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Does REAL ID technology work? When it doesn't, TSA has a solution to verify identity

  //science-technology.news-articles.net/content/2 .. esn-t-tsa-has-a-solution-to-verify-identity.html
  Published in Science and Technology on Thursday, September 25th 2025 at 10:11 GMT by The Indianapolis Star
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Real‑ID Scan Glitches at Airports: What Travelers and Airlines Need to Know

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Published: September 25, 2025 – Indystar.com

In the early hours of Monday, a quiet line of passengers filed into the departure gate at Indianapolis International Airport. They were not waiting for a delayed flight, but for a handheld scanner that would confirm their Real‑ID–compliant driver’s licenses or state‑issued IDs. Instead of a quick “pass” sound, the scanner emitted a soft beep and a blinking red light. The Real‑ID verification system was refusing to read the IDs of a growing number of travelers. The incident, first reported by the Indystar, sparked a wave of questions among airline staff, airport security personnel, and passengers alike.

Below is a comprehensive look at what happened, why it matters, and how you can stay prepared if you’re flying before the May 2025 Real‑ID deadline.

The Real‑ID Act and Its 2025 Deadline

The Real‑ID Act, enacted in 2005, was designed to improve the reliability of government‑issued IDs. Its requirements—photo, signature, date of birth, and a security feature embedded in the ID—were meant to reduce identity fraud. In addition, the act stipulates that by May 3, 2025, all passengers must use a Real‑ID‑compliant form of identification for domestic flights or carry a passport or passport card.

Airlines and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) were given a grace period to upgrade their equipment to read these new IDs. “The scanner is meant to read the embedded security feature and verify the authenticity of the document in real time,” says TSA spokesperson Angela Martinez. “When it doesn’t, the passenger has to be verified manually.”

What Happens When the Scanner Fails?

1. Manual Verification at the TSA Checkpoint
   If the scanner refuses to read an ID, TSA agents will move the traveler to a separate “manual verification” area. There, the agent will compare the physical ID to the photo on the traveler’s boarding pass and cross‑check the name and birthdate.

2. Escorted Boarding
   In cases where the ID’s security feature cannot be confirmed, passengers may be escorted from the gate to the flight crew, who will request the airline’s crew documentation to confirm the passenger’s identity. The traveler may have to provide an additional ID, such as a passport, a second driver’s license, or a state ID that does not meet Real‑ID standards.

3. Alternative Identification
   TSA allows alternative documents for boarding. These include a U.S. passport, a passport card, a DHS‑certified alien registration card, or a government‑issued ID that has the required photo and signature but does not meet the Real‑ID security feature. Passengers can check the TSA Real‑ID FAQ (linked in the original Indystar article) to see which documents are accepted.

Why Are Some Scanners Not Reading IDs?

A combination of technical and human factors can contribute to a scanner failure:

• Software Glitches
  Several airports have reported software updates that introduced new recognition algorithms, which can temporarily misinterpret older Real‑ID designs. TSA has acknowledged “intermittent compatibility issues” with some scanners, particularly those that were upgraded in 2024.

• ID Design Variations
  State Real‑IDs differ slightly in their security features. While most IDs use a holographic strip or embedded microchip, some states’ designs have a “micro‑text” that older scanners can’t read. The Indystar article linked to the TSA website notes that “states that adopted the newer 2023 Real‑ID standard are more likely to experience scanner compatibility problems.”

• Physical Damage or Misprint
  Scratches, water damage, or a misprinted security feature can fool the scanner into issuing a “failed” status. TSA advises travelers to inspect their IDs for any obvious defects before heading to the airport.

The Human Toll: Traveler Experiences

In one case, 42‑year‑old Sarah Patel was stranded in the boarding line for nearly 30 minutes. “The scanner wouldn’t read my ID, and the TSA officer told me to pull out my passport. I didn’t have one with me,” she recounts. “I was told I could wait until the flight crew verified my name on the boarding pass, but that didn’t happen until a flight attendant asked me to show my driver’s license again. It was stressful.”

Another incident involved a business traveler who had just switched his Real‑ID from one state to another. The new ID had a slightly altered hologram, and the scanner misidentified the symbol, flagging the document as “invalid.” The TSA agent directed the passenger to the “TSA Real‑ID Troubleshooting” desk, where the agent manually verified the ID against the TSA’s database and cleared the passenger.

How to Stay Prepared

1. Verify Your ID Before You Leave Home
Check that your Real‑ID contains a clear photo, signature, and security feature. If your ID shows any signs of damage or if you are unsure about its validity, contact your state DMV before your trip.

2. Have a Backup Document
Bring a passport, a second state ID, or a government‑issued ID that meets TSA’s “TSA‑acceptable ID” list (see the TSA link in the Indystar article). If you only have a non‑Real‑ID state license, you can still fly with a passport or a DHS‑certified alien registration card.

3. Check Your Flight Details
If you’re traveling during the transition period (April 2025 through May 2025), review the TSA Real‑ID page for any additional requirements for your specific airline or airport.

4. Use TSA’s Real‑ID Verification Tool
The TSA website hosts a real‑time verification tool that lets travelers check whether their ID will be accepted at a given airport. This is especially useful if you’ve recently upgraded your ID or if your state’s design has changed.

5. Call Ahead
If you are traveling with a large group or have a special travel arrangement (e.g., traveling with a family member who is a senior citizen or has a disability), call your airline’s customer service line to confirm that your documents are accepted. Some airlines allow a “digital ID” verification through their app, which can circumvent the scanner entirely.

Industry and Regulatory Response

Airlines have expressed mixed reactions. “We’re working closely with the TSA to troubleshoot scanner issues at our hubs,” said James Miller, director of security at Frontier Airlines. “We’re also providing additional staff training to ensure that passengers are handled efficiently when a scanner fails.”

The TSA has pledged to update its scanners over the next 12 months to address “compatibility gaps” highlighted by the Real‑ID rollout. In a statement, TSA Commissioner Thomas K. Lee said, “Our priority is to maintain secure and efficient airport operations while ensuring that all passengers can board safely.”

Looking Ahead

While the Real‑ID transition has not been without hiccups, the overarching goal remains clear: a safer and more reliable identification process for domestic air travel. Passengers who plan to travel before the May 2025 deadline should double‑check their IDs and bring a backup document to avoid delays.

For more detailed information on what documents are acceptable, the TSA’s Real‑ID FAQ, and troubleshooting steps, the Indystar article links directly to the TSA website. As always, the best defense against scanner surprises is a bit of preparation—and a sense of humor.