What the TSA Disability Notification Card Is and How to Request It
The TSA Disability Notification Card is a wallet-sized card you can show to TSA officers at airport security checkpoints. It alerts them that you have a disability that may affect how you move through screening—for example, difficulty removing shoes, hearing loss, or mobility challenges. The card does not change TSA rules or exempt you from screening; it straightforward gives you a way to communicate your needs without speaking if that's difficult for you.
You can request this card online through the TSA website at no cost. The process takes about 10 minutes, and TSA will mail the card to your address. You do not need to upload medical documents or prove your disability—you fill out a form describing your condition and how it affects you at security.
The card is optional. Some travelers find it helpful; others prefer to tell officers directly. If you decide to use one, you show it during the ID check step of screening, and the officer will note your needs before you begin the process.
Key Takeaways
- Request the card through the official TSA website by filling out a short online form with your name, address, and a description of your disability.
- The card is mailed to you at no cost and takes one to two weeks to arrive after you submit your request.
- You do not need medical records, doctor's letters, or proof of disability to request the card.
- The card is a communication tool only—it does not change screening procedures or exempt you from any TSA rules.
- You can request a replacement card if yours is lost, damaged, or stolen using the same online form.
Step-by-Step: Requesting Your Card Online
Go to the TSA website and look for the Disability Notification Card section under "Travel Tips" or use the search function to find "disability notification card." The link takes you directly to the request form.
Fill in your full name, mailing address, phone number, and email address. These fields are required so TSA knows where to send your card and how to contact you if there are questions. Use the address where you want the card mailed—this is usually your home address, but it can be any address you check regularly.
In the text box labeled "Describe your disability and how it affects you at airport security," write a brief explanation. You might write something like "I have arthritis and cannot remove my shoes quickly" or "I am deaf and communicate through sign language" or "I use a wheelchair and need information moving through the checkpoint." Be specific about what officers should know, but you do not need to write a long paragraph—two or three sentences is enough.
Review your information for spelling and accuracy, then submit the form. You will see a confirmation message on screen. TSA will mail your card within one to two weeks. If you do not receive it after three weeks, call the TSA at 1-855-787-2227 to check the status.
What Information You Need Before You Start
Have your mailing address ready—the address where you want the card sent. If you have moved recently, use your current address so the card reaches you.
Think through what you want to tell TSA about your disability. You do not need to name a specific diagnosis. Instead, focus on what happens at security: do you move slowly, have trouble hearing announcements, need to keep medication with you, have anxiety in crowds, or use mobility equipment? The officer reading your card will use this information to adjust how they communicate with you or what they ask you to do.
You do not need a doctor's note, medical records, or any documentation. TSA does not verify disability status for this card. The form is based on your own description of your needs.
How to Use Your Card at the Airport
When you reach the TSA checkpoint, have your card ready along with your ID and boarding pass. Show the card to the officer during the ID check—this is when they look at your driver's license or passport. Hand them the card and they will read it while you wait.
The officer will then let you know how screening will work for you. For example, if your card says you cannot remove your shoes, they may use a different screening method instead of asking you to take them off. If your card mentions hearing loss, they may speak more clearly or write instructions down. The card gives the officer context before they start asking you questions.
You still go through all standard screening steps—metal detectors, bag screening, pat-downs if needed. The card does not skip any of these. It only tells the officer about your needs so they can communicate better or adjust their approach where possible.
Replacing a Lost, Damaged, or Stolen Card
If your card is lost, damaged, or stolen, you can request a replacement using the same online form. Fill it out again with your information and submit it. TSA will mail you a new card at no cost.
You do not need to report the card as stolen or lost to TSA beforehand. straightforward request a new one through the form. If you want to note that the card was lost or stolen, you can mention it in the description box, but it is not required.
There is no limit to how many times you can request a replacement card. If you lose cards frequently, you might keep a photo of your card on your phone as a backup, or request a new one each time you travel.
What the Card Does and Does Not Do
The card is a communication tool. It tells TSA officers about your disability so they understand your needs before screening begins. It can reduce stress if speaking about your disability is hard for you, or if you worry officers will not understand your needs.
The card does not change TSA screening rules. You still remove liquids from your bag, go through metal detectors, and follow all standard procedures. It does not exempt you from pat-downs, additional screening, or any other security step. It does not give you a faster lane or skip any part of the checkpoint.
The card does not prove you have a disability or give you any legal status. It is straightforward a card you carry to help communicate at the airport. TSA officers are trained to work with travelers who have disabilities, and the card is one tool to help that conversation happen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a doctor's letter or medical records to request the card?
No. TSA does not ask for any medical documentation. You fill out the form yourself and describe your disability in your own words. TSA does not verify your diagnosis or require proof.
How long does it take to receive the card after I submit the form?
TSA typically mails the card within one to two weeks of your request. Delivery time depends on your location and the mail service. If you do not receive it after three weeks, call 1-855-787-2227 to check on it.
Can I use the card at airports outside the United States?
The TSA Disability Notification Card is for U.S. airports only. International airports have their own security procedures. You may want to contact the airport or airline ahead of time to let them know about your disability and ask what accommodations they offer.
What if I change my mind about what I wrote on the card?
Request a new card through the online form and describe your disability differently. You can request as many cards as you need. When your new card arrives, you can use that one and discard the old one.
Does the card work at TSA PreCheck or Clear lanes?
The card works at any TSA checkpoint, including PreCheck and Clear lanes if you use those programs. Show it to the officer the same way you would at a standard checkpoint.