Timeline

From this date forward, individuals must present a REAL ID-compliant license, passport, or other federally accepted identification to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. The goal of REAL ID is to improve the security of state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards by incorporating anti-counterfeiting technology, preventing insider fraud and using documents and record checks to verify identity. Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005, putting into motion the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the federal government establish minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. After several extensions, the final enforcement deadline for REAL ID compliance was set for May 7, 2025.

In collaboration with the State of Arizona and Samsung, TSA accepted, for limited testing and evaluation purposes, Arizona-issued mobile driver's licenses and identification (ID) cards in Samsung Wallet on Samsung mobile devices. Passengers at the time would be able to use this feature at checkpoints for identity verification at 27 participating airports. All passengers, including those traveling through security with an Arizona mobile driver's license or ID, had to continue to carry (and have readily available) their physical driver's license or identification card, or any other acceptable ID listed on the TSA website. A physical ID may had been required for identity verification. TSA introduced the concept of the mobile driver's license in April 2021 with a notice in the Federal Register and a press release announcing a request for information regarding mobile driver's licenses.

TSA announced its expansion of TSA PreCheck with Telos Corporation, which offered TSA PreCheck enrollment services at 10 locations. This made Telos TSA's second official TSA PreCheck enrollment provider. Since TSA first launched the TSA PreCheck application program as a DHS Trusted Traveler Program for low-risk travelers in December 2013, active membership in the program grew to more than 15 million passengers. Telos began enrolling its first applicants during trial periods in Annapolis, MD., Chantilly, VA., Ashburn, VA. and Las Vegas. The company continued to expand enrollment services nationally and offered more convenient locations with expanded hours of operation.

TSA announced changes to the Certified Cargo Screening Program that enabled more shippers to enter the secure supply chain. On June 30, 2021, TSA mandated that all air cargo originating in the United States and destined for non-U.S. locations be screened or secured before being loaded onto an aircraft to meet international standards and to address potential threats to aviation. TSA actively encouraged indirect air carriers, manufacturing facilities, assembly facilities, shippers, warehouses and distribution centers to apply for and become a Certified Cargo Screening Facility. Becoming a Certified Cargo Screening Facility meant they would be certified by TSA to assemble, pack, secure and tender cargo for air transport in a secured manner, where no additional screening would be required.

TSA implemented the Transportation Security Compensation Plan, previously referred to as pay equity, for all TSA employees. No employee's salary was reduced as a result of the compensation plan. This plan honored the commitment by DHS Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas to invest in TSA's workforce through a modernized pay structure comparable with their colleagues on the federal government's General Schedule (GS) pay scale, regular step increases and a clear progression for pay mobility and growth. In December 2022, Congress approved and President Biden signed the fiscal year 2023 Omnibus Appropriations Act, which included funding that ensures TSA employees are paid at the same levels as their federal counterparts. Since the announcement of the compensation plan back in December 2022, TSA has witnessed a marked decrease in employee attrition levels, a subsequent rise in retention rates and increased applicant interest across various TSA job categories.

TSA announced an update to its Security Directive regarding oil and natural gas pipeline cybersecurity. Following a May 2021 ransomware attack that disrupted the supply chain, TSA issued security directives mandating that critical pipeline owners and operators implement urgently needed cybersecurity measures in light of the significant cyber threat facing the industry. This revised directive continued the effort to reinforce cybersecurity preparedness and resilience for the nation's critical pipelines. Developed with input from industry stakeholders and federal partners, including the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Department of Transportation, the reissued security directive for critical pipeline companies followed the initial directive announced in July 2021 and renewed in July 2022. The directive included updates that sought to strengthen the industry's defenses against cyberattacks.

TSA began accepting mobile IDs in Google Wallet on Android mobile devices, starting with Maryland. In collaboration with the State of Maryland and Google, the TSA accepted Maryland-issued mobile driver's licenses and ID cards at select TSA airport security checkpoints. TSA PreCheck passengers used this feature at checkpoints for identity verification at 25 participating airports. All passengers, including those traveling through security with a Maryland mobile driver's license or state ID, had to continue carrying and have readily available their physical driver's license or identification card, or other acceptable ID listed on the TSA website.

