TSA officers still getting stumped over District of Columbia IDs
TSA officers are still getting confused over District of Columbia IDs for air travelers.
Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes-Norton fired off a strongly worded letter to TSA Administrator David Pekoske calling for more awareness as travelers are still being stopped at checkpoints.
Air travelers flying domestic routes can use their District of Columbia issued driver’s licenses – as long as agents actually realize it is part of the US.
"It can be humiliating for a US citizen to be delayed because a federal government employee does not recognize the name of the District of Columbia," Norton wrote.
The first problems surfaced about three years ago when IDs were changed from ‘Washington, D.C.’ to ‘District of Columbia.’
That has led to several occasions around the country of passengers being stopped and delayed while TSA agents look puzzled.
Norton cited the experience of a DC resident stopped at Newark Airport who almost missed a flight.
The TSA said it has sent out notifications nationwide to ensure all agents are aware DC IDs are valid and the District of Columbia is in fact a real place in the US.
"TSA will continue to work with Congresswoman Holmes-Norton about her concerns and reminders have been distributed to officers," the agency said.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
France prepares for a massive strike across all transports on September 18
Turkish tourism stalls due to soaring prices for accommodation and food
CCS Insight: eSIMs ready to take the travel world by storm
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt