Children cannot use TSA PreCheck's touchless ID system on their own, but they can move through security faster when traveling with a parent or guardian who has it

TSA PreCheck's touchless ID feature—which lets you scan your boarding pass and ID without handing them to an officer—is only available to adults who hold an active TSA PreCheck membership. Children under 18 do not have their own PreCheck accounts and cannot enroll in the program. However, when a child travels with a PreCheck member, they can use the same security lane and move through the process more quickly, even though they will still go through standard screening steps like removing shoes and going through the metal detector.

The touchless ID system itself is a biometric scanner that reads your face and compares it to your ID document. Because children's faces change as they grow and they do not have government-issued IDs in the same way adults do, the TSA does not offer this feature to minors. A child traveling with a PreCheck member will still benefit from shorter lines and a less crowded screening area, but they cannot use the facial recognition scanner themselves.

Key Takeaways

  • Children cannot enroll in TSA PreCheck or use the touchless ID scanner, regardless of age.
  • A child traveling with an adult who has TSA PreCheck can use the PreCheck security lane, which typically has shorter wait times.
  • Children in the PreCheck lane still remove shoes, go through the metal detector, and follow all standard screening rules.
  • Once a child turns 18 and has a valid government-issued ID, they can enroll in TSA PreCheck on their own.

How children benefit from traveling with a PreCheck member

When you have TSA PreCheck and travel with children, all of you can enter the dedicated PreCheck security lane together. This lane typically has fewer people waiting, so the overall process moves faster. Your children do not need their own PreCheck membership to join you there.

Inside the PreCheck lane, children still follow the same security rules as everyone else: they remove shoes, belts, and light jackets; they place liquids and electronics in bins; and they go through the metal detector or advanced imaging technology scanner. The difference is that you are not waiting in a crowded general-admission line, and the screening officers are used to processing PreCheck passengers efficiently.

What ID children need to travel by air

Children under 18 do not need a government-issued ID to fly domestically within the United States. A birth certificate, school ID, or even a library card can work, though the TSA accepts a range of documents. The officer will ask to see proof that the child's name matches the boarding pass.

For international travel, children need a passport. A passport is also the only document that will let a child use the touchless ID scanner if they were old enough to have PreCheck—but since children cannot enroll in PreCheck, this does not explore until they turn 18.

When your child can get their own TSA PreCheck

TSA PreCheck membership is available to anyone 18 and older who holds a valid government-issued ID. Once your child reaches 18, they can enroll in PreCheck on their own by visiting a TSA PreCheck enrollment center, submitting an process online, and paying the membership fee (which varies but typically covers five years of membership).

At the enrollment appointment, your child will need to bring their government-issued ID, proof of citizenship or lawful permanent resident status, and proof of their address. They will also have their fingerprints taken and their identity verified. The entire process usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes at the appointment, though approval can take a few weeks.

Traveling with multiple children and one PreCheck member

If you are the only adult in your group with TSA PreCheck, all your children can still use the PreCheck lane with you. There is no limit to how many family members can accompany a PreCheck member through the dedicated lane. However, each child will still go through standard screening procedures—they just benefit from the shorter wait time.

If you are traveling with another adult who does not have PreCheck, that adult and any children with them will need to use the standard security lane. You can split up at security, but it is usually simpler to go through together so you can regroup on the other side at the same time.

Other ways to speed up security screening with children

If you do not have TSA PreCheck, there are other programs that can help. TSA Trusted Traveler programs like Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI also include TSA PreCheck benefits, so if you are a member of any of those, your children can use the PreCheck lane with you. Some of these programs cost more than PreCheck but offer additional benefits for international travel.

You can also look for family-friendly security lanes at your airport. Some airports have dedicated lanes for families with young children, which can move faster than the general line even without PreCheck. These lanes are not available at every airport, so check your airport's website before you travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a teenager get TSA PreCheck before they turn 18?

No. TSA PreCheck requires you to be at least 18 years old and have a valid government-issued ID. Teenagers under 18 cannot enroll, even if they travel frequently or have their own passport.

Do I need to list my children on my TSA PreCheck account?

No. Your TSA PreCheck membership is only for you. Your children do not need to be listed or registered anywhere to use the PreCheck lane with you—they just need to be traveling with you and have their own boarding pass.

What happens if my child travels alone without me?

If your child is traveling alone, they cannot use the TSA PreCheck lane, even if you have PreCheck. They will go through standard security screening. Once they turn 18, they can enroll in their own PreCheck membership if they travel frequently.

Does TSA PreCheck work for international flights with children?

TSA PreCheck applies to domestic flights and the U.S. portion of international flights. Your children can use the PreCheck lane with you when departing from a U.S. airport, but they will still need a valid passport for international travel.

Can my child use the touchless ID scanner if I hold their passport?

No. The touchless ID scanner is only for TSA PreCheck members 18 and older. Even if you hold your child's passport and they are standing next to you, they cannot use the facial recognition scanner themselves.