What does TSA see when they scan your ID?
Asked by: Malinda Feeney IV | Last update: October 3, 2025Score: 4.7/5 (2 votes)
An agent will review your name, photo, address and date of birth, then cross-check to see that the information on your travel documents matches your ID. Keep in mind that the Real ID Act is now in effect, and it aims to deter terrorists' ability to use fake or fraudulently obtained IDs.
What does TSA check for when scanning your ID?
Your ID has information that identifies you, such as your name, date of birth, and other identifiers. Scanning your ID is a way to confirm that your identification is legitimate and that you are the same person who has the boarding pass to enter the plane.
What do TSA agents see when they scan you?
The scanners use "backscatter" or "millimeter wave" radiation to see through your clothes. A TSA agent in another room will see an image of your body that could include a revealing look at your entire body, including breasts, genitals, buttocks, and external medical devices.
Can TSA see warrants when they scan your ID?
Typically, airlines and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) don't scan for arrest warrants when choosing who to allow on a flight. This is particularly true if you only have a warrant in one specific state (as opposed to a federal warrant or warrants in multiple states).
What do they see when they scan your ID?
Some of the components that an ID scanner analyzes include the first and last name, home address, birthdate, hair color, height, date issued, ID number, and more. There are three main steps that ID scanners need to go through.
What information does the airport staff see when they scan your passport
What information is on the ID scanner?
An ID scanner operates by electronically reading and interpreting the information embedded on an ID or passport. Designed to enhance guest experience and bolster security, this technology swiftly captures and processes essential data, minimizing human errors like misreading or misspelling names.
What do bouncers see when they scan your ID?
Last Name. Date of Birth (most ID scanning software will use this to calculate your age) Address, City, State, Zip. Type of License.
Can TSA see your criminal record?
However, to safeguard the ranks of this vital agency, a rigorous and thorough background check was set into place as part of the TSA hiring process. From checking credit rating to unpaid debts, and criminal convictions, there are a number of factors that can you lead to automatic disqualification.
Do they run your name at the airport?
Typically, the TSA doesn't verify your identification. However, they frequently perform routine checks to ascertain that the name on your identification matches the one on your boarding pass.
Does TSA run your name for warrants?
Connection with Law Enforcement – While TSA itself isn't looking for warrants, if they encounter a situation requiring local law enforcement (like a dispute, suspicious behavior, or detected prohibited items), the police called to the scene may run your information and discover the warrant.
What does TSA see when they scan your ID on Reddit?
If the airport is using a CAT or CAT2 machine (the DL scanner) the flight information and screening status (standard/TSA Pre-check/etc) is pulled up in the system when the ID is scanned. So if there is no Pre-check on your ticket it will show up and they will refer you to the standard screening lane.
Can TSA see my tampon?
This is a frequently asked question on Google, so we went straight to the TSA for an answer. “The body scanners cannot see anything inside of the body, including tampons or any other items,” Jenkins says. So if this is something you're worried about, you can breathe a sigh of relief.
What does TSA look out for?
TSA uses millimeter wave advanced imaging technology and walk-through metal detectors to screen passengers. Millimeter wave advanced imaging technology safely screens passengers without physical contact for metallic and non-metallic threats, including weapons and explosives, which may be concealed under clothing.
What's not allowed in carry-on bags?
Chlorine, bleach, spillable batteries, spray paint, fertilizers, tear gas, and fire extinguishers are considered dangerous and are not permitted on commercial passenger aircrafts.
Will TSA accept a picture of your ID on your phone?
The TSA began accepting mobile IDs from Utah in March 2023, Iowa in October 2023 and California in December 2023.
What does TSA scan your ID for?
TSA sees only the necessary information to verify your identity, providing a faster, more secure travel experience while reducing the risk of fraudulent documents. However, all passengers must still carry a physical ID for verification.
Why was my name flagged at the airport?
Reasons You May Be Flagged
Paying for a ticket with cash. Making flight reservations on short notice. Recent travel to certain countries. Holding a passport from a country that the U.S. does not have a good relationship with.
What shows up on a TSA background check?
How does the TSA look in a background check? Fingerprinting and fingerprint processing to check against FBI criminal databases and FBI terrorist watch lists. Felony and misdemeanor criminal searches at county, state, and federal levels.
What disqualifies a TSA background check?
Permanent Disqualifying Criminal Offenses
Sedition. Treason. A crime listed in U.S. Code, Title 18, Chapter 113B, such as terrorism, or a comparable state law. A crime involving a transportation security incident.
Does TSA know if you're a felon?
TSA may also determine that an applicant is not eligible if the security threat assessment process reveals extensive foreign or domestic criminal convictions, a conviction for a serious crime not listed in Part A or B below (including some lesser included offenses of serious crimes; e.g. murder/voluntary manslaughter), ...
What pulls up when you scan an ID?
The id scanning machines not only check for fake IDs, they also record a person's name, driver's license, address, date of birth and the time of the id scan.
What do they look for when checking ID?
Lifted corners may be a sign of a fake ID. Check and feel the front and back of the ID for bumps, ridges and irregularities, feel for information that may be cut out or pasted on, especially near the photo and date of birth.