TSA Advises Keeping Real ID Cards Warm As Temperatures Drop

Agency Says Body Heat Ensures "Optimal Checkpoint Performance”

by Julia Parsons

WASHINGTON — With winter approaching, the Transportation Security Administration issued guidance Thursday advising Real ID cardholders to keep their identification warm.

"With cooler weather arriving, we want to remind travelers that Real ID cards perform best when maintained at stable ambient temperatures," said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. "We recommend keeping cards in an interior wallet or pocket, close to the body."

Pekoske cited "material integrity," explaining that cold causes "micro-contractions affecting readability." Officials stressed the cards contain "no tracking capability whatsoever," though they perform best when kept warm against the body. The advisory calls body heat "ideal," noting cards kept close show "significantly better scan consistency."

When asked whether cold cards might trigger enhanced screening or processing delays, Pekoske's smile didn't reach his eyes. "We would never suggest anything of the sort," he said. "Though we have noticed that passengers whose cards have been stored at suboptimal temperatures do experience longer verification times. Sometimes considerably longer."

Chicago resident Kelly Monroe said she keeps her Real ID in her pajama pocket at night. "Sometimes I hear a faint humming," she said. "But maybe I'm just imagining it."

Denver resident Patricia Voss said her husband's card "stopped working" after spending the winter in his coat pocket. "He missed his flight," she said. "Spent six hours in secondary screening before they could verify him. Now he sleeps with it under his pillow. I don't ask questions anymore."

The TSA advisory ends with a reminder: "Keep your Real ID warm and close. It's for your convenience."