By Puyallup Tribal News Staff
Photo identification issued by federally recognized Tribal Nations will not be affected by the new Transportation Security Administration program, ConfirmID.
The TSA ConfirmID program will launch Feb. 1, allowing passengers at airports without REAL ID-compliant identification to pay a $45 fee to verify their identity to board their flights.
This new program does not affect Puyallup Tribal IDs, which are included in the TSA list of acceptable identification as a photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe.
A letter sent to Tribal leaders on Jan. 7 from Ha Nguyen McNeill, Senior Official Performing the Duties of the TSA Administrator, said the TSA does not expect the ConfirmID program to affect passengers with Tribal IDs.
“Photo identification cards issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards, are acceptable forms of identification,” the letter said. “Passengers with this type of identification will not have to pay the fee. They will proceed to security screening after the Transportation Security Officer confirms their identification.”
