Getting TSA PreCheck can significantly reduce your airport security wait times, making travel less stressful. A key part of the application process is providing the correct documents to prove your identity and U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status. This guide will walk you through exactly what you need to prepare to ensure a smooth TSA PreCheck application.
Understanding TSA PreCheck Document Requirements
To enroll in TSA PreCheck, you must present specific documentation during your in-person appointment. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) categorizes acceptable documents into two lists: List A and List B. Understanding these lists is crucial for preparing for your application.
The basic principle is this:
- List A: If you have one document from List A, you’re set for the identity and citizenship/lawful permanent resident requirements.
- List B: If you don’t have a List A document, you’ll need two documents from List B: one proving your identity and another proving your U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status.
It’s important to remember that all documents must be originals or certified copies. Photocopies or notarized copies are not accepted. Let’s break down each list to help you prepare.
List A Documents: Proof of Identity and Citizenship (One Document Required)
List A contains documents that satisfy both identity and U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status requirements in a single document. You only need to present one of the following:
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Unexpired U.S. Passport (Book or Card): This is the most common and straightforward document for U.S. citizens. Both the passport book and the passport card are acceptable.
Alt text: Open page of an unexpired United States Passport, demonstrating proof of US citizenship for TSA PreCheck.
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Unexpired Enhanced Tribal Card (ETC): Specifically for members of federally recognized tribes, this card serves as proof of both identity and U.S. citizenship.
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Unexpired Free and Secure Trade (FAST) Card: If your FAST card indicates U.S. citizenship, it can be used as a List A document.
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Unexpired U.S. Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) or Enhanced Identification Card (EID): Issued by certain states, these enhanced licenses and ID cards denote U.S. citizenship and are valid List A documents.
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Permanent Resident Card (I-551) (“Green Card”): This card is for lawful permanent residents of the U.S. and is accepted as proof of status.
Alt text: Front of a United States Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), demonstrating lawful permanent resident status for TSA PreCheck application.
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Unexpired Foreign Passport AND Immigrant Visa with I-551 Annotation: This combination is for new lawful permanent residents who have recently entered the U.S. The visa must have the “Upon Endorsement Serves as Temporary I-551 Evidencing Permanent Residence of 1 Year” annotation.
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Unexpired Re-entry Permit (I-327): This document is for lawful permanent residents and demonstrates their status.
List B Documents: Proof of Identity AND Proof of Citizenship (Two Documents Required)
If you do not have a document from List A, you must present two documents from List B. These must be from separate categories: one to verify your identity and one to verify your U.S. citizenship. The names on both documents must match.
Valid Photo ID (One Required from this Sublist)
This document will serve as proof of your identity. Ensure it is unexpired and features your photograph. Acceptable documents include:
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Unexpired driver’s license issued by a U.S. state or outlying possession.
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Unexpired temporary driver’s license combined with an expired driver’s license (together, these count as one document).
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Unexpired photo ID card issued by a Federal, state, or outlying possession of the U.S. This must include an official seal or logo. (Note: Permits, such as gun permits, are not valid).
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Unexpired U.S. military ID card.
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Unexpired U.S. retired military ID card.
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Unexpired U.S. military dependent’s card.
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Native American tribal document with photo.
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Unexpired Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
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Unexpired Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC).
Alt text: Example of a US Driver’s License, accepted as valid photo ID for TSA PreCheck enrollment when combined with proof of citizenship.
Valid Proof of Citizenship (One Required from this Sublist)
This document will serve as proof of your U.S. citizenship. Acceptable documents include:
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U.S. Birth Certificate: This must be an original or certified copy. Specific requirements for birth certificates are detailed below.
Alt text: Example of a US Birth Certificate, accepted as proof of US citizenship for TSA PreCheck when presented with a valid photo ID.
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U.S. Certificate of Citizenship (N-560 or N-561)
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U.S. Certificate of Naturalization (N-550 or N-570)
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U.S. Citizen Identification Card (I-179 or I-197)
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Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240)
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Certification of Report of Birth Abroad (DS-1350 or FS-545)
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Expired U.S. passport within 12 months of expiration: While an expired passport cannot be used as a List A document, a U.S. passport that has expired within the last year can be used as proof of citizenship in List B, but it must be presented with another List B document (a valid photo ID).
Important Notes on Documents
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Original or Certified Copies: Crucially, all documents must be either originals or certified copies issued by a government authority (Federal, State, Tribal, county, municipal, or outlying possession) bearing an official seal. Short-form or abstract birth certificates and notarized copies are not acceptable.
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Birth Certificate Specifics: For birth certificates to be accepted, they must meet specific criteria:
- Issued by the city, county, or state of birth.
- List your full name, date of birth, and place of birth.
- List parent(s) full names (first and last name required; middle name not required. “Unknown” or blank fields for parents are acceptable).
- Have the signature of the city, county, or state official or registrar.
- Have the date filed with the registrar’s office.
- Have the seal of the issuing authority (seal may be printed, embossed, or raised).
TSA will not accept birth “Registration” or “Notification” cards or Birth Registration/Certificate of Birth Registration records.
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Unacceptable U.S. Birth Documents Include:
- Illegible or damaged documents.
- Private hospital-issued documents.
- Documents titled with “Registration” or “Notification.”
- Foreign birth documents that are not acceptable State Department records of birth abroad.
- State-issued documents stating birth in a foreign country.
- Puerto Rican Birth Certificates issued before July 1, 2010.
- “No Record Certification of Birth” documents.
- Notarized copies and digital identity documents.
Prepare Your Documents for TSA PreCheck Enrollment
Having the correct documents ready is a vital step in getting TSA PreCheck. By understanding the requirements for List A and List B documents, and ensuring your documents are valid and acceptable, you can streamline your application process and be one step closer to enjoying expedited security screening. Take the time to gather and verify your documents before your enrollment appointment to ensure a smooth and successful experience.
