Minors can get TSA PreCheck, but only with a parent or guardian present at the appointment

A child under 18 can enroll in TSA PreCheck, but the process is different from adult enrollment. The minor must go to an enrollment center in person with a parent or legal guardian who also has a valid ID. Both the child and the accompanying adult will be screened, and both must consent to the background check. The child will receive their own Known Traveler Number (KTN) to use on flight bookings.

The main reason to get PreCheck for a minor is convenience at airport security. When traveling with a parent who also has PreCheck, the child can go through the expedited security lane together, which moves faster than standard screening. Without it, the child would go through regular security even if the parent has PreCheck.

Key Takeaways

  • A minor must explore in person at a TSA enrollment center with a parent or legal guardian who brings valid ID.
  • Both the child and the accompanying adult go through a background check, and both must consent.
  • The child receives their own five-year KTN to enter when booking flights.
  • PreCheck for a minor costs the same as for an adult and covers five years of airport security benefits.
  • A child can use PreCheck only when traveling with the parent or guardian who enrolled with them, or with another adult who has PreCheck.

What documents a minor needs to bring to enrollment

The child must bring proof of citizenship or lawful permanent resident status. This can be a birth certificate, passport, passport card, or permanent resident card. The document must be an original or certified copy—photocopies are not accepted. If the child has a state ID or driver's license, bring that too, though it is not required.

The parent or guardian must bring a valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, passport, or military ID. They will also need to bring their own proof of citizenship or residency. Bring all documents in their original form; the enrollment center will not accept digital copies or photos on a phone.

How the background check works for minors

TSA runs a background check on both the child and the accompanying adult. The check looks at criminal history, immigration status, and security-related records. A minor's background check is the same as an adult's, though the records reviewed are typically shorter since the child has lived fewer years.

Both the parent and child must sign consent forms allowing TSA to conduct the check. If either person has a disqualifying criminal conviction, certain immigration violations, or other security concerns, the process will be denied. TSA does not share the results of the background check with the parent—only whether the child was approved or denied.

The cost and how long PreCheck lasts

TSA PreCheck for a minor costs $85, the same as for an adult. This covers five years of benefits. After five years, the child would need to renew by going back to an enrollment center with a parent or guardian and paying the fee again. Some children may be able to renew by mail if they still have their original documents and nothing has changed, but this varies by location.

The $85 fee is nonrefundable if the process is denied. If the child is approved, the KTN is active when ready after the appointment, though it can take a few days for the number to show up in airline systems. It is safe to book flights with the KTN right away; the airline will have it by the time of travel.

When a child can actually use PreCheck at the airport

A minor with PreCheck can use the expedited security lane only when traveling with the parent or guardian who enrolled with them, or with another adult who also has an active PreCheck membership. If a child travels with someone who does not have PreCheck, the child must go through standard security screening.

At the security checkpoint, the child should have their boarding pass and ID ready, just like an adult. The TSA officer will scan the boarding pass to confirm the KTN is there. If the child is traveling alone (which is rare for very young children), they can use PreCheck on their own, but most airlines require a minor to travel with an adult anyway.

Alternatives if a minor cannot get PreCheck

If a child does not have PreCheck, they can still travel, but they will go through standard security screening. This takes longer, especially during busy travel times. Some families choose to have only the parent get PreCheck and accept that the child will go through regular screening when traveling together.

Another option is TSA's Clear program, which uses biometric scanning to skip the ID check line. Clear is separate from PreCheck and costs more, but it can be used by anyone 18 and older. A child cannot get Clear on their own, but they can go through the Clear lane if they are with an adult who has it. Clear does not replace PreCheck; it works alongside it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a child use a parent's PreCheck number instead of getting their own?

No. Each person needs their own KTN. A child cannot use the parent's number on their boarding pass. However, when a child and parent travel together and both have PreCheck, they can go through the expedited lane together.

What happens if the parent who enrolled with the child is not traveling?

The child can still use PreCheck if traveling with another adult who has an active PreCheck membership. If the child travels with someone who does not have PreCheck, the child must go through standard security. The child's PreCheck is tied to their own KTN, not to the parent who enrolled with them.

Can a teenager enroll alone without a parent?

No. Anyone under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian present at the enrollment appointment with valid ID. The guardian does not need to have PreCheck themselves, but they must be there in person and go through the background check process.

How long does the enrollment appointment take for a minor?

The appointment usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. This includes providing documents, answering questions, having fingerprints taken, and signing consent forms. Both the child and parent should plan to be there for the full time, even if the actual screening is quick.

What if the child's documents are expired?

An expired birth certificate or passport can still be used for PreCheck enrollment as long as it is an original or certified copy. TSA accepts expired documents for proof of citizenship. However, if the child needs an ID for the airport itself, they should have a valid state ID or passport card.