What to Pack and Prepare Before Your TSA PreCheck or Global Entry Interview

Get your documents and information ready before you show up

Your trusted traveler interview has a single purpose: the program needs to verify who you are, check your background, and confirm you meet the basic requirements. You will not pass by accident. Bring the wrong documents or leave out a piece of information, and you will either reschedule or walk out without approval. The checklist below covers what you actually need to bring, what you should know before you arrive, and what happens if something is missing.

The specific documents vary slightly between TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, and between first-time applicants and renewals. This guide covers both, so read the section that matches your situation.

Key Takeaways

• Bring your valid passport or state ID, proof of citizenship or lawful permanent resident status, and your Social Security number — these three are non-negotiable for any trusted traveler program.
• Have a secondary form of ID ready (utility bill, bank statement, or lease) because the officer will ask for two pieces of identification.
• Know your travel history for the past five years, including countries visited and approximate dates, because the officer will ask and your answer goes into the background check.
• Bring your conditional approval notice or renewal notice if you received one by email or mail — do not assume the officer has it in the system.
• Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early with all documents in a single folder, because late arrival or missing documents will result in rescheduling.

Documents you must bring: first-time applicants

Start with your primary ID. For TSA PreCheck, bring a valid state-issued driver's license or passport. For Global Entry, you must bring a valid passport. If your passport is expired, you cannot proceed — the officer will not interview you. If your state ID is expired, TSA PreCheck will not move forward either.

Next, bring proof of citizenship or lawful permanent resident status. U.S. citizens should bring their passport, birth certificate (original or certified copy), or Certificate of Citizenship. Lawful permanent residents must bring their green card (Form I-551) or Permanent Resident Card. If you are a naturalized citizen, bring your Certificate of Naturalization. Do not bring a photocopy unless the original is damaged — the officer will want to see the real document.

Bring a second form of ID. This can be a utility bill, bank statement, lease agreement, or mortgage statement with your current address. It must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days. A credit card does not count. A library card does not count. The officer will check this against your primary ID to confirm your address.

Write down your Social Security number or bring a document that shows it. The officer will ask for it verbally and may verify it against your application. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring documentation of your immigration status and work authorization instead.

Documents you must bring: renewal applicants

Renewal interviews are shorter than first-time interviews, but you still need to bring identification. Bring your current trusted traveler card (your PreCheck or Global Entry card) and a valid state ID or passport. If your card is expired, bring it anyway — it proves you held the status before.

Bring your renewal notice if you received one by email or mail. This is the letter or email that told you your membership was expiring and invited you to renew. The officer will use it to pull up your file. If you cannot find it, tell the officer your known traveler number (KTN), which appears on your card or in your TSA PreCheck or Global Entry account online.

Bring a secondary form of ID showing your current address if you have moved since your last interview. If your address has not changed, you may not need it, but bring it anyway to avoid delay.

Information to prepare before your interview

The officer will ask about your travel history for the past five years. Write down the countries you have visited, the approximate dates you went, and the purpose of each trip (business, leisure, visiting family). You do not need exact dates — "summer 2022" or "March to April 2023" is fine. If you traveled frequently, list the major trips; you do not need to list every weekend in Canada if you live near the border.

Be ready to explain any gaps in your employment history or any moves between states. The officer is looking for patterns that might suggest you were not in the country or were living under a different identity. If you were unemployed, in school, or caring for family, say so. If you moved for a job, say where and when.

Know your current address and how long you have lived there. If you have lived at your current address for less than two years, be ready to name your previous address and how long you lived there.

If you have any criminal history — even a traffic ticket that resulted in a fine or a misdemeanor that was dismissed — write down the date, the charge, and the outcome. The officer will run a background check and will see it. Being honest about it before they find it is better than being caught off guard. If you have a felony conviction, you are ineligible for both programs, and you should not attend the interview.

What to bring in your folder or bag

Put all your documents in a single folder or envelope so nothing gets lost and you can hand everything to the officer at once. Organize it in this order: primary ID on top, proof of citizenship or status second, secondary ID third, and any renewal notice or approval letter last. If you brought written notes about your travel history or employment, include those at the back.

Do not bring originals of documents you do not need. Do not bring your entire passport — just the passport itself is fine. Do not bring bank statements or utility bills unless they are your secondary ID. The officer will not want to see your medical records, your lease, or your tax returns unless you are specifically asked to bring them.

Bring a pen. You may need to sign a form or update information on your application.

What to expect during the interview

The interview usually lasts 10 to 15 minutes. The officer will ask you to confirm your name, date of birth, and address. They will ask about your travel history, your employment, and whether you have ever been arrested or convicted of a crime. They will take your fingerprints digitally. They will take a photo if you do not already have one on file.

The officer will ask why you want trusted traveler status. Answer honestly: you want to move through security faster, or you travel frequently for work, or you want to avoid removing your shoes and belt. There is no wrong answer. The officer is not judging your reason; they are checking that you understand what the program does.

If the officer asks a question you do not understand, ask them to repeat it. If you do not know the answer, say so. Do not guess at dates or make up information. If you cannot remember whether you visited a country in 2019 or 2020, say "I am not sure of the exact year, but it was around that time."

At the end of the interview, the officer will tell you whether you have been approved, conditionally approved, or denied. Conditional approval means they need more information or documentation; they will tell you what to send and where to send it. Approval means your membership is active immediately, and you can use your known traveler number (KTN) right away. Denial means you do not meet the requirements; you can ask why, but the decision is final.

If you are missing a document or cannot attend

If you realize before your interview that you do not have a required document, contact the TSA PreCheck or Global Entry program to reschedule. Do not show up without it. The officer will not interview you, and you will have wasted the trip.

If you need to reschedule, log into your account on the TSA PreCheck or Global Entry website and cancel your appointment. You can then book a new one. If you cannot cancel online, call the program's customer service line — the number is on your appointment confirmation email.

If you miss your appointment without canceling, you may lose your application fee. If you cancel within 24 hours of your appointment, you can usually reschedule for free. After 24 hours, you may have to pay the fee again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my passport card instead of my full passport for Global Entry?

No. Global Entry requires a valid passport book. A passport card is not accepted. If your passport book is expired, you must renew it before your interview. TSA PreCheck accepts a state ID instead, but Global Entry does not.

What if I do not have a birth certificate or Certificate of Citizenship?

Bring your passport instead. If you are a naturalized citizen and do not have your Certificate of Naturalization, bring your passport and your green card (if you still have it). The officer can verify your citizenship through the system. Call ahead to confirm what documents your specific location will accept.

Do I need to bring my children to the interview?

No. Trusted traveler programs are individual memberships. Each person, including children, must have their own interview and their own membership. You cannot attend an interview on behalf of your child. Schedule separate appointments for each family member who wants the program.

Can I reschedule my interview if I get sick or have an emergency?

Yes. Cancel your appointment online through your TSA PreCheck or Global Entry account as soon as you know you cannot attend. You can then book a new appointment. If you cancel within 24 hours, there is usually no fee. After 24 hours, you may lose your application fee.

What happens if the officer finds something wrong with my documents?

The officer will tell you what the problem is. If it is a minor issue — like your address on your secondary ID does not match your primary ID — they may ask you to explain. If it is a major issue — like your ID is expired — they will reschedule you and ask you to come back with a valid document. Bring the corrected document to your new appointment.