Enrolling in TSA PreCheck® offers a streamlined airport security experience, saving you valuable time and reducing stress. A crucial step in the enrollment process is providing the correct documentation to verify your identity and citizenship. To ensure a smooth and efficient enrollment, understanding the acceptable documents is key. This guide breaks down the required documentation, making the process clear and straightforward.
List A: Single Document Options for Identity and Citizenship
For TSA PreCheck® enrollment, you can present just one document from List A to satisfy both identity and U.S. citizenship requirements. These documents are highly secure and readily confirm your eligibility.
- Unexpired U.S. Passport (Book or Card): A valid U.S. passport, whether in book or card format, serves as definitive proof of both identity and U.S. citizenship.
- Unexpired Enhanced Tribal Card (ETC): This card, specifically the enhanced version, also confirms both identity and U.S. citizenship.
- Unexpired Free and Secure Trade (FAST) Card: If your FAST card indicates U.S. citizenship, it is acceptable as a List A document.
- Unexpired U.S. Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) or Enhanced Identification Card (EID): Similar to the FAST card, if your EDL or EID designates U.S. citizenship, it meets the List A requirements.
- Permanent Resident Card (I-551) (“Green Card”): This card proves your Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) status in the U.S.
- Unexpired Foreign Passport AND Immigrant Visa with I-551 Annotation: This combination, specifically with the “Upon Endorsement Serves as Temporary I-551 Evidencing Permanent Residence of 1 Year” annotation, also demonstrates LPR status.
- Unexpired Re-entry Permit (I-327): A valid Re-entry Permit confirms your LPR status.
It’s important to note that while an expired U.S. passport cannot be used as a List A document, a passport expired within the last 12 months can still serve as proof of citizenship but only under List B guidelines.
List B: Two-Document Requirement for Identity and Citizenship
If you do not possess a document from List A, you must present two documents from List B. These documents must work in conjunction to establish both your identity and U.S. citizenship. Crucially, the name on both documents must exactly match. List B is divided into two categories: Valid Photo ID and Valid Proof of Citizenship. You must provide one document from each category.
Valid Photo ID Options (List B – Part 1)
This section outlines acceptable photo IDs for List B. Ensure your chosen document is unexpired and valid.
- Unexpired Driver’s License: Issued by a U.S. state or outlying possession.
- Unexpired Temporary Driver’s License with Expired Driver’s License: Presenting both together counts as one valid document.
- Unexpired Photo ID Card: Issued by the Federal government or a U.S. state or outlying possession. This must include an official seal or logo (e.g., State university ID). 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 Options (List B – Part 2)
This section details the documents accepted as proof of U.S. citizenship when using List B.
- U.S. Birth Certificate: Specific requirements apply to birth certificates, detailed further 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: Must be expired within 12 months and presented with another List B document.
Important Clarifications Regarding Documentation
To avoid any confusion during your TSA PreCheck® enrollment, be aware of these crucial points regarding document validity:
- Original or Certified Copies Required: All documents must be original or certified copies issued by a government authority (Federal, State, Tribal, county, municipal, or outlying possession) bearing an official seal. Short-form birth certificates and notarized copies are not acceptable.
- 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).
- Issued by the city, county, or state of birth.
- Listing the applicant’s full name, date of birth, and place of birth.
- Listing parent(s) full names (first and last name required, middle name optional; “Unknown” or blank fields for parents are acceptable).
- Bearing the signature of the city, county, or state official or registrar.
- Including the date filed with the registrar’s office.
- Featuring the seal of the issuing authority (may be printed or embossed).
- Unacceptable Birth Documents: Documents titled “Registration” or “Notification,” private hospital-issued documents, foreign birth documents (unless State Department records of birth abroad), state-issued documents indicating foreign birth, Puerto Rican Birth Certificates issued before July 1, 2010, “No Record Certification of Birth” documents, illegible or damaged documents are not accepted. Birth “Registration” or “Notification” Cards, or Birth Registration/Certificate of Birth Registration records are invalid for enrollment.
By carefully preparing the correct, valid documentation, you can ensure a seamless TSA PreCheck® enrollment experience and begin enjoying the benefits of expedited security screening. Understanding these requirements is the first step towards a smoother travel experience.
