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Documents needed for TSA PreCheck

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    TSA PreCheck® isn't called a Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) for no reason. Enrollment requires some vetting of your identity and background. This begins at a critical part of the application process: an in-person appointment. If it's your first time applying, this is when you'll submit required identification, have your fingerprints taken and pay the required fee.

    Ahead, we'll review some important points about what documents are needed at your TSA PreCheck appointment.

    What documents do I need for TSA PreCheck?

    For most applicants, an unexpired passport may be the best choice of identification to bring to a TSA PreCheck appointment. That's because it serves as photo ID and proof of citizenship. There are several other acceptable documents, but it's always important to provide original or certified copies. In addition, the name on the documentation you provide at this time must match the name you put on your TSA PreCheck application.

    Below are several documents from the TSA webpage for required documentation that are accepted at PreCheck appointments. As of May 2023, either one document from List A or two documents from List B are required:

    List A

    • Unexpired U.S. Passport (book or card)
    • Unexpired Enhanced Tribal Card (ETC)
    • Unexpired Free and Secure Trade (FAST) Card
    • Unexpired U.S. Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Unexpired Enhanced Identification Card (EID)
    • Permanent Resident Card (I-551) often referred to as a “Green Card" Unexpired Foreign Passport and an immigrant visa with I-551 annotation of “Upon Endorsement Serves as Temporary I-551 Evidencing Permanent Residence of 1 Year"
    • Unexpired Re-entry Permit (I-327)

    List B

    If you cannot provide a document from List A, you'll need a valid photo ID and a document that meets citizenship requirements:

    Photo ID

    • Unexpired driver's license or photo ID that was issued by the federal government, a state or an outlying possession of the U.S (must include a federal agency, or state agency seal or logo)
    • A valid temporary driver's license and expired driver's license (constitutes one document)
    • U.S. military ID card (unexpired)
    • U.S. retired military ID card (unexpired)
    • U.S. military dependent's card (unexpired)
    • Native American tribal document with photo
    • Unexpired Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or TSA Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
    • Unexpired Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC)

    Proof of citizenship

    • U.S. Birth Certificate
    • 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 (only within 12 months of expiration)

    What do I need to bring to TSA PreCheck appointment?

    You should bring acceptable identification and a payment method for the application fee to your TSA PreCheck appointment. If you've been notified that you must provide any additional documentation, bring that, as well.

    TSA PreCheck appointments are usually brief, as they're mainly for verifying your identification documents. Your fingerprints will also be processed at this time.

    When considering your payment method for the application fee, a credit card like Chase Sapphire Reserve® may be a good choice. If you have this card, you can receive up to a $100 statement credit every four years as reimbursement for a TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or NEXUS application fee. To be reimbursed, you'll first have to pay the fee with your Sapphire Reserve card, then a statement credit will post your account.

    Other travel credit cards may reimburse the TSA PreCheck fee. Check your card's terms or contact your issuer for details.

    Can you get TSA PreCheck without a birth certificate?

    As of May 2023, you don't need to provide your birth certificate for TSA PreCheck. A birth certificate can count as proof of citizenship. If that's a document you're bringing to your TSA PreCheck appointment, you also have to bring a photo ID from List B above.

    Can I use my Social Security card for TSA PreCheck?

    A Social Security card is not an identification document currently accepted for TSA PreCheck applications. However, several other documents can prove your citizenship at your PreCheck appointment. If you bring a proof of citizenship, you will also need to provide a photo ID.

    In conclusion

    As you complete an online application for TSA PreCheck, you should see a list of documents that will be accepted at your in-person appointment. Typically, when you bring the correct documentation to a prescheduled appointment, it can be brief and straightforward. Besides your documents, you'll also need to bring a way to pay the application fee if it's your first time applying for TSA PreCheck.

    Some travel credit cards like Chase Sapphire Reserve may provide a statement credit every four years for a TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or NEXUS fee charged to the card.

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