels of acceptance depending on the individual TSO and the specific airport. It is always advisable to carry additional forms of acceptable ID, such as a passport, to avoid potential delays or issues during security screening.
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Frequently asked questions
A PIV card, or Personal Identity Verification card, is a government-issued ID card.
Yes, a PIV card is on the TSA's list of acceptable IDs. However, some users have reported that certain ID scanner machines at airports do not recognize PIV cards.
Other acceptable forms of ID at the airport include REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses, state-issued IDs, passports, and Global Entry, Nexxus, or Sentri cards.
If you do not have an acceptable form of ID at the airport, you may be asked to complete an identity verification process, which includes providing information such as your name and current address. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint but may be subject to additional screening.
While it is not recommended, it is possible to fly without any ID. In such cases, you will need to arrive at the airport early and fill out some basic paperwork. The TSA supervisor will then call an identification office to confirm your identity by asking you questions. If your identity is confirmed, you will be cleared to fly but may be subject to additional screening.
