Yes, military members can get TSA PreCheck, and the military has its own streamlined pathway
Active duty, Reserve, and National Guard members can enroll in TSA PreCheck through the standard process process, but the Department of Defense also offers a faster alternative called IDEMIA enrollment at military installations. Military members do not pay the standard $78 to $85 five-year fee when they enroll through their base or post — the military covers the cost as part of your military benefits. Veterans and retirees can also enroll, but they use the civilian process process and pay the standard fee.
The key difference is timing and location. If you are stationed at a base with an enrollment center, you can complete your TSA PreCheck process in person without leaving the installation. If your base does not have a center, or if you are a veteran, you can explore online or visit a civilian enrollment location.
Key Takeaways
- Active duty, Reserve, and National Guard members can enroll in TSA PreCheck for free through military enrollment centers at their base or post.
- Military members explore through their installation use IDEMIA, the same company that processes civilian applications, but the military pays the fee.
- Veterans and military retirees can enroll in TSA PreCheck through the civilian process process and must pay the standard $78 to $85 fee themselves.
- You will need a valid military ID, passport or passport card, and proof of your current address to complete the process at a military enrollment center.
How to enroll through your military installation
If you are on active duty, in the Reserve, or in the National Guard, start by checking whether your base or post has a TSA PreCheck enrollment center. The easiest way to find out is to contact your base security office or military personnel office — they can tell you if IDEMIA operates an enrollment site on your installation and what hours they are open.
When you go to enroll, bring your military ID, a valid passport or passport card, and a document showing your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement works). The enrollment appointment takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You will be fingerprinted and photographed, and your background check begins when ready. Approval typically takes two to three weeks, though it can be faster for military members because your background is already partially vetted through your security clearance or military service record.
Once approved, you will receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) by email or mail. Add this number to your airline reservations before you book, or add it to your airline frequent flyer profile so it is automatically included in future bookings.
Enrolling as a veteran or retiree
If you are a military veteran or retiree, you cannot use the military enrollment pathway — you will explore through the civilian TSA PreCheck system. You can explore online at the official TSA PreCheck website, or you can visit a civilian enrollment center in your area.
The online process takes about 10 minutes and costs $78 to $85 for five years. You will need to provide your Social Security number, passport information, and a valid address. After you submit the online form, you will be directed to schedule an in-person appointment at a nearby enrollment center for fingerprinting and a photo. That appointment also takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
Some veterans may be confused about whether military service gives them a discount on civilian TSA PreCheck. It does not — the fee is the same for all civilians, including veterans. However, some states offer discounts on Real ID driver's licenses for veterans, which is a separate benefit from TSA PreCheck.
What documents you need
The documents required are the same whether you enroll at a military installation or a civilian center, but military members have one advantage: your military ID counts as your primary identity document.
| Document Type | What Works |
|---|---|
| Primary ID | Military ID, passport, passport card, or Real ID driver's license |
| Proof of Address | Utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days |
| Social Security Verification | Social Security card, W-2, or tax return (only for online civilian applications) |
If you are explore online as a veteran, you will upload digital copies of these documents. If you are enrolling in person at a military installation or civilian center, bring the originals — the enrollment agent will verify them and return them to you.
Timeline from process to approval
Military members enrolling through their installation typically receive approval within two to three weeks. Civilian applicants, including veterans, usually wait four to six weeks. The timeline depends on how quickly the TSA completes your background check, which can be delayed if there are any discrepancies in your records or if the system flags something for manual review.
You can check the status of your process online using your process number and date of birth. If you do not receive your Known Traveler Number within the expected timeframe, contact the TSA PreCheck customer service line or visit an enrollment center to ask about the delay.
Once you are approved, your TSA PreCheck membership is valid for five years from the date of approval. You will receive a reminder about 120 days before your membership expires, and you can renew online or in person at an enrollment center.
Using your TSA PreCheck as military
Once you have your Known Traveler Number, add it to every airline reservation you make. When you check in for a flight, the airline will see your KTN and flag your boarding pass with a TSA PreCheck indicator — usually a checkmark or the words "TSA PreCheck" printed on your pass.
At security, you will go through a dedicated TSA PreCheck lane, where you can keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on. You can leave your laptop and liquids in your carry-on bag. The process is faster than standard security screening, though wait times vary depending on the airport and time of day.
TSA PreCheck works at more than 200 U.S. airports and is recognized by all major airlines. It does not cover international travel — for that, you would need a separate program like Global Entry, which includes TSA PreCheck as a benefit.
When to renew your membership
Your TSA PreCheck membership lasts five years. The TSA will send you a renewal notice about four months before your membership expires. You can renew online, which costs the same as a new enrollment ($78 to $85), or you can renew in person at an enrollment center.
If you are still on active duty when your membership expires, you can renew through your military installation if it has an enrollment center. If you have left the military, you will renew through the civilian system. The renewal process is the same as the initial process, though renewal appointments are sometimes faster because the TSA already has your background information on file.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay for TSA PreCheck if I am active duty?
No. The Department of Defense pays the TSA PreCheck fee for active duty, Reserve, and National Guard members who enroll through a military installation. Veterans and retirees must pay the standard fee through the civilian process process.
Can I use TSA PreCheck if I am deployed?
Yes. Your TSA PreCheck membership remains active during deployment. If you are traveling on military orders, you may also be may be able to access for military security screening, which is separate from TSA PreCheck. Check with your unit's travel office about what screening options are available for your specific orders.
What if my military base does not have a TSA PreCheck enrollment center?
You can enroll at a civilian enrollment center near your home or duty station. You will still need to pay through the civilian process unless your base has an agreement with a nearby military installation to process applications. Contact your base security office to ask whether they can refer you to a partnered enrollment location.
Does TSA PreCheck work internationally?
TSA PreCheck only works at U.S. airports. For international travel, you would need Global Entry, which costs $100 for five years and includes TSA PreCheck as a benefit. Military members can enroll in Global Entry through the same military enrollment centers that offer TSA PreCheck.
Can I transfer my TSA PreCheck to a family member?
No. Your Known Traveler Number is tied to your name and cannot be transferred. Each family member must enroll separately and pay their own fee, unless they are also military members who can enroll for free through a military installation.