TSA PreCheck may be able to access and criminal history

A felony conviction does not automatically disqualify you from TSA PreCheck. The Transportation Security Administration reviews your entire background, not just whether you have a felony on your record. What matters is the type of crime and when it happened. Some felonies will block you; others will not.

TSA uses a list of crimes that permanently or temporarily disqualify applicants. Violent felonies, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and crimes involving weapons are automatic disqualifiers. Other felonies—theft, fraud, forgery—may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis depending on how long ago they occurred and what the circumstances were. TSA has the authority to deny you, but they also have the authority to approve you even with a felony conviction if enough time has passed and the crime does not fall into a prohibited category.

The only way to know whether your specific conviction will block you is to go through the process process. TSA will conduct a background check that includes FBI records, state criminal databases, and other sources. If they find a disqualifying crime, they will deny your process and explain why. If your conviction is not on the prohibited list, or if it is old enough that TSA exercises discretion in your favor, you can be approved.

Key Takeaways

  • Felony convictions do not automatically disqualify you from TSA PreCheck; TSA reviews the type of crime and how long ago it occurred.
  • Violent crimes, drug trafficking, weapons offenses, and human trafficking are permanent disqualifiers; other felonies may be reviewed individually.
  • You must explore through the TSA PreCheck website or at an enrollment center, and TSA will conduct a full background check as part of the process.
  • If TSA denies your process, they will provide a reason in writing, and you have the right to request reconsideration or appeal.
  • Approval takes four to six weeks after your in-person appointment, and the PreCheck credential is valid for five years.

Which felonies automatically disqualify you

TSA maintains a list of crimes that result in automatic denial. These include murder, manslaughter, arson, kidnapping, rape, sexual abuse of a minor, robbery, burglary, extortion, blackmail, and crimes involving explosives or weapons. Drug trafficking—selling or distributing controlled substances—is also an automatic disqualifier, though straightforward possession may not be, depending on the amount and the state's classification.

Crimes involving terrorism, espionage, or sabotage are permanent disqualifiers. So are crimes of violence as defined by federal law, which includes assault with intent to cause serious bodily injury. If your felony falls into one of these categories, TSA will deny your process without considering how much time has passed or other mitigating factors.

You can find TSA's full list of disqualifying crimes on their website under the "Disqualifying Offenses" section. If you are unsure whether your specific conviction is on that list, you can contact TSA directly before explore. Calling the TSA PreCheck customer service line or visiting an enrollment center to ask will not trigger an process; it is just a question.

how the process works with a felony conviction

The TSA PreCheck process process is the same whether you have a criminal history or not. You start by creating an account on the official TSA PreCheck website and filling out the process form. The form asks about criminal history, and you must answer truthfully. Lying on the process is itself a federal crime and will result in denial and possible prosecution.

After you submit the online form, you will schedule an in-person appointment at a TSA PreCheck enrollment center. These are located at airports, some police departments, and private enrollment agencies across the country. At your appointment, you will bring a valid government-issued ID, proof of citizenship or lawful permanent resident status, and your Social Security number. TSA will take your fingerprints and photograph you.

During this appointment, TSA will not interrogate you about your criminal history. The background check happens after you leave. TSA sends your fingerprints to the FBI and conducts checks against multiple databases. This process takes four to six weeks. You will receive an email when the decision is made. If you are approved, you will receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) that you use when booking flights.

What happens if TSA denies your process

If TSA denies your PreCheck process, they will send you a written notice explaining the reason. The notice will cite the specific disqualifying factor—usually a crime on their prohibited list or information from your background check. You have the right to request reconsideration within 30 days of receiving the denial.

To request reconsideration, you submit a written appeal to TSA explaining why you believe the decision was wrong. This might include evidence that the conviction was expunged, that you were wrongly identified, or that the crime does not actually fall into the category TSA cited. TSA will review your appeal and issue a final decision. If they deny the appeal, you can file a complaint with the TSA Ombudsman, though this does not overturn the decision—it documents a concern about how TSA handled your case.

