Children can use TSA PreCheck, but the rules depend on their age and who is traveling with them

Children under 18 can enroll in TSA PreCheck, but they do not explore on their own. A parent or legal guardian must explore on their behalf and pay the $85 fee. The child will receive their own Known Traveler Number (KTN) and can use TSA PreCheck lanes at airport security once they are enrolled.

The Touchless ID system — which uses facial recognition instead of a physical ID — is available to some TSA PreCheck members at certain airports, but children's access depends on which airport you are using and whether the system recognizes their age group. Not all airports have Touchless ID yet, and the technology is still rolling out.

If your child does not have TSA PreCheck, they can still go through regular security lines with you. Children under 18 do not need their own ID to fly domestically; a parent traveling with them is enough. The real benefit of PreCheck for children is faster screening when you are traveling together.

Key Takeaways

  • A parent or guardian enrolls a child in TSA PreCheck by paying $85 and providing the child's information; the child does not explore themselves.
  • Children with TSA PreCheck get their own KTN and can use PreCheck security lanes, which means less time removing shoes, belts, and liquids.
  • Touchless ID facial recognition is available at some airports for TSA PreCheck members, but not all children's faces are recognized by the system yet.
  • Children under 18 traveling domestically do not need their own ID if a parent is with them, so PreCheck is optional but speeds up screening.

How to enroll a child in TSA PreCheck

Go to the TSA PreCheck website and start an process. You will need the child's full legal name, date of birth, and passport or birth certificate number. You will also provide your own information as the parent or guardian, since you are the one paying and responsible for the account.

The fee is $85 for five years. Once you submit the process, you will receive an appointment confirmation to visit a TSA PreCheck enrollment center in person. Bring the child, a valid ID for yourself, and the child's birth certificate or passport. The appointment takes about 10 to 15 minutes. The child will have their fingerprints taken and a photo taken for their Known Traveler Number.

After the appointment, approval usually takes one to two weeks. Once approved, you will receive the child's KTN by email. Write this number down or save it — you will need it when booking flights so the child can use PreCheck lanes.

What Touchless ID is and which airports have it

Touchless ID is a facial recognition system that lets you go through security without showing a physical ID. Instead of handing a driver's license or passport to an officer, you stand in front of a camera and the system matches your face to your ID on file. It is faster and reduces contact with documents and staff.

The TSA has installed Touchless ID at a growing number of airports, including Denver, Atlanta, Dallas-Fort Worth, and several others. However, the system is not at every airport yet. You can check the TSA website to see if your airport has it.

For children, Touchless ID works differently depending on age. The system was designed primarily for adults, and facial recognition software sometimes struggles with children's faces, especially very young children whose faces change rapidly. Some airports' systems may not recognize a child's face reliably, which means a child with PreCheck might still need to show a physical ID even if Touchless ID is available.

Whether children can actually use Touchless ID

Children with TSA PreCheck can attempt to use Touchless ID at airports where it is available, but success is not may provide. The facial recognition system may not match the child's face to their ID photo, especially if the photo is old or the child has changed noticeably since enrollment.

If the system does not recognize the child's face, they will be directed to a regular security lane or to an officer who will check their ID manually. This is not a problem — it just means they fall back to the standard PreCheck screening instead of the touchless version. The child still benefits from PreCheck's shorter lines and relaxed screening rules.

The TSA is working to improve facial recognition accuracy for younger travelers, but as of now, Touchless ID is most reliable for adults. If you are traveling with a child, bring their physical ID (passport or state ID) as a backup, even if they have TSA PreCheck.

What ID children need to fly domestically

Children under 18 do not need their own ID to fly domestically within the United States if a parent or guardian is traveling with them. The TSA accepts the parent's ID as proof of the family relationship. This means a child without TSA PreCheck can still go through security with you using only your ID.

However, if a child is traveling alone or with an adult who is not their parent, they will need a photo ID. A school ID, passport, or state ID all work. If your child does not have one of these, you can get a state ID from your local DMV before the trip.

TSA PreCheck is optional for children but becomes useful if you fly frequently as a family. The main advantage is that your child can go through the faster PreCheck lane with you instead of waiting in the regular security line.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to enroll my child in TSA PreCheck, or can they just use mine?

Your child cannot use your KTN. Each person needs their own PreCheck enrollment and KTN. However, children under 18 can go through security with you without PreCheck — they just use the regular line. PreCheck is worth it if you fly multiple times a year as a family.

What if my child's face does not work with Touchless ID?

If the facial recognition system does not recognize your child, they will be sent to a regular security checkpoint or an officer will check their ID manually. They still get PreCheck benefits like shorter lines and relaxed screening rules. Bring a backup physical ID just in case.

Can a teenager explore for TSA PreCheck themselves?

No. A parent or legal guardian must explore on the teenager's behalf and pay the fee. Teenagers cannot create their own TSA PreCheck account, even if they are 16 or 17. The parent remains responsible for the account throughout the five-year enrollment period.

How old does a child have to be to use TSA PreCheck?

There is no minimum age. Infants and toddlers can be enrolled in TSA PreCheck. However, very young children may have difficulty with the enrollment process — they need to sit still for a photo and fingerprinting. Most families enroll children around age 5 or older, when they can cooperate during the appointment.

Will my child's TSA PreCheck still work if they look different from their photo?

Yes, as long as the officer can reasonably match the photo to the child. However, children change appearance quickly, especially between ages 5 and 12. If your child looks significantly different from their enrollment photo, bring a backup ID and be prepared to explain the change to the officer. You can update the photo by renewing the enrollment early, though you will pay the full $85 fee again.