For travelers looking to expedite their airport security experience, TSA PreCheck® offers a streamlined process. A key step in enrolling is providing the correct documentation to verify your identity and, if applicable, U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status. Understanding these requirements ensures a smoother application and ultimately, more Clear Traveling experiences. This guide breaks down the necessary documents, making your TSA PreCheck® application process straightforward.
Understanding TSA PreCheck® Document Requirements
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires specific documents for TSA PreCheck® enrollment. These documents are categorized into List A and List B. Choosing the correct documents is crucial for a successful application and to start enjoying clear traveling benefits.
List A Documents: Single Acceptable Documents for TSA PreCheck®
List A contains documents that, on their own, satisfy both identity and citizenship/lawful permanent resident requirements. Presenting just ONE document from List A is sufficient.
- Unexpired U.S. Passport (Book or Card): This is a universally accepted document proving both identity and U.S. citizenship. Ensure your passport is not expired to use it as a List A document.
- Unexpired Enhanced Tribal Card (ETC): Specifically for members of participating tribes, this card serves as proof of identity and U.S. citizenship.
- Unexpired Free and Secure Trade (FAST) Card: If your FAST card indicates U.S. citizenship, it qualifies as a List A document. Check the designation on your card.
- Unexpired U.S. Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) or Enhanced Identification Card (EID): Offered by certain states, EDLs and EIDs, when marked to indicate U.S. citizenship, meet List A requirements.
- Permanent Resident Card (I-551) (“Green Card”): This card demonstrates your lawful permanent resident (LPR) status in the U.S. and is accepted as a List A document.
- Unexpired Foreign Passport AND Immigrant Visa with I-551 Annotation: This combination is for new lawful permanent residents. The visa must have the annotation “Upon Endorsement Serves as Temporary I-551 Evidencing Permanent Residence of 1 Year” to be valid as a List A document.
- Unexpired Re-entry Permit (I-327): This document is for lawful permanent residents and is also accepted as a List A document.
It’s important to note that an expired U.S. passport generally cannot be used as a List A document. However, if it expired within the last 12 months, it might still be used under List B as proof of citizenship (but not identity).
List B Documents: Two Documents Required for TSA PreCheck®
If you do not possess a document from List A, you must present TWO documents from List B: one from the “Valid Photo ID” column and one from the “Valid Proof of Citizenship” column. Ensure the names on both documents match for a seamless process towards clear traveling.
Valid Photo ID
- Unexpired driver’s license issued by a U.S. state or outlying possession.
- Unexpired temporary driver’s license combined with an expired driver’s license (together, they count as one document).
- Unexpired photo ID card issued by a Federal, state, or outlying possession government agency, featuring a seal or logo (e.g., state university ID). Note that permits (like gun permits) are not valid.
- Unexpired U.S. military ID card.
- Unexpired U.S. retired military ID card.
- Unexpired U.S. military dependent’s card.
- Native American tribal document with photo.
- Unexpired Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
- Unexpired Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC).
Valid Proof of Citizenship
- U.S. Birth Certificate*** (specific requirements apply, see below).
- U.S. Certificate of Citizenship (N-560 or N-561).
- U.S. Certificate of Naturalization (N-550 or N-570).
- U.S. Citizen Identification Card (I-179 or I-197).
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240).
- Certification of Report of Birth Abroad (DS-1350 or FS-545).
- Expired U.S. passport within 12 months of expiration**.
Important Notes on Documentation for Clear Traveling
- Original or Certified Copies Required: All documents must be originals or certified copies issued by a Federal, State, Tribal, county, municipal authority, or outlying possession with an official seal. Short-form birth certificates or notarized copies are not acceptable.
- Expired Passports (List B Only): While an expired passport cannot be used as List A, a U.S. passport expired within 12 months can be used as proof of citizenship under List B, but it must be presented with another valid List B photo ID. An expired passport alone is insufficient.
- U.S. Birth Certificate Specifics: TSA has specific criteria for acceptable birth certificates. They must be:
- Long-form, state/territory-issued, certified/sealed Birth Certificate.
- State/territory-issued certified/sealed Birth Abstract meeting birth certificate requirements (Birth Registration/Certificate of Birth Registration records are not acceptable).
- Birth certification card meeting birth certificate or abstract requirements (Birth Registration or Notification cards are not acceptable).
- These documents must include:
- Applicant’s full name, date of birth, and place of birth.
- Parent(s) full names (first and last name; middle name optional; “Unknown” or blank/asterisk fields for parents are acceptable if fields are present).
- Signature of city, county, or state official or registrar.
- Date filed with registrar’s office.
- Seal of issuing authority (seal may be present but not required to be printed or embossed).
- Unacceptable U.S. Birth Documents: Be aware of documents that TSA will not accept, including:
- Illegible or damaged documents.
- Hospital-issued birth documents.
- Documents titled “Registration” or “Notification”.
- Foreign birth documents not recognized by the State Department.
- State-issued documents indicating foreign birth.
- Puerto Rican Birth Certificates issued before July 1, 2010.
- “No Record Certification of Birth” documents.
- Notarized copies and digital identity documents.
Conclusion: Ensuring Clear Traveling Starts with Preparation
Preparing the correct documents is a vital step towards obtaining TSA PreCheck® and enjoying clear traveling through expedited security lines. By understanding the List A and List B document options and the specific requirements, you can ensure a smooth application process. Always double-check the TSA website for the most up-to-date information and any potential changes to document requirements before starting your application. With the right documents in hand, you’re one step closer to a more efficient and less stressful airport experience.
