What Documents You Need for Your TSA PreCheck Appointment

Bring these documents to your appointment

You need one form of government-issued photo ID and proof of your citizenship or lawful permanent resident status. The TSA will not process your application without both. Bring the originals — photocopies do not work. If you do not have the right documents, the appointment officer will turn you away and you will lose your appointment fee.

A valid passport is the easiest choice because it covers both requirements at once. If you do not have a passport, bring a driver's license or state ID card for the photo ID part, then add a separate citizenship document for the second part.

Key Takeaways

• Bring an original government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) — copies will not be accepted.
• Bring proof of citizenship or lawful permanent resident status, such as a passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or green card.
• A valid passport satisfies both requirements and is the simplest document to bring.
• Bring your Social Security number written down or memorized, because you will need it during the appointment.
• Arrive 15 minutes early with all documents in hand, because missing documents mean a cancelled appointment and a lost fee.

Citizenship and residency documents that work

If you are a U.S. citizen, bring one of these: a valid U.S. passport, a birth certificate (original or certified copy), a naturalization certificate, or a passport card. A birth certificate must be an official document from the vital records office in the state where you were born — a hospital birth announcement or photocopy will not work.

If you are a lawful permanent resident, bring your green card (Permanent Resident Card) or a valid passport from your country of origin plus your green card. The green card alone is sufficient if it is current and not damaged.

Do not bring expired documents. The TSA will reject an expired passport or an expired state ID card, even if you are renewing it. If your documents are expired, you will need to renew them before your appointment.

Photo ID options and what counts

Your photo ID must be government-issued and currently valid. A driver's license or state ID card from any U.S. state works. A passport or passport card works. A military ID works. A tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe works. A U.S. passport card works.

Student IDs, work IDs, library cards, and expired IDs do not work, even if you have other documents with you. The ID must show your full name, date of birth, and a photo that looks like you now. If you have changed your appearance significantly since the photo was taken, bring a second form of ID if you have one — the officer may ask for it.

Additional information to bring or know

Write down or memorize your Social Security number. You will need it during the appointment and the officer will ask you to provide it. Bring your contact information: a phone number and email address where the TSA can reach you.

If you have changed your name since your citizenship document was issued, bring proof of the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The name on your citizenship document must match the name on your photo ID, or the officer will need to see documentation of the legal change.

Bring any documents related to your immigration history if you are not a U.S. citizen. This includes your green card, visa, or any other immigration paperwork. If you have been deported or have a criminal record, bring documentation of that as well, because the TSA will ask about it during your interview.

What not to bring and what happens if documents are missing

Do not bring originals of documents you cannot afford to lose, such as your only copy of a birth certificate. The TSA will not keep your documents, but handling them during the appointment carries a small risk. If your birth certificate is your only copy, request a certified copy from the vital records office before your appointment.

If you arrive without the required documents, the appointment officer will cancel your appointment. You will not receive a refund of your appointment fee. You will have to schedule a new appointment and pay the fee again. This is why checking your documents before you leave home is worth the five minutes it takes.

Preparing your documents the night before

The night before your appointment, gather all your documents and lay them out in one place. Check that your photo ID is not expired. Check that your citizenship document is an original or certified copy, not a photocopy. Check that your name is spelled the same way on both documents. If the names do not match, find your name change documentation now, not at the appointment.

Put the documents in a folder or envelope so they stay together and do not get lost on the way to the appointment center. Take a photo of each document with your phone as a backup, in case something is lost in transit. Arrive 15 minutes early so you have time to locate the appointment center and check in without rushing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring a photocopy of my birth certificate instead of the original?

No. The TSA requires an original or certified copy issued by the vital records office. A photocopy of a birth certificate will not work. You can request a certified copy from the vital records office in the state where you were born — it usually arrives in one to two weeks and costs between $10 and $30.

What if my driver's license is expired but I have a passport?

Use your passport as your photo ID. A passport does not expire as quickly as a driver's license and is accepted as both photo ID and proof of citizenship. If your passport is also expired, you will need to renew it before your appointment.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card?

No. You only need to know your Social Security number and be able to state it during the appointment. The TSA does not require you to show the card itself. Write the number down before you leave home so you do not have to guess.

What if I lost my green card but I have my passport from my home country?

Bring your passport from your home country plus any immigration documents you have, such as a visa or I-94 arrival record. Contact the TSA appointment center before your appointment and explain the situation. They may ask you to bring additional documents or may reschedule you until you can replace your green card.

Can someone else bring my documents if I cannot make the appointment?

No. You must be present at the appointment in person. The TSA will not process an application without you there. You must bring your own documents and answer questions about your background yourself. If you cannot attend, cancel the appointment and schedule a new one when you are able to go.