What documents TSA actually accepts at airport security

You can fly domestically with a birth certificate, but only if you also bring a second form of identification that shows your name and date of birth. A birth certificate alone is not enough — TSA requires two documents together. The second document can be a passport, passport card, driver's license, state ID card, or military ID.

This two-document rule exists because a birth certificate proves who you are, but it does not have your photo or signature. TSA uses the second document to verify that the person at the checkpoint matches the name on both documents. If you show up with only a birth certificate and nothing else, the TSA officer will not let you through security.

The birth certificate must be an official copy — the kind issued by the vital records office in the state where you were born. A photocopy, a hospital birth certificate, or a certified copy from a hospital does not work. You need the document that has an official seal or raised stamp from your state's vital records department.

Key Takeaways

  • A birth certificate must be paired with a second form of ID that shows your name and date of birth; neither document works alone at TSA security.
  • The birth certificate must be an official vital records copy with a state seal or raised stamp, not a hospital copy or photocopy.
  • Your second ID can be a passport, passport card, driver's license, state ID, or military ID — any document with your photo or signature.
  • This combination works for domestic flights only; international travel requires a passport or passport card.
  • If you do not have either document, you can still fly but expect a longer security screening that includes additional identity verification steps.

Why TSA requires two documents instead of one

Birth certificates were created to record your birth, not to verify your identity at airports. They contain your name and date of birth, but they do not include a photo, signature, or any security features that make them hard to forge. TSA pairs a birth certificate with a second document that has one of those features — usually a photo — so the officer can see that you are the person named on both documents.

This system also protects you. If someone stole your birth certificate, they could not board a plane in your name without also having a second ID that matches your appearance. The two-document rule is a basic security check that has been in place since the early 2000s.

Which second documents work with a birth certificate

Any of these documents will work as your second form of ID when paired with a birth certificate:

  • U.S. passport or passport card
  • Driver's license (any state)
  • State ID card (non-driver)
  • Military ID (active duty, reserve, retired, or dependent)
  • Tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe
  • Enhanced driver's license or enhanced ID card

The second document must show your name and date of birth. It does not have to be current — an expired driver's license or military ID will work. However, if the name on your second ID does not match the name on your birth certificate exactly, bring a third document that explains the change, such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree.

How to get an official birth certificate if you do not have one

You request an official birth certificate from the vital records office in the state where you were born, not from the hospital. Each state has its own office — some call it the Department of Vital Records, others call it the Bureau of Vital Statistics. You can find the correct office by searching "[your state] vital records" online.

Most states let you order a birth certificate by mail, online, or in person. The process usually takes one to two weeks by mail, though some states offer rush processing for an extra fee. You will need to provide your full name, date of birth, and the names of your parents. The cost ranges from about $15 to $30 depending on the state.

If you were born outside the United States, you cannot use a U.S. birth certificate because you do not have one. Instead, bring your passport or passport card, which works as a standalone document at TSA security for domestic flights.

What happens if you arrive at security with only a birth certificate

If you show up with only a birth certificate and no second form of ID, TSA will not let you through the regular security line. You have two options: go home and get your second ID, or go through additional identity verification.

The additional verification process is called secondary screening. An officer will take you to a separate area and ask you questions about your identity — your address, your Social Security number, details from your credit report, or other personal information. This process can take 20 to 45 minutes. If you pass the verification, you can proceed to your flight. If you do not, you will not be allowed to fly that day.

Secondary screening is not a punishment, but it is time-consuming and stressful. It is much easier to bring both documents from the start.

Flying internationally with a birth certificate

You cannot fly internationally with a birth certificate alone, even if you pair it with a second ID. International travel requires a passport or passport card. Some countries also require a visa in addition to your passport.

If you are planning an international trip and do not have a passport, you will need to explore for one before your flight. The passport process process takes several weeks, so plan ahead. You can explore at a passport acceptance facility, which is usually located at a post office, library, or courthouse in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a hospital birth certificate at the airport?

No. Hospital birth certificates are not official documents and TSA will not accept them. You need a birth certificate issued by your state's vital records office, which has an official seal or raised stamp. If you only have a hospital copy, you will need to order an official one from your state before you fly.

What if my name on my birth certificate does not match my driver's license?

Bring a third document that explains the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Show all three documents together at security. The officer will verify that the name changes are legitimate and let you through.

Do I need to bring the original birth certificate or can I bring a copy?

You must bring the original official birth certificate issued by your state. A photocopy or certified copy will not work. Keep it in a safe place during your trip — if you lose it, you will need to order a replacement before you can fly home.

Can my child fly with a birth certificate and my ID?

No. Each passenger, including children, must have their own two forms of ID or a passport. A child's birth certificate must be paired with a second document in the child's name, such as a passport, passport card, or state ID. You cannot use your ID as the second document for your child.

Is a birth certificate faster than getting a Real ID?

Not necessarily. Ordering an official birth certificate takes one to two weeks by mail in most states. A Real ID driver's license takes about the same time or longer, depending on your state's processing speed. If you already have a current driver's license or passport, using that with your birth certificate is faster than getting either new document.