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The U.S. Transportation Security Administration will require Clear users to verify their identity by showing a valid form of identification, rolling back the current Clear process, both entities confirmed to TPG.
Prior to TSA’s decision, Clear users could skip the normal three-step TSA security process by confirming their identity biometrically (a fingerprint or iris scan) at a kiosk instead of waiting for the TSA to inspect their government ID and check their boarding pass.
After the scanner has verified a passenger’s identity, a Clear representative escorts the traveler to the actual security screening area (either the regular TSA line or TSA PreCheck), bypassing everyone waiting in the first line.
Moving forward, TSA will require all passengers, including Clear users, to provide a government ID in checking their boarding pass as the final step to approach the security screening area.
The change is allegedly due to a security incident last week involving a Clear user, according to The Washington Post. Neither TSA nor Clear would confirm the incident to TPG. Currently, Clear is available for travelers at more than 50 airports, plus stadiums and other large venues.
“TSA is responsible for ensuring that all systems and programs, including those provided by private companies, meet requisite standards and will take necessary steps to ensure security needs are met,” a TSA spokesperson said in an emailed statement. “Accurate and reliable verification of passenger identity is foundational to aviation security and effective screening by TSA.”
In response to this change, a Clear spokesperson told TPG that the private expedited security provider has been “collaborating with DHS (U.S. Department of Homeland Security) and TSA since 2020 to implement new industry-wide digital identity standards.” They expect to implement these processes in the future, allowing for a passenger’s identifying information to be digitally transmitted from Clear to next-generation TSA hardware at airport checkpoints. This will avoid any need for passengers to show their IDs.
“The rate at which random ID checks occur has varied over the years based on a number of factors, similar to TSA’s own practice of randomization in their screening activities,” a Clear spokesperson said. “We look forward to rolling this out in the future to create an even more seamless, secure traveler experience while avoiding disruption for passengers as travel continues to surge.”
For now, though, users 18 and older must show valid identification — such as a U.S. passport or driver’s license issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles — at TSA checkpoints. State-issued IDs must be Real ID compliant starting May 7, 2025.
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