The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced a measure to facilitate the identification process for passengers, thereby reducing queues and waiting times. Official identification in the United States can only be done through the Real ID, with exceptions such as those belonging to the military or veterans. As a result, queues at TSA PreCheck are substantial, causing passengers to lose a lot of time.
However, this new measure, which is not accepted in all U.S. airports, allows travelers to carry a duplicate Real ID, carrying one in their wallet and the other in their cell phone case. This is intended to save time with last-minute mishaps. Identification is a mandatory part of air travel in the United States, in order to reinforce airport security measures. There are states such as New York where it is not yet legal to duplicate the Real ID, so this measure can not be carried out at their airports.
Real ID
The Real ID is the identification issued by the U.S. government, which has the highest security standards, regulated by the Real ID Act. This law came into force in 2005, with the aim of strengthening and reinforcing security in national transportation, and reducing identity fraud by controlling the issuance of driver’s licenses and ID cards. Since May 9, 2025, it is mandatory to carry a Real ID or passport in order to access domestic flights or federal facilities.
TSA new measurement
We’ve all stood in endless lines at airports. Whether it’s to check in, go through security, order a coffee and a donut, or go through ID control. Despite being the place from which to depart to new destinations, airports can be extremely stressful and nerve-wracking. That is why the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has implemented a series of adjustments that, while not overly significant, can alleviate some of the user experience for passengers. One of these changes directly affects Real ID identification.
How many times have you gone through TSA PreCheck, and all of a sudden you can’t find your ID card? Well, the TSA is proposing that travelers request an additional copy of it, which has proven to be useful in reducing wait times. This practice of carrying one ID in your wallet and another in your phone case may seem insignificant, but it has been shown to prevent last-minute mishaps and reduce wait times. However, this measure is not valid for all states, as in some states, such as New York, it is not legal to have two licenses.
TSA recommendations for travelers
The TSA is implementing this series of changes and measures to facilitate the passenger experience, but also makes the following recommendations to avoid mishaps at airports:
- Pack with liquid restrictions being considered.
- Arrive at the airport with a reasonable amount of time in advance.
- Always have identification on hand when going through a checkpoint.
- Review carry-on baggage rules before packing.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) aims to make the security process as natural as possible for both passengers and workers. The main objective is security, and from there, the TSA has incorporated measures to avoid delays, missed flights and long waits in queues. It is a fusion of objectives that aim to keep in mind the security and user experience of passengers. Thus, this measure, which allows the carrying of the Real ID and a duplicate, involves little effort for the passenger, and can lead to great improvements in the security processes at airports.