Tribal IDs Meet TSA Requirements for Air Travel Under Real ID Law

GRIN Staff

Gila River Indian News

As of May 7, 2025, the federal Real ID requirement is officially in effect for air travel across the United States. For members of the Gila River Indian Community, there is reassuring news: Tribal identification cards continue to be recognized as valid identification at airport security. 

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) confirms that “an acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs),” is sufficient for passing through TSA screening. Community members with a tribal ID that includes a photo and is not expired may continue to use it for domestic flights, however, TSA’s policy also states that, “If your [tribal] ID cannot be scanned by technology, you will be asked for a secondary ID that can be scanned. If you do not have a second ID, your Tribal ID will be inspected manually and cross-referenced with the Federal Register.”

If a tribal member does not have a secondary ID that can be scanned, there will likely be a travel delay for TSA to verify the Tribal ID manually. Bringing a secondary ID that can be scanned—like a driver’s license or passport along with the tribal ID —is recommended.

The Real ID Act, originally passed by Congress in 2005, was created in response to recommendations from the 9/11 Commission. Its purpose is to establish consistent and secure standards for the issuance of state and territorial IDs across the country. After multiple delays to accommodate states and the public, the law is now in full effect nationwide.

With the new rules in place, all travelers aged 18 and older must present a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or another approved form of identification before entering airport security. In addition to tribal IDs, acceptable forms include U.S. passports, military IDs, and trusted traveler cards such as Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.

For those without a Real ID or other approved form of identification, the TSA offers an identity verification process. According to the agency’s guidelines, passengers may be asked “to complete an identity verification process which includes collecting information such as your name and current address to confirm your identity. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint, where you may be subject to additional screening. You will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint if you choose to not provide acceptable identification, you decline to cooperate with the identity verification process, or your identity cannot be confirmed.”

Travelers who may need extra time for this process are advised to arrive at the airport earlier than usual, especially during busy travel seasons.

The Gila River Indian Community encourages members to double-check that their tribal ID is current and includes a photo. Knowing your options before you travel helps ensure a smooth experience at the airport.

For more information, visit tsa.gov or contact your airline before your trip.