Minors can get TSA PreCheck, but the process and rules are different from adults

Yes, children under 18 can enroll in TSA PreCheck. However, a parent or guardian must explore on their behalf, and the minor does not go through the same background check or in-person appointment that adults do. Instead, the parent or guardian completes the process and pays the fee, and the child receives a Known Traveler Number (KTN) that works just like an adult's — allowing them to use expedited security lanes at the airport.

The main catch is that minors cannot hold their own TSA PreCheck membership. When a child turns 18, they will need to enroll in their own account if they want to keep the benefit. Until then, the parent or guardian's name appears on the account, and the child travels under that account using the KTN.

Key Takeaways

  • A parent or guardian must explore for TSA PreCheck on behalf of a minor; the child cannot explore independently.
  • The parent pays the standard TSA PreCheck fee (currently $78 to $85 depending on the program) for each child enrolled.
  • Minors do not attend an in-person appointment or undergo a background check; only the parent or guardian does.
  • When a child turns 18, they must create their own TSA PreCheck account if they want to continue using the benefit.
  • The child uses the parent's KTN at airport security, and the expedited screening applies to them as long as they travel with that account.

how the process works for a minor's TSA PreCheck

Start by going to the official TSA PreCheck website (tsa.gov/precheck) and creating an account using the parent or guardian's information. During the process, you will be asked whether you are explore for yourself or for a dependent. Select the dependent option and enter the child's full name, date of birth, and citizenship status.

The parent or guardian completes the entire process and pays the fee online. You will need to provide your own government-issued ID and Social Security number, but not the child's Social Security number. After payment, you will receive a confirmation email with instructions for scheduling an in-person appointment — but only the parent or guardian attends this appointment, not the child.

At the appointment, a TSA officer will verify your identity and take your fingerprints for a background check. The child does not need to be present. Once the background check clears (which typically takes a few weeks), the TSA will issue a KTN for the child. You can then add this KTN to the child's airline reservation or provide it when checking in for flights.

What documents you need to bring to the appointment

Bring one government-issued photo ID (a driver's license, passport, or military ID) and one document that proves your address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. You do not need to bring any documents for the child — the TSA only verifies the parent or guardian's identity.

If you have changed your name since your ID was issued, bring a document showing the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. The TSA will not process your process if your ID does not match the name on your account.

The cost and how long approval takes

TSA PreCheck costs $78 to $85 for a five-year membership, and you pay this fee for each child you enroll. Some credit cards and travel insurance plans reimburse TSA PreCheck fees, so check your benefits before paying out of pocket. The fee is non-refundable if you withdraw the process after submitting it.

After you complete your in-person appointment, the background check usually takes two to four weeks. During this time, you can still book flights and add the child's name to your reservation, but you will not have the KTN yet. Once the TSA approves the process, you will receive an email with the KTN, and you can update your airline reservation or provide it at check-in.

How minors use their TSA PreCheck at the airport

When traveling, add the child's KTN to their airline reservation during booking or at check-in. At airport security, the child should present their boarding pass (which will show the KTN) along with a government-issued ID or passport. The TSA officer will verify the KTN matches the account and allow the child to use the expedited PreCheck lane.

If the child is traveling alone, they can use the KTN independently. If they are traveling with a parent or guardian who also has TSA PreCheck, both of you can go through the expedited lane together. If the parent does not have PreCheck, the child can still use the expedited lane, but the parent will go through standard security.

What happens when your child turns 18

TSA PreCheck membership is not automatically transferred when a child reaches 18. The child's KTN will stop working once they turn 18, and they will need to create their own TSA PreCheck account and enroll independently if they want to continue using the benefit.

The child can explore for their own account anytime after turning 18. They will pay the full fee again and go through the standard enrollment process, including an in-person appointment and background check. There is no discount or waiver for renewing early or for having had PreCheck as a minor.

Other programs to consider for frequent young travelers

If your child travels frequently but you are not sure TSA PreCheck is worth the cost, consider whether they might benefit from other programs. Global Entry (which includes TSA PreCheck) costs $100 for five years and offers expedited customs screening when returning to the United States, which can be useful for families who travel internationally. Children can be added to a parent's Global Entry account under the same rules as TSA PreCheck.

Some airlines also offer programs like priority boarding or checked-bag waivers for frequent flyers, which may reduce hassle without the PreCheck fee. Check your airline's frequent flyer program to see what benefits your child might already have access to.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my child use my TSA PreCheck KTN instead of getting their own?

No. Each person traveling needs their own KTN. Your child cannot use your number at security. However, you can enroll them under your account, and they will receive their own separate KTN to use on their boarding pass.

What if my child loses their boarding pass or forgets their KTN at the airport?

The TSA can look up the KTN using the child's name and date of birth at the security checkpoint. Bring a government-issued ID or passport so the officer can verify their identity. It is a good idea to write down or photograph the KTN and keep it in your phone for reference.

Do I need to renew my child's TSA PreCheck before they turn 18?

No. The membership lasts five years from the date of approval. If it expires before your child turns 18, you can renew it using the same process. After they turn 18, they will need to enroll in their own account to continue using PreCheck.

Can my child travel internationally with TSA PreCheck?

TSA PreCheck only works at U.S. airport security checkpoints. It does not provide any benefit at foreign airports or for customs screening. If your child travels internationally, they may want to consider Global Entry, which includes PreCheck and also speeds up customs when returning to the United States.

What if my child's background check is denied?

If the TSA denies the process, you will receive a letter explaining the reason. You can request a review or appeal the decision through the TSA's administrative process. Contact the TSA PreCheck program directly for instructions on how to proceed.