You do not need a passport to get TSA PreCheck, but you do need one form of federal ID

TSA PreCheck requires a valid government-issued ID, but a passport is not the only option. You can use a driver's license, state ID card, military ID, or passport card instead. The requirement is that your ID must be current and issued by a U.S. state or federal agency. A passport book works, but most people find a driver's license simpler because they already carry it.

The real requirement is proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residency. A passport proves both at once, which is why people sometimes think it is mandatory. But TSA accepts other documents that show the same thing—a birth certificate paired with a state ID, for example, or a naturalization certificate. The ID itself just needs to be government-issued and unexpired.

Key Takeaways

  • A valid driver's license or state ID card is sufficient for TSA PreCheck; you do not need a passport.
  • You must prove U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency, which can be done with a birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card.
  • Your government-issued ID must be current and unexpired at the time of your in-person appointment.
  • The TSA PreCheck process process takes place at an enrollment center, where you will show your ID and citizenship documents in person.

What ID documents TSA PreCheck actually accepts

For the photo ID requirement, TSA accepts a current U.S. driver's license, state ID card, passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID. The ID must not be expired. If your driver's license is still valid, you can use that alone—you do not need to obtain a passport or passport card first.

For proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residency, you have several options. A U.S. passport or passport card proves citizenship. So does a birth certificate issued by a U.S. state, a naturalization certificate, a certificate of citizenship, or a permanent resident card (green card). If you were born outside the U.S., you will need the birth certificate plus another document showing your status, such as a naturalization certificate or green card.

Bring the originals of these documents to your in-person appointment. TSA will not accept photocopies or digital images. If you are unsure whether your documents meet the requirement, contact the enrollment center where you plan to have your appointment—they can tell you before you arrive.

How the in-person appointment works

TSA PreCheck requires an in-person visit to an enrollment center. You cannot complete the process online or by mail. At the appointment, a TSA officer will review your ID and citizenship documents, take your fingerprints, and ask background questions. The whole visit usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

You will need to bring your government-issued ID and proof of citizenship in their original form. You will also need to provide your Social Security number and answer questions about your background, residence history, and any criminal or immigration matters. Be honest in your answers—TSA conducts a background check that includes FBI and Department of Homeland Security records.

After your appointment, TSA processes your background check, which typically takes two to three weeks. Once approved, you receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) that you enter when booking flights. Your TSA PreCheck membership lasts five years.

Where to find an enrollment center near you

Enrollment centers are located at airports, some police departments, and private security companies across the country. The TSA website has a search tool where you enter your zip code and see available centers, appointment times, and the fee (currently $78 to $85 for a five-year membership, though some locations offer discounts or fee waivers).

Many airports have enrollment centers in their terminals, so you can schedule an appointment before or after a trip. Some centers are open early morning or evening to accommodate work schedules. Book your appointment online through the TSA website or the enrollment center's own system—walk-ins are not usually accepted.

What happens if your ID is expired or you do not have citizenship documents

If your driver's license or state ID is expired, you will need to renew it before your TSA PreCheck appointment. TSA will not accept an expired ID, even if you have a renewal process pending. Contact your state's DMV to renew your license—the process usually takes one to three weeks depending on your state.

If you do not have a birth certificate, you can order one from the vital records office in the state where you were born. This process takes one to four weeks depending on the state and whether you order by mail or in person. If you were born outside the U.S., contact the U.S. State Department about obtaining a passport or passport card, which serves as proof of citizenship.

If you are a permanent resident (green card holder), bring your green card and a government-issued ID. If you are a naturalized citizen but do not have your naturalization certificate, you can request a copy from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), though this takes several weeks. Plan ahead so you have all documents before scheduling your appointment.

Passport card versus passport book for TSA PreCheck

A passport card is a wallet-sized ID that proves U.S. citizenship and can be used for TSA PreCheck. It costs less than a passport book and takes less time to obtain. However, a passport card can only be used for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean—not for air travel outside the U.S. A passport book works for all international air travel.

For TSA PreCheck purposes alone, either document works the same way. If you already have a passport book, you do not need a passport card. If you do not have either and do not plan to travel internationally by air, a passport card is a cheaper option than a passport book. But if you might travel internationally by plane in the future, a passport book is the better choice.

You can explore for a passport card at the same time as a passport book, or explore for just the card. Processing times vary—routine service takes several weeks, and expedited service costs extra. Check the State Department website for current processing times in your area before you explore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an expired passport for TSA PreCheck?

No. Your government-issued ID must be current and unexpired. If your passport is expired, you will need to renew it before your appointment. You can renew by mail or in person depending on how long it has been expired and whether you want expedited service.

What if I was born outside the U.S. but am a citizen?

Bring your naturalization certificate or certificate of citizenship along with a valid government-issued ID. If you do not have your naturalization certificate, contact USCIS to request a copy before scheduling your appointment. A passport also works as proof of citizenship if you already have one.

Do I need to renew my passport before explore for TSA PreCheck?

Only if you plan to use your passport as your government-issued ID for the appointment. If you have a valid driver's license or state ID, you can use that instead and do not need a passport at all.

How much does TSA PreCheck cost if I do not have a passport?

The cost is the same whether you have a passport or not—currently $78 to $85 for five years. The fee covers the background check and enrollment process, not the ID documents themselves. Some enrollment centers offer discounts for military members, veterans, or other groups.

Can I bring a digital copy of my birth certificate to the appointment?

No. TSA requires original documents. Bring the physical birth certificate issued by your state's vital records office. If you do not have the original, order one from the state where you were born before your appointment.