Security Policy Alert: TSA Issues Security Directive 1542-04-08Y

November 4, 2025

TSA has once again updated the Security Directive 1542-04-08 series, Security Threat Assessment and Reporting Requirements Related to Individuals with Airport-Issued ID Media. Version Y, effective October 31, 2025, edits the previous change in the text “Sex (M or F)" to “Sex.”

In its posting on HSIN, TSA asserts that this change allows for the possibility of “U” entries for applicants under certain circumstances. In the transmittal memo, TSA further explains that the change aligns with FBI guidance regarding criminal background checks where the applicant’s sex is not identified in documents submitted as part of the application. TSA maintains that the updated SD also aligns with Executive Order 14168.

Executive Order 14168, Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism And Restoring Biological Truth To The Federal Government, was issued on January 20 and required federal agencies to use the term “sex” and not “gender” in all applicable agency policies and documents. Section 3(c) of EO 14168 defines sex as male (M) or female (F). Although TSA quickly complied with the EO by limiting the data fields in its backend vetting systems, the agency did not update the policy outlining the new data submission requirements for sex until July 31. Now, three months later, TSA has again updated the Security Directive series, allowing “U” for sex in certain circumstances

Since January, AAAE has been requesting additional guidance from TSA on behalf of airport operators about how to handle applicants that present a valid identification document with a sex code other than M or F. With the issuance of SD 1542-04-08Y, we have once again asked TSA for additional information about the circumstances that would allow “U” to be submitted and for a copy of the FBI guidance referenced in the transmittal memo.

We will share any additional information provided by TSA, which has severely limited industry engagement during the government shutdown.