A felony conviction does not automatically disqualify you from TSA PreCheck, but certain crimes will

TSA PreCheck is not closed to people with criminal records. The Transportation Security Administration reviews each process individually, and approval depends on the specific conviction, how long ago it occurred, and what you have done since. Some felonies—particularly violent crimes, drug trafficking, or crimes involving weapons—will likely result in denial. Other felonies, especially older ones or those unrelated to aviation security, may not prevent approval.

The TSA does not publish a list of crimes that automatically disqualify you. Instead, they assess whether you pose a security risk. This means two people with the same conviction type might receive different outcomes based on the details of their cases and their history since release.

Key Takeaways

  • A felony conviction does not automatically deny you TSA PreCheck; the TSA reviews each case individually based on the type of crime and when it occurred.
  • Violent crimes, drug trafficking, weapons offenses, and crimes involving explosives or aviation are the most likely to result in denial.
  • You must disclose all arrests and convictions on your TSA PreCheck process, even if charges were dropped or you received a pardon.
  • If you are denied, you can request reconsideration or appeal through the TSA's administrative process, which takes several weeks.
  • Expungement of your record does not erase it from federal databases, so you must still report the conviction on your process.

What crimes are most likely to result in denial

The TSA is most concerned with crimes that suggest a risk to aviation security. Convictions for violent felonies, homicide, assault, or crimes involving weapons will almost certainly lead to denial. The same is true for drug trafficking, manufacturing controlled substances, or distribution of large quantities—though straightforward possession convictions may be treated differently depending on the amount and how long ago it occurred.

Crimes involving explosives, incendiary devices, or attempts to damage aircraft are automatic disqualifiers. So are convictions related to human trafficking, terrorism, or espionage. Fraud convictions, especially those involving identity theft or financial crimes, are also viewed seriously because they suggest dishonesty.

Crimes that seem unrelated to aviation—such as burglary, theft, or property crimes—may not automatically disqualify you, but they still count against you. The TSA looks at the whole picture: the nature of the crime, your age at the time, how much time has passed, and what you have done since your release.

How to disclose your record on the process

When you fill out the TSA PreCheck process online, you will be asked about arrests, convictions, and charges—even those that were dismissed or resulted in acquittal. You must answer truthfully. Lying on the process is itself a federal offense and will result in when ready denial and possible prosecution.

Include the date of conviction, the jurisdiction (the court or state where you were convicted), the charge, and the sentence you received. If you were pardoned or had your record expunged, you still must report the original conviction. Expungement erases the record from state databases, but federal agencies like the TSA can still see it through their own background checks.

If you are unsure about how to describe your conviction or whether to include something, contact the TSA directly before submitting your process. You can reach them through the TSA PreCheck website or call the TSA's customer service line. Getting the disclosure right the first time is far better than submitting an incomplete process and having it denied.

What happens after you submit your process

After you submit your process and pay the fee, the TSA conducts a background check that includes fingerprinting, a criminal history search, and a review of federal databases. This process typically takes two to three weeks, though it can take longer if your background requires additional investigation.

You will receive a notification by email or through your TSA PreCheck account telling you whether you have been approved, denied, or need to provide more information. If you are approved, you will receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) that you can use when ready on airline reservations. If you are denied, the notification will explain the reason in general terms—for example, "disqualifying criminal history"—but may not spell out exactly which conviction caused the denial.

How to appeal a denial

If your process is denied, you have the right to request reconsideration. You can submit a written request through your TSA PreCheck account within 60 days of the denial. In your request, explain why you believe the decision was wrong. If your conviction was for a non-violent crime that occurred many years ago and you have a clean record since, say that. If circumstances have changed—for example, you completed rehabilitation programs or have maintained steady employment—include that information.

The TSA will review your reconsideration request, but approval is not may provide. If reconsideration is denied, you can file an administrative appeal, which is a more formal process. This appeal goes to the TSA's Office of Security and Hazmat Safety and can take several weeks to months. You may also consult with a lawyer who specializes in administrative law, though this is not required.

Some people choose to reapply after several years have passed, especially if they have maintained a clean record and can show rehabilitation. There is no rule against reapplying, and the TSA may view your case differently if significant time has elapsed.

The difference between state expungement and federal visibility

If your felony conviction was expunged or sealed at the state level, that erases the record from public view and from most state databases. However, federal agencies like the TSA, FBI, and Department of Homeland Security can still access the original conviction through their own systems. You cannot legally say the conviction does not exist when explore for TSA PreCheck, even if it has been expunged in your state.

Some states offer "set-asides" or other remedies that are different from expungement. Understand what your state actually did to your record before you explore. If you are unsure, contact the court that handled your case or speak with a criminal defense attorney in your state.

Other federal programs that may be affected by a felony

TSA PreCheck is separate from other federal background checks, but a felony conviction can affect your ability to work in certain industries or hold certain licenses. If you work in aviation, security, or transportation, your employer may have their own rules about criminal history. Some airlines will not hire people with felony convictions, and some security clearances require disclosure of all arrests and convictions.

If you are considering TSA PreCheck for work purposes, check with your employer first to see whether approval would actually benefit you or whether your company has its own restrictions on hiring people with criminal records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a felony conviction from 20 years ago still disqualify me?

Not necessarily. The TSA considers how much time has passed and what you have done since. A violent crime from 20 years ago is still a concern, but a non-violent felony from that long ago, combined with a clean record since, may not result in denial. The only way to know is to explore and disclose the conviction honestly.

What if my felony conviction was for a drug offense?

Drug trafficking or manufacturing will likely result in denial. straightforward possession, especially for a first offense many years ago, may not. The TSA distinguishes between large-scale drug crimes and personal use. If your conviction was for possession, include details about the amount and the date in your process.

Can I get TSA PreCheck if I was convicted but never served time?

Yes, the sentence you received does not determine your may be able to access. A felony conviction is a felony conviction whether you served prison time, received probation, or had your sentence suspended. You must still disclose it, and the TSA will still review it, but the lack of incarceration does not automatically help or hurt your case.

Do I have to tell my employer I applied for TSA PreCheck?

No. Your TSA PreCheck process is private. However, if you are explore for work purposes, your employer may ask to see your KTN once you are approved. If you are denied, you do not have to tell your employer unless your job requires TSA PreCheck status.

What if I was arrested but never convicted?

You must still disclose arrests that did not result in conviction. The TSA wants to know about your full history, including charges that were dropped or cases where you were acquitted. Explain the outcome—for example, "charges dismissed" or "acquitted"—so the TSA understands the arrest did not lead to a conviction.