What a TSA Notification Card Is and Who Needs One

A TSA Notification Card is a wallet-sized card that tells TSA officers you have a medical condition, disability, or other circumstance that may affect your airport screening. You hand it to the officer at the checkpoint instead of explaining verbally. The card does not exempt you from screening — you still go through metal detectors, X-ray machines, and pat-downs — but it alerts the officer to your situation so they can adjust their approach.

You might use a notification card if you have a prosthetic limb, a pacemaker, a colostomy bag, severe anxiety, autism, hearing loss, or another condition that makes standard screening uncomfortable or difficult. The card is voluntary. TSA does not require you to disclose your condition, but many travelers find it faster and less stressful than explaining at the checkpoint.

The card is free and comes directly from TSA. You do not order it through a third-party website or pay a fee.

Key Takeaways

  • TSA Notification Cards are free, wallet-sized cards you show at airport security to alert officers to a medical condition or disability without speaking about it.
  • You can request a card in person at any airport TSA checkpoint, by mail through the TSA website, or by calling the TSA Contact Center.
  • The card does not change what screening you undergo — you still pass through metal detectors and may receive a pat-down — but it tells officers to be aware of your situation.
  • TSA typically mails cards within two to three weeks of your request, though in-person requests at checkpoints are faster.

Requesting a Card at an Airport Checkpoint

The fastest way to get a notification card is to ask for one at the TSA checkpoint during your next flight. Walk up to the TSA officer at the start of the security line and say you would like a notification card. You do not need to explain your condition — the officer will hand you a blank card and a pen, and you can write on it yourself or leave it blank for the officer to fill in.

If you write on the card, keep it brief: "Prosthetic leg," "Pacemaker," "Deaf," or "Anxiety" are all sufficient. The card is small, so there is not much space. You will have your card in hand before you go through screening that day.

This method works if you are traveling soon and do not want to wait for mail delivery. If you are not flying in the near future, use one of the other methods below.

Requesting a Card by Mail

You can request a notification card through the TSA website and receive it by mail. Go to tsa.gov, find the "Notification Card" page under the "Travelers with Disabilities and Medical Conditions" section, and look for the mailing address or online form. TSA will mail you a blank card or a card with your condition pre-printed, depending on what you request.

Mail requests typically take two to three weeks. Include your name and mailing address. You do not need to provide medical documentation or proof of your condition — TSA takes your word for it. If you prefer a card with your condition already printed on it, write or type your condition clearly so TSA can read it.

Keep the card in your wallet or bag so you have it every time you travel. You can request multiple cards if you want to keep one at home and one in your travel bag.

Calling the TSA Contact Center

You can also call the TSA Contact Center at 1-855-787-2227 to request a notification card. The line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern time, and Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time. Tell the representative you want a notification card, provide your mailing address, and describe your condition if you want it printed on the card.

The card will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. This method is useful if you prefer to speak with someone directly or have questions about how the card works before you request one.

What Happens When You Use Your Card at Security

When you reach the TSA checkpoint, hand your notification card to the officer along with your ID and boarding pass. The officer will read it, acknowledge your condition, and may ask clarifying questions — for example, if your card says "Prosthetic leg," they may ask which leg so they know where to expect metal. Answer honestly and briefly.

You will still go through the standard screening process. If you have a metal implant like a pacemaker, the officer may use a hand-held metal detector instead of the walk-through machine, or they may pat you down instead. If you have a colostomy bag or other medical device, you can request a private screening area. The card straightforward tells the officer what to expect and how to make the process work for you.

TSA officers see notification cards regularly and are trained to handle them. You do not need to feel embarrassed or worried about handing one over.

Conditions That Warrant a Notification Card

You can request a card for any medical condition, disability, or circumstance that affects airport screening. Common reasons include prosthetics, pacemakers, insulin pumps, colostomy or ileostomy bags, hearing aids, cochlear implants, joint replacements, back braces, and anxiety or autism that makes verbal communication difficult at checkpoints.

You can also use a card if you have a condition that causes you to need a companion at security, such as dementia or severe mobility loss. The card alerts the officer that you may need extra time or information. There is no official list of may have access to conditions — TSA leaves it to you to decide whether a card would help.

If you are unsure whether a card would be useful for your situation, you can always ask a TSA officer at your next flight, or call the TSA Contact Center to discuss your specific needs.

Replacing a Lost or Damaged Card

If you lose your notification card or it becomes unreadable, you can request a replacement using any of the three methods above: in person at a checkpoint, by mail through the TSA website, or by phone. There is no charge for a replacement, and TSA will mail a new one or give you one on the spot at the checkpoint.

Because the card is small and straightforward to lose, many travelers request multiple cards at once — one for their wallet, one for a carry-on bag, and one for a checked bag. This way, you always have a card with you even if one goes missing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a notification card mean I do not have to go through metal detectors or pat-downs?

No. The card alerts the officer to your condition, but you still undergo standard screening. Depending on your condition, the officer may modify how they screen you — for example, using a hand-held detector instead of a walk-through machine — but you will not skip screening entirely.

Can I use someone else's notification card, or can I make my own?

The card is personal to you. TSA does not verify identity against the card, so technically you could use someone else's, but doing so defeats the purpose — the card is meant to communicate your actual condition to the officer. Making your own card at home is not recommended because TSA officers may not recognize a homemade card as official. Request an official card from TSA instead.

What if the TSA officer does not recognize my notification card?

TSA officers are trained to recognize notification cards, but if an officer seems unfamiliar with yours, explain briefly what the card is and what condition it refers to. You can also ask to speak with a supervisor if you feel the officer is not taking the card seriously. Most officers will accommodate your request once they understand.

Do I need a notification card if I have a service dog?

A service dog is handled separately from a notification card. Bring documentation of your service dog's training and your disability, and inform the TSA officer that you have a service dog. A notification card can still be useful if you also have a medical condition that affects screening, but it is not required for the dog itself.

Can I request a card online and have it printed at home?

TSA does not currently offer a printable version of the notification card. You must request a physical card by mail, phone, or in person at a checkpoint. The card is small and designed to fit in a wallet, so a printed version would not serve the same purpose.