Federal law and operational considerations restrict the return of prohibited items that are left at the security checkpoint.

All disputes or mitigating information specific to an individual case must be submitted to the Special Enforcement Program Office in writing. The preferred way to contact us is by email, at NOV.APO@dhs.gov. If you are unable to contact us by email, you can send your correspondence, in writing, to:

U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Special Enforcement Program Office (TSA-801)
601 South 12th Street
Arlington, VA 20598-6801

Please include your full name, TSA case number and case agent’s name (found in the Notice of Violation), and your contact information (i.e., telephone numbers, mailing address, and email address).

TSA’s civil penalty amounts are based on published Sanction Guidance. Proposed penalty amounts are generally set at the low end of each violation category range. In some cases, however, penalties may be higher based on aggravating circumstances present in the case (e.g. repeat violations). You read the TSA Sanction Guidance Table in its entirety. If you believe that you cannot afford the proposed amount, you may select Option 3 in the Options Sheet and follow the instructions provided.

The quickest way to contact the Special Enforcement Program Office is to email to NOV.APO@tsa.dhs.gov and include your full name, TSA case number and case agent’s name (found in the Notice of Violation), and your telephone number. 

You may also contact the Special Enforcement Program Office at (571) 227-3994. Be prepared to leave a message providing your name, phone number, the case number and correct spelling of the individual who is listed on the notice of violation, and your case agent’s name. Your message will be directed to your case agent for a return call. It is TSA's goal to return all calls within 72 hours; however, in the event of a delay, the date of your message will be taken into consideration.

TSA is unable to advise passengers/individuals at the time of the incident whether or not they will be assessed a civil penalty. When an incident occurs, the screening personnel forward the information to the TSA regulatory department to determine if a violation of the Transportation Security Regulations occurred. Once the investigation has concluded and it is determined that a violation did occur, the individual is notified by a notice of violation.

You may respond to the Notice of Volation by choosing one of the five options listed in the options sheet that is attached to your notice. Instructions for submitting your response are contained in the options sheet.

All communications with TSA in regard to a specific Notice of Violation must be made in writing with an appropriate options sheet selection by emailing NOV.APO@dhs.gov. Please include your full name, TSA case number and case agent’s name (found in the Notice of Violation), and your contact information (i.e., telephone numbers, mailing address, and email address) in your email. 

You may also respond by mail to:

U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Special Enforcement Program Office (TSA-801)
601 South 12th Street
Arlington, VA 20598-6801

Your response is due within 30 days of your receipt of the NOV.

Learn more by reviewing the regulation.

The informal conference is a meeting with a TSA official to discuss your case. It allows you to present information that you would like the TSA to consider before making a final decision. If you request an Informal Conference, a TSA official will be assigned to your case and will contact you to schedule and hold the Informal Conference. Further action is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the facts and circumstances of each case.

A notice of violation is a notification by TSA of the initiation of a civil penalty action against an individual for an alleged violation of a security requirement outlined in the Transportation Security Regulations.

This option is a settlement offer by the TSA in an effort to resolve this matter fairly and quickly.