Which documents does TSA accept as proof of U.S. citizenship at airport security?
Executive summary
The Transportation Security Administration accepts a range of federal, state and tribal identity documents as evidence of U.S. citizenship at airport security, with passports (book or card), certain birth and naturalization certificates, and some enhanced IDs at the top of the list; the precise documents and how they are used differ between general checkpoint ID rules and the documents required for programs like TSA PreCheck® (TSA's own guidance) [1] [2]. Travelers who lack an acceptable ID may still be screened through identity verification procedures (including the TSA ConfirmID process for a fee), but they should not assume all documents will be treated the same in all contexts—check the specific TSA page relevant to the service being sought [1] [3].
1. What TSA treats as primary proof of U.S. citizenship: passports and passport cards
An unexpired U.S. passport—book or card—is the clearest, universally accepted proof of U.S. citizenship at TSA checkpoints and for enrollment programs such as TSA PreCheck® [4] [2]; an expired U.S. passport that expired within the past 12 months can sometimes be used as proof of citizenship but not always as a stand‑alone identity document in certain enrollment contexts, so travelers should consult the specific guidance for the program or checkpoint they face [2] [4].
2. Certificates and citizen‑specific documents accepted by TSA
TSA recognizes documentary evidence tied directly to naturalization or citizenship: U.S. Certificate of Citizenship (forms N‑560 or N‑561), U.S. Certificate of Naturalization (N‑550 or N‑570), and U.S. Citizen Identification Cards (I‑179 or I‑197) are listed as acceptable proofs in TSA's enrollment materials and related guidance [2] [4].
3. Enhanced IDs, tribal cards and other travel credentials that demonstrate citizenship
Certain enhanced identity documents that explicitly assert citizenship—such as enhanced driver’s licenses (EDLs) issued by participating states, Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETC), Free and Secure Trade (FAST) cards, and some merchant mariner or DHS credentials—are also on TSA’s roster of acceptable documents because they convey both identity and lawful status [4] [5] [1].
4. The difference between “acceptable ID” for checkpoints and documents required for program enrollment
TSA maintains separate—but overlapping—lists: the set of IDs that get a traveler through a security checkpoint (REAL ID‑compliant driver’s licenses, passports, DHS Trusted Traveler cards, etc.) is not identical to every form of documentary proof that will satisfy program enrollment (for example PreCheck® requires original or certified citizenship/immigration documents) [1] [2] [6]. Enrollment workflows often demand originals or certified copies with official seals; short‑form birth records and notarized copies are explicitly unacceptable in those contexts [2] [4].
5. What happens if a traveler lacks an acceptable citizenship or identity document
If a traveler arrives without an acceptable form of ID, TSA can still attempt identity verification and allow screening under alternative procedures; beginning February 1, 2026 travelers without acceptable ID will also have the option to use TSA ConfirmID for a $45 fee, through which TSA attempts to verify identity so the screening process can proceed [1] [3]. This is a contingency, not a guarantee, and the timeliness and outcome depend on the checkpoint and available systems [1].
6. Caveats, friction points and why guidance can feel confusing
Reporting and agency pages show an implicit tension: DHS/TSA push for REAL ID compliance and digital identity pilots while also listing many legacy or narrow documents that prove citizenship for specific purposes [3] [1]. Some nonprofit and travel resources note instances where agents have erroneously denied valid documents (such as EADs or certain USCIS cards), underscoring that on‑the‑ground practice can vary even when documentation is technically acceptable—travelers with nonstandard documents are advised to carry originals and to allow extra time [7] [8]. TSA’s public pages and enrollment sites remain the authoritative source for which exact documents will be accepted for a given checkpoint or service [2] [1].