Don't take this story as a "topper" but I had to share.
In January of 2013, I had to take a quick trip from IL to South Dakota for work. Went to O'Hare and presented my govt. ID in the security line. The govt. ID I chose to present was an IL Firearms Owner Identification Card. The only state in the Union that has such a card I might add.
I will say I addressed everyone professionally, did not cause a scene and approached my effort with a sincere tone.
First TSA agent stated my FOID card was not a valid form of govt. ID. I politely asked him to show me where in their manual or training documentation it stated that it is not a valid govt. ID. I stated it is the same photo that the State uses on my Driver's License and that it is issued by the govt. of the State of IL. I stated I reviewed tsa.gov website and it said nothing specifically for or against using this govt. issued ID.
The TSA Agent pretty much locked up. Didn't have an answer and at no point asked for another form of ID. He called for the supervisor... This is where it got good.
Supervisor - "What is the problem sir?"
First TSA Agent - "He gave me this ID and I told him it's not an acceptable form of ID."
Me - "If you don't mind, I'd like to understand the requirement of a govt. issued photo ID to enter the gate area."
Supervisor - "Where's the book at? The book shows what's acceptable."
First TSA Agent - "Here"
Supervisor - thumbs through page after page..."I know in our training recently they said we can't use these."
Me - "That's great and all but this is a govt. issued photo ID per TSA's requirement. Can you show me the information that states it is not valid?"
Supervisor - "Look, we aren't trying to be jerks. I know it's in here someplace."
Me - "Cool. Let's see if we can find it."
Supervisor - "Do you have another ID?"
First TSA Agent - "He wouldn't give me one."
Me - "You sir, did not ask. But since your supervisor did, here. And oddly, the same photo is not only on the FOID card, but it's the same exact photo on the Driver's License."
Supervisor - "Ok, thanks."
Both of them look at the ID's.
Supervisor - "He's good to go. Thank you sir."
Me - "Thanks, however. I'd like to ensure my understanding is correct. This state all 3 of us live in requires me to have a govt. issued FOID card. You are stating I cannot use this ID. I find that slightly disturbing."
Supervisor (after first TSA agent walks away) - "Look, I was a former cop, I have one of these too. Just use your driver's license next time."
Me - "Sure thing."
I leave for the gate and head to South Dakota.
On the return trip, I leave through Rapid City, SD airport. I could tell the TSA agents there were probably former military and also very friendly and professional.
Me - "Hi, can I use this ID here?"
TSA Agent - "Whatcha got?"
Me - "A govt. issued photo ID."
TSA Agent - "Yep, looks good to me."
Me - "Hilarious, I used this on the trip out here and was denied entry."
TSA Agent - "Who knows."
Me - "Kinda funny, the state of IL issues this card if you want to own a firearm, uses the same photo from your DL and it's not valid."
TSA Agent - chuckles
Me - "Ok, have a nice day."
TSA Agent - "You too sir."
Now, I'm not at all saying the govt. is out to get me, TSA agents are tools or anything like that. I'm merely pointing out that you need a photo ID of some sort to do just about everything in this country...
But vote...