On June 9, 2023, TSA launched Academy West in Las Vegas, NV and marked the official opening of the facility with a ribbon cutting event attended by TSA Administrator David Pekoske, as well as other federal, county, and local officials. Academy West is a 26,000 square foot training facility located near Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas and can train 180 TSOs on a weekly basis.

On May 11, 2023 the Federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Declaration ends. Starting on May 12, 2023 TSA reverts back to pre-pandemic travel and safety protocols including the 3-1-1 liquids rule for hand sanitizer and the end of COVID-19 travel restrictions.

TSA announced the award of an Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract, with a value of up to $128 million, to Idemia Identity and Security USA, LLC for the second-generation Credential Authentication Technology (CAT-2) systems and support services at TSA security checkpoints. These systems substantially improved identity verification, validated the authenticity of a passenger's identification credential, confirmed pre-screening status and validated flight reservations. The second-generation CAT-2 systems allowed for automated identity verification with an integrated camera for biometric and self-service capabilities. This contract with Idemia enabled TSA to test, manufacture, procure and deploy over 1,500 new CAT-2 systems to airport security checkpoints nationwide.

TSA announced the award of three orders for a combined total value of nearly $1.3 billion for Computed Tomography (CT) scanners to include up to 426 base, 359 mid-size, and 429 full-size units for deployment across TSA checkpoints. This included the current procurement of 59 CT units for $42.9 million out of the FY 2023 funding of $105 million to procure a total of 136 units. Analogic Corporation provided base-size units, IDSS Holdings provided mid-size units, and Smiths Detection Incorporated provided full-size CT X-ray systems. Similar to what was used to scan checked baggage, this equipment was sized to fit the checkpoint environment. As of this day, approximately 634 CT units were installed.

TSA issued a new cybersecurity amendment (on an emergency basis) to the security programs of certain TSA-regulated airport and aircraft operators, following similar measures announced in October 2022 for passenger and freight railroad carriers. This was established as part of the DHS's efforts to increase the cybersecurity resilience of U.S. critical infrastructure and followed extensive collaboration with aviation partners. TSA took this emergency action due to persistent cybersecurity threats against U.S. critical infrastructure, including the aviation sector. The new emergency amendment required that impacted TSA-regulated entities develop an approved implementation plan describing measures they are taking to improve their cybersecurity resilience and prevent disruption and degradation to their infrastructure. Also, they needed to proactively assess the effectiveness of these measures.

TSA announced its TSA PreCheck application program surpassed 15 million active members, setting a new record for the program that began in December 2013. More than 19,200 individuals applied for TSA Recheck membership on February 21, 2023 - the highest for any single day in TSA's history. Thirty-two million travelers benefited from TSA PreCheck expedited screening after being vetted though TSA PreCheck, U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Global Entry or another federal vetting program.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) marked the 20th Anniversary of the Department's creation. President Joseph Biden joined DHS to recognize the years of progress. DHS held a ceremony at the DHS Headquarters at the St. Elizabeth's Campus in Washington, D.C. to honor the workforce and to recognize the 32,000 plank holders who joined DHS on its first day and continued to serve the Department after 20 years. The ceremony included special remarks by Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas, recorded messages from former Secretary Tom Ridge and former President George W. Bush, and a conversation with individuals across the Department who have served since its inception. Following the September 11th Terrorist Attacks, President George W. Bush established DHS by signing the Homeland Security Act of 2002. On March 1, 2003, 22 agencies unified under a single department with a common mission: to safeguard the American people. As the youngest but third largest cabinet, DHS's mission spanned across terrorism prevention, law enforcement, immigration services, emergency response and recovery, protective services, cybersecurity, transportation, pipeline, border and maritime security and more.

TSA announces Security Directives and guidance for voluntary measures to strengthen cybersecurity across the transportation sector in response to ongoing cybersecurity threats to surface transportation systems and infrastructure. These Directives require owners and operators to: designate a cybersecurity coordinator; report cybersecurity incidents to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) within 24 hours; develop and implement a cybersecurity incident response plan to reduce the risk of an operational disruption; and, complete a cybersecurity vulnerability assessment to identify potential vulnerabilities.

TSA recognizes the 20th anniversary of the agency’s creation with a special ceremony at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport’s original Terminal A historic lobby. On this date and in this same terminal 20 years ago, President George W. Bush signed and enacted into law the Aviation and Transportation Security Act, establishing TSA to safeguard the nation’s transportation systems against the threat of a future attack.

