Real ID Was a Real Mistake and Congress Should Scrap It at Last

Amn Dale Preisach - True. If someone can forge a birth certificate, forge a social security card, and forge a current driver's license, then they can apply for a REAL ID (forging the proof of residency to our skilled forger would be child's play).

Assuming they are good forgeries and match whatever databases they are checked against (i.e., the SSN number is run though the Social Security Administration's site to ensure it's a legit number assigned to a legit name).

Just committing ID theft and providing the information without the physical documentation proving that you are who you say you are won't cut it.

COL Randall C. was mot saying anything about taking a-bags or whatever as " proof" i said i remember putting my social on my A-bag and other things. Where everybody and their relatives could see it. And write it down. Dark web etc., or scammers could use that and say they were me.

Amn Dale Preisach no matter what can be done to guard against i d theft, there will always be some way to steal it.

Amn Dale Preisach - Agree that just like physical security and armored warfare, there is no 'sure fire' defense. Again, I'm not a fan of it, but it does make it much more difficult to forge a legitimate ID. Security is a layered process. Nothing is foolproof, but that doesn't mean you don't make it difficult to breach that security because "someone could".

The proof I referred to had nothing to do with the path you led us down about putting SSNs on A-bags. Yep - it was a dumb thing to do for us in hindsight, but then again, security always seems to be an afterthought after the first "Opps" happens.

Don't forget that your statements that led to my response was "I have a 'Real ID' - it's pretty much like having a twitter 'check mark'. Just needs some public info of the person to have the mark." which is untrue.

You have to have a number of hard to fake physical documents with corresponding electronic databases proving the so-called 'public information' (which really isn't ... if it is, then you should be able to get a copy of my marriage certificate, my social security number, an a copy of my driver's license without issue).

I usually fly on my military ID; I do have a current passport as well. Blame the crazies who screwed up drivers licenses as IDs for the necessity of this.

LTC Trent Klug - I guess it depends on where. I know that military facilities accept the CAC as a "Real ID" -- but I wouldn't be surprised at problems with the people they have working at airports.

LTC Trent Klug - Here is the list of acceptable Real IDs from the DHS website:

Identification
Adult passengers 18 and older must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint in order to travel.

Driver's licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)
Beginning May 7, 2025, if you plan to use your state-issued ID or license to fly within the U.S., make sure it is REAL ID compliant. If you are not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state department of motor vehicles.
U.S. passport
U.S. passport card
DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
Permanent resident card
Border crossing card
State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License
An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized, Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe
HSPD-12 PIV card
Foreign government-issued passport
Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
Transportation worker identification credential
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

MSG Thomas Currie Again, I saw that a few years ago and said great. But reality is not within TSA's realm. I travel next week and will try again with my retired credentials and I'll post what happens.

LTC Trent Klug - Show up a little early -- so you'll have time to be pig headed and demand the overpaid clowns get their supervisor.