Rude TSA Agents Not Accepting Valid REAL ID—Passengers Left Angry and Helpless

Since May 8, the new rule has been enforced to carry REAL ID even for domestic flights. After the much-awaited enforcement, passengers have been dealing with dismissive and rude TSA officers during the security checks. They are experiencing delays in boarding flights due to rejections. TSA is dismissing REAL ID alternatives and asking passengers to show passports. If they don’t bring the passport or alternatives, they may not be allowed to board the flight. Some people who are showing driving licenses are experiencing these delays and dismissals. They’re posting on Reddit to express their frustration. One user wrote-"Beware of an agent at LAX, who is denying a valid form of REAL ID.” The user said their mom was asked for a passport when she showed her enhanced ID from NY. The website shows that it is an acceptable alternative, but the agent was rude. Luckily, she had her passport and could board her plane; otherwise, she would have needed to come back. The user further said that we have TSAs who are not trained and will not follow their protocol.

REAL ID enforcement begins TODAY. If you’re flying within the U.S. you will need a REAL ID or other acceptable form of ID or you may experience additional screening.

Here’s what you need to know ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/GSFo4TuLOr — TSA (@TSA) May 7, 2025

Another user said that a similar thing happened in Portland, Maine, and they did not expect this to happen as it is close to NY. He said the agents need more training. Since he has his state license, he tried using that, but the agent asked for his passport, or he was going to call his supervisor. To all this chaos, one of the concerned workers posted that some of his coworkers are morons for doing so. Furthermore, some agents even declined military IDs, which caused real inconvenience to the people. They need to be more aware of the acceptable IDs themselves before frustrating the passengers.

Worst TSA experience ever at @FlyTPA in the E terminal. Every single person was incredibly rude. Mocking customers. Yelling at people to “pay attention” when asking they’re asking questions. A guy was waiting for his bag for over 15 mins because it was stuck in line in the new +

— Piper 🇵🇸 (@piperrrrz) May 8, 2025

As per the rule, the following IDs may be used as the alternatives till you can get a REAL ID, so you may carry these: US passport US passport card State-issued Enhanced Driver's License Transportation worker identification credential Defense ID Border crossing card Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) Dependents Defense ID HSPD-12 PIV card Travel cards (US Department of Homeland Security) Permanent resident card Photo ID from a federally recognized Tribe Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs) Foreign government-issued passport Canadian driving license U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential Authorization Card (I-766)-Issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment This has been travelers' experience altogether; however, when Mirror US asked TSA, one of their lead officers said the process had been very smooth so far and that they had not had any operational delays. This goes for both passengers who have the ID or its alternatives; do understand that the experience will depend on the airport and the level of security they have. Thus, every passenger may have a different story.