What a TSA Disability Notification Card Is and How to Request One
A TSA Disability Notification Card is a wallet-sized card you can show to TSA officers at airport security checkpoints to discreetly communicate that you have a disability or medical condition that may affect how you move through screening. The card does not grant you special privileges or bypass security—it straightforward alerts officers that you may need extra time, information, or modifications to standard screening procedures.
You request the card directly from TSA, either online through their website or by mail. There is no cost, and you do not need a doctor's letter or formal diagnosis documentation. TSA does not verify your condition; the card works on your word that you have a disability that warrants it. Once approved, TSA mails the card to you, and you can present it whenever you travel.
The card is useful if you have a condition that makes standard screening difficult—chronic pain, anxiety, sensory sensitivities, mobility limitations, or invisible disabilities that officers cannot see. Instead of explaining your situation verbally at a busy checkpoint, you hand over the card, and the officer knows to adjust their approach.
Key Takeaways
- You request a TSA Disability Notification Card online at tsa.gov or by mail; there is no cost and no medical documentation required.
- The card does not exempt you from security screening—it alerts officers that you may need extra time or modifications to standard procedures.
- TSA mails the card to your address within two to three weeks of approval.
- You present the card at the checkpoint to communicate your disability without speaking, which can reduce stress and confusion during screening.
- The card is valid for five years and can be renewed by requesting a new one through the same process.
How to Request the Card Online
The fastest way to request a card is through the TSA website. Go to tsa.gov and look for the "Disability Notification Card" section under their accessibility resources. You will fill out a short online form with your name, mailing address, email, and phone number. You will also select the reason you are requesting the card—TSA offers categories like mobility disability, cognitive disability, hearing loss, vision loss, and other medical conditions.
You do not need to describe your specific diagnosis or provide medical proof. TSA asks only that you confirm you have a disability or medical condition that may affect your ability to go through standard screening. Once you submit the form, TSA sends you a confirmation email. The card itself arrives by mail within two to three weeks.
Keep your confirmation email. If your card does not arrive within four weeks, you can contact TSA using the reference number from that email to check the status.
Requesting the Card by Mail
If you prefer to request the card by mail, print the TSA Disability Notification Card Request Form from tsa.gov, fill it out by hand, and mail it to the address listed on the form. The form asks for the same information as the online version: your name, address, email, phone, and the general category of your disability.
Mail the form to TSA's mailing address, which is listed on the form itself. Processing by mail takes longer than online submission—typically four to six weeks from the time TSA receives your form. Include your phone number and email so TSA can contact you if there are any questions.
What Happens When You Present the Card at Security
When you arrive at the checkpoint, have your card ready along with your ID and boarding pass. You can hand the card to the TSA officer before screening begins. The officer will read it and know that you have a disability that may require accommodation. This might mean they give you extra time to remove shoes or clothing, allow you to keep medical devices on, permit a companion to stand closer during pat-down screening, or adjust the screening process in other ways.
The card does not change the fact that you must go through security screening—you still walk through the metal detector or body scanner, and officers may still conduct a pat-down if needed. What changes is that the officer understands your situation and can modify their approach. For example, if you have anxiety, the officer may explain each step before doing it. If you have mobility issues, they may allow you to sit while removing shoes.
Not every officer will be familiar with the card, especially at smaller airports. If an officer seems confused, you can explain briefly that the card alerts them to your disability and ask what accommodations they can provide. You can also ask to speak to a supervisor if you feel your needs are not being met.
Renewing Your Card When It Expires
TSA Disability Notification Cards are valid for five years from the date of issue. You do not need to wait until it expires to renew—you can request a new card anytime by submitting the online form or mailing in a new request form. If your card is lost or damaged, you can also request a replacement using the same process.
When you request a renewal, treat it as a new process. You will fill out the form again with your current information. TSA will mail the new card to you within two to three weeks. There is no limit to how many times you can renew.
What the Card Does Not Do
The card does not give you a faster lane through security or allow you to skip screening. It does not exempt you from removing shoes, belts, or liquids from your bag. It does not allow you to bring items that are normally prohibited. It does not may provide that every officer will know how to respond or will make the exact accommodations you want.
The card is a communication tool, not a legal document or medical certification. TSA does not verify your condition, and presenting the card does not create a record in any TSA database. Each time you travel, you present the card fresh to the officer at that checkpoint.
Other TSA Resources for Travelers With Disabilities
Beyond the Disability Notification Card, TSA offers other support. You can request a TSA PreCheck screening, which allows you to keep shoes, belts, and light jackets on and leave laptops and liquids in your bag—though PreCheck has a separate process process and a fee. You can also call ahead to your airport's TSA office to arrange a more detailed screening plan before you travel, which is helpful if you have complex medical equipment or severe anxiety.
TSA also allows a companion to accompany you through screening if you need information. You do not need special permission; just let the officer know when you arrive at the checkpoint. The companion can help you remove items, steady you, or provide emotional support during the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a doctor's letter or diagnosis to get the card?
No. TSA does not require medical documentation. You straightforward confirm on the form that you have a disability or medical condition that may affect screening. TSA does not verify your condition.
How long does it take to receive the card after I request it?
Online requests typically take two to three weeks. Mail requests take four to six weeks from the time TSA receives your form. If your card does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact TSA using your confirmation number.
Can I use the card at international airports or when flying internationally?
The card works at U.S. TSA checkpoints. International airports and foreign airlines have their own security procedures and may not recognize the TSA card. Contact your airline before traveling internationally to learn what accommodations they offer.
What if the TSA officer does not know what the card is?
Some officers, especially at smaller airports, may not be familiar with the card. You can briefly explain that it alerts them to your disability and ask what accommodations they can provide. If you feel your needs are not being met, ask to speak to a supervisor.
Can I request the card for someone else, like a family member?
No. The person with the disability must request the card themselves using their own name and address. If you are requesting on behalf of a minor or someone unable to complete the form, contact TSA directly to ask about the process.