Driver's Licenses From This State Are Failing at TSA Checkpoints
Getting through airport security already involves enough juggling without your driver's license deciding not to cooperate.
But some Tennessee travelers have run into problems when handing over newer licenses at various TSA airport security checkpoints. The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security says a small number of licenses appear to be affected, and the state is investigating the issue.
In the meantime, folks with one of the affected cards could experience airport security delays while the TSA verifies their identity. If you have a newer Tennessee driver's license and a flight coming up, here's everything you need to know.
What's Happening With Tennessee Driver's Licenses?
Reports of the problem have surfaced among Tennessee residents whose licenses aren't being recognized at security checkpoints. A recent traveler said he was stopped at multiple airports because the TSA's facial-recognition system didn’t recognize the photo on his new Tennessee REAL ID. A supervisor had to verify his identity every time.
Similar complaints appeared online months earlier, with other Tennessee residents reporting that their newer licenses were rejected or flagged by the TSA before they were eventually cleared.
The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security has acknowledged the problem, but says only a small number of cards are affected. The state is currently trying to figure out what's causing it and how to resolve the issue.
Your Tennessee REAL ID Is Still Valid
The reported scanning problems don't mean Tennessee REAL IDs have suddenly become invalid. A compliant Tennessee license has a black circle with a star in the upper-right corner.
Under federal REAL ID requirements, adults need a REAL ID-compliant state credential or another TSA-accepted form of ID to board a commercial domestic flight. The current issue only involves a small number of Tennessee cards that aren’t being recognized during screening.
So, it’s not a broader problem with REAL ID compliance.
What Should You Do if Your License Is Affected?
If your license doesn't properly scan, that doesn't mean your trip will come to an end at the security checkpoint.
The TSA has procedures for verifying someone’s identity when ID problems occur, although that process involves additional screening and takes more time. Tennessee officials are advising people who run into the problem to visit a Driver Services Center to replace their license at no charge.
There's one wrinkle, though, if you're flying soon. A replacement hard-copy REAL ID generally takes 10 to 20 days to arrive, and the TSA doesn't accept a temporary driver's license as ID on its own.
So, don't wait until the night before your flight to sort out another option.
Bringing Another Form of ID May Save Some Time
Until the state sees what's going on, carry another TSA-approved ID for some peace of mind. A U.S. passport or passport card is accepted at airport security, along with several other forms of ID listed by the TSA.
That doesn't mean every Tennessee traveler needs to start carrying a passport with their driver's license. But if you've already experienced trouble using your new license at a TSA checkpoint, having another form of ID could help you avoid the same headache on your next trip.
Regardless of which ID you're carrying, giving yourself a little extra time at the airport isn't a bad idea.
Check Your ID Before Your Next Flight
Again, Tennessee says the issue is only affecting a small number of licenses, so most people won’t have a problem. But anyone who’s had their Tennessee driver's license rejected or flagged at airport security may want to address the problem before flying again.
Until there's a better fix, a little preparation may keep an ID glitch from becoming the most memorable part of your trip.
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