TSA PreCheck has not been suspended, but individual accounts can be revoked

TSA PreCheck as a program is still operating. The Transportation Security Administration continues to issue new memberships and renew existing ones. However, your personal TSA PreCheck status can be suspended or revoked if you violate program rules, fail a background check renewal, or commit certain offenses.

The confusion often arises because TSA PreCheck memberships expire after five years and require renewal. If your membership has lapsed and you have not renewed it, your PreCheck benefits will no longer work at airport security—but this is not a suspension. It is straightforward an expired membership that you can renew by reapplying.

If your account was actually revoked by TSA, you will receive a letter explaining the reason. Common reasons include providing false information during enrollment, being convicted of certain crimes, or violating TSA security rules at a checkpoint.

Key Takeaways

  • TSA PreCheck memberships last five years and must be renewed; an expired membership is not the same as a suspension.
  • Your individual PreCheck status can be revoked if you commit fraud, provide false information, or violate security rules.
  • If TSA revokes your membership, you will receive written notice with the reason and your right to appeal.
  • You can check your PreCheck status and renewal date by logging into the TSA PreCheck website or calling the enrollment center.
  • If your membership is revoked, you may be able to reapply after a waiting period, depending on the reason for revocation.

How to check if your PreCheck membership is still active

Log into your account at the official TSA PreCheck website using your Known Traveler Number (KTN) or the email address you used to enroll. Your dashboard will show your membership status and expiration date. If the date has passed, your membership has expired and you will need to renew it to use PreCheck benefits again.

You can also call the TSA PreCheck enrollment center at 1-855-347-8371 to confirm your status. Have your KTN or passport number ready. The center can tell you whether your membership is active, expired, or revoked, