Yes, you need an original or certified birth certificate for TSA PreCheck

TSA PreCheck requires proof of citizenship or lawful permanent resident status. A certified birth certificate — the official document issued by the state where you were born, not a photocopy or hospital record — is the most common way to prove you are a U.S. citizen. You cannot use a photocopy, even if it is notarized.

If you were born outside the United States, you will need a different document instead: a passport, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Certificate of Citizenship. The birth certificate route only works if you were born in one of the 50 states, Washington D.C., or a U.S. territory.

You must bring the original document to your appointment. TSA will not accept digital copies, photos, or documents sent by mail ahead of time. The appointment location will verify it in person and return it to you.

Key Takeaways

  • A certified birth certificate from your state of birth is the standard proof of citizenship for TSA PreCheck, and you must bring the original to your appointment.
  • Photocopies, hospital birth records, and certified copies from genealogy websites do not count — you need the official document from the state vital records office.
  • If you were born outside the U.S., bring a passport, Certificate of Naturalization, or Certificate of Citizenship instead.
  • You also need a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport, at your appointment.
  • Ordering a certified birth certificate takes one to four weeks depending on your state, so request it well before your appointment date.

How to order a certified birth certificate

Contact the vital records office in the state where you were born. Each state runs its own office and charges its own fee, which typically ranges from $15 to $30. You can find the correct office and ordering instructions on the National Association for Public Health Statistics and Information Systems (NAPHSIS) website, which links to every state's vital records department.

Most states now accept orders online, by mail, or in person. Online orders are fastest — many states process them within one to two weeks. Mail orders take longer, sometimes three to four weeks. Some states offer rush processing for an extra fee if you need the document sooner.

When you order, specify that you need a certified copy for federal purposes. Some states issue certified copies and uncertified copies; you need the certified version with the official seal. Request multiple copies if you plan to use the birth certificate for other purposes later, since you will have the original returned to you at your TSA appointment.

What counts as proof of citizenship besides a birth certificate

If you do not have a birth certificate or cannot get one in time, TSA accepts these documents instead: a valid U.S. passport, a Certificate of Naturalization, a Certificate of Citizenship, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. Each of these proves citizenship without requiring a separate birth certificate.

A passport is often the fastest route if you already have one. You do not need to order anything — bring the passport you own to your appointment. If you do not have a passport and need to get one, that process takes four to six weeks for a standard process, so a birth certificate may actually be faster.

Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) can use their green card instead of a birth certificate. Bring the original card to your appointment.

Other documents you need at your appointment

Bring your birth certificate or citizenship document along with a valid government-issued photo ID. A driver's license, state ID card, or passport all work. The ID must not be expired.

You will also need to bring proof of your current address. This can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last month. A driver's license counts as both photo ID and address proof if the address on it is current.

Bring your Social Security number or card. You do not have to bring the physical card, but have the number ready. TSA will use it to run a background check as part of the PreCheck process.

What happens if you show up without the right documents

If you arrive at your appointment without an original certified birth certificate or accepted alternative, TSA will not process your process. You will lose your appointment fee, which is typically $78 to $85 depending on the process center. You will have to schedule a new appointment after you obtain the correct document.

Some process centers will let you reschedule the same day if spots are open. Others require you to book a new appointment online, which may not be available for weeks. Call the center where you have your appointment to ask about same-day rescheduling before you go.

Timeline for getting everything ready

Order your birth certificate as soon as you schedule your TSA PreCheck appointment. Most states take one to two weeks for standard processing. If your state offers rush processing and you are cutting it close, pay the extra fee — it is cheaper than missing your appointment and paying the process fee again.

Once you have the birth certificate in hand, gather your photo ID and address proof. These usually do not require any ordering. Schedule your appointment at least two weeks after you order the birth certificate, which gives you a buffer in case the state takes longer than expected or the document gets lost in the mail.

If you are explore for TSA PreCheck because you have an upcoming trip, start this process at least six weeks before you travel. PreCheck approval typically takes three to five business days after your appointment, but delays can happen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photocopy of my birth certificate?

No. TSA requires the original certified birth certificate issued by the state vital records office. Photocopies, even certified photocopies, and hospital birth records do not count. You must bring the original document to your appointment, and TSA will return it to you after verifying it.

What if I was born in another country?

Bring a valid U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, or Certificate of Citizenship instead. If you are a lawful permanent resident, your green card works. A birth certificate from another country does not prove U.S. citizenship and will not be accepted.

Can I send my birth certificate to the TSA appointment center ahead of time?

No. TSA must see and verify the original document in person at your appointment. Mailing it ahead of time risks losing it, and TSA will not hold documents sent in advance. Bring it with you on the day of your appointment.

How long does it take to get a certified birth certificate?

Standard processing takes one to four weeks depending on your state. Online orders are usually fastest at one to two weeks. Mail orders take longer. Many states offer rush processing for an extra fee if you need it sooner. Check your state's vital records office website for exact timelines and fees.

What if I lost my birth certificate and cannot get a replacement in time?

Use a passport, Certificate of Naturalization, or Certificate of Citizenship instead — any of these prove citizenship without a birth certificate. If you have a passport, bring it to your appointment. If you do not, ordering a passport takes four to six weeks, so contact your state vital records office about rush birth certificate processing as an alternative.