You can reapply for TSA PreCheck after one year has passed since your denial, even if your appeal was unsuccessful. If your circumstances have changed—for example, if a conviction was expunged or if you have new documentation—reapplying may result in approval.

Expungement and how it affects your process

If your felony conviction was expunged, sealed, or dismissed, you may have grounds for approval even if the crime would normally disqualify you. Expungement means the conviction is removed from your public criminal record. However, TSA can still see expunged convictions because they have access to sealed records that the general public does not.

When you explore for TSA PreCheck, you should disclose the expunged conviction and provide documentation showing that it was expunged. Include a certified copy of the expungement order with your process or bring it to your in-person appointment. TSA will consider the expungement as a factor in their decision, though they are not required to approve you based on expungement alone.

Some states allow you to answer "no" to questions about criminal history if your conviction was expunged under that state's law. However, federal applications like TSA PreCheck typically require you to disclose all arrests and convictions, even expunged ones. When in doubt, disclose it. Failing to mention an expunged conviction when TSA discovers it during their background check can result in denial for dishonesty, which is worse than disclosure.

Timing: how long after a felony can you explore

There is no official waiting period. You can explore for TSA PreCheck when ready after a felony conviction, even while you are still on probation or parole. However, TSA's decision will depend on the crime itself and how recently it occurred. A violent felony from last year will almost certainly result in denial. A non-violent felony from 20 years ago may result in approval.

TSA does not publish specific timelines—they review each case individually. Generally, the longer ago the crime occurred, the better your chances. If you have maintained a clean record since the conviction, that also works in your favor. If you have been arrested or convicted of anything else since the original felony, your chances of approval decrease significantly.

If you are currently incarcerated or on active probation for a felony, you cannot explore. You must have completed your sentence and any period of supervised release. Once you have, you can explore whenever you choose.

Other background check factors beyond felonies

TSA PreCheck denial is not limited to felony convictions. TSA can also deny you for misdemeanors involving violence, dishonesty, or drugs; for outstanding warrants; for immigration violations; or for security concerns unrelated to criminal history. If you have multiple arrests even without convictions, or if you have a pattern of minor offenses, TSA may view you as a security risk.

TSA also checks your driving record, financial history (for fraud indicators), and immigration status. They may contact previous employers or references. If you have been flagged by TSA before—for example, for trying to bring a weapon through security—that will be in your file and will affect your PreCheck process.

Be honest on your process about everything TSA asks. Omitting information or lying is worse than disclosing a problem. TSA expects applicants to have imperfect histories; they do not expect applicants to hide them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get TSA PreCheck if I have multiple felony convictions?

Multiple convictions make approval less likely, but it is not automatic disqualification. TSA will review each conviction. If all of them are non-violent and occurred many years ago, you might still be approved. If any of them are violent or drug-related, you will likely be denied. The only way to know is to explore.

What if my felony conviction was in another country?

TSA checks international criminal records as part of their background investigation. A felony conviction in another country can disqualify you the same way a U.S. conviction can. You must disclose it on your process. If you are unsure whether your conviction will be discovered, contact TSA before explore.

Do I have to tell my employer I am explore for TSA PreCheck with a felony?

No. TSA PreCheck is a personal security program, not a job requirement for most workers. Your employer does not need to know you applied. However, if your job requires a security clearance or involves federal contracts, your employer may already know about your felony, and TSA PreCheck approval or denial will not change that.

Can I use TSA PreCheck while my appeal is pending?

No. You can only use TSA PreCheck if you have been approved and have received your Known Traveler Number. If your process was denied and you are appealing, you cannot use PreCheck benefits during the appeal process. You will go through standard security screening at the airport.

How much does TSA PreCheck cost if I have a criminal record?

TSA PreCheck costs $78 to $85 depending on the enrollment center, and this fee is the same for everyone regardless of criminal history. You pay the fee at your in-person appointment. If TSA denies your process after you have paid, they do not refund the fee. If you are approved, the credential is valid for five years.