TSA commemorates the 20th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks with an outdoor ceremony at the agency's headquarters. Current and former agency officials are among those who attended the event to hear keynote remarks provided by former Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Michael P. Jackson, who was the Deputy Secretary of Transportation on September 11, 2001.

Created in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, TSA was established by the Aviation and Transportation Security Act passed by the 107th Congress and signed into law by President George W. Bush on November 19, 2001. The mission of the new agency was to protect the nation's transportation systems to ensure the freedom of movement for people and commerce.

TSA launched @AskTSA in 2016 to provide quality, real-time responses to traveler concerns and answer questions about a variety of topics, such as the security screening process and how to retrieve lost items. The new automated Spanish-language virtual assistant is the agency's first fully integrated foreign language service on social media platforms. Spanish-speaking travelers can get quick answers about airport security procedures by sending their questions to @AskTSA.

In response to ongoing cybersecurity threats to the nation's critical transportation infrastructure, TSA issues a second Security Directive for pipeline systems. The directive requires owners and operators of TSA-designated critical pipelines that transport hazardous liquids and natural gas to implement urgent safeguards against cyber intrusions.

TSA reopens the Innovation Checkpoint at Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (later renamed Harry Reid International Airport) after the pandemic. TSA developed the Innovation Checkpoint in 2019 to evaluate emerging security technologies in a side-by-side, live checkpoint environment. TSA uses the data it collects from the Innovation Checkpoint to develop requirements for future investments in technologies that enhance TSA's security effectiveness, streamline checkpoint operations and improve the passenger screening experience at airports nationwide.

TSA installs touchless automated photo identification scanners at all of Los Angeles International Airport's (LAX) security screening checkpoints, making it the first airport in the country to be fully outfitted with Credential Authentication Technology (CAT). Additional Information

On September 3, 2019, TSA unveiled the Innovation Checkpoint, a collaborative effort between TSA's Innovation Task Force and the McCarran International Airport that allows for side-by-side testing and evaluation of emerging security technologies in a live checkpoint environment. Data collected from these demonstrations will help develop requirements for future innovative capabilities that will enhance TSA's security effectiveness and improve the passenger experience.

Technologies that are being evaluated in the Innovation Checkpoint span all aspects of the traveler security screening experience: digital signage, Credential Authentication Technology units, Computed Tomography scanners, and an enhanced Advanced Imaging Technology (eAIT) body scanner.

TSA utilizes testing teams to identify areas and means of improving detection and resolution capabilities. TSA requires enhanced screening at select overseas airports with direct flights to the United States and increases the number of random searches of passengers and carry-on luggage boarding aircraft at U.S. airports.

Terrorists become increasingly interested in circumventing airport security screening by concealing improvised explosive devices inside commercial electronics, physical areas of the body, cargo, shoes/clothing and cosmetics/liquids.

TSA makes numerous operation enhancements to advanced imaging technology and explosives trace detection, to complement technologies already in use. TSA focuses on improved pat-down procedures for alarm resolution and specialized screening requirement for select passengers at a number of international and domestic airports.

Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula releases an issue of Inspire magazine, which discusses aviation as a target of attack and details how to build nonmetallic IEDs, which airlines to attack and where to place the devices on a plane.

The first TSA PreCheck® application center opens at Indianapolis International Airport. U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents can apply for TSA PreCheck® by providing biographic information, fingerprints, payment, and identity and citizenship/immigration documentation. This allows TSA to provide the most effective security in the most efficient way by focusing on unknown, high-risk individuals.

TSA begins TSA PreCheck® operations at McCarran International Airport. TSA PreCheck® is an expedited screening program that makes risk assessments about passengers prior to their arrival at an airport checkpoint. It provides expedited screening for known and trusted travelers at security checkpoints, allowing TSA to focus resources on high-risk and unknown passengers.

TSA deploys proprietary canine teams to aid in the screening of 100 percent air cargo loaded on U.S. passenger aircraft. TSA later expands the program to include passenger and baggage screening at airports.

In response to events such as the 2004 Madrid train bombings, TSA establishes visible intermodal prevention and response teams to enhance security of rail and mass transit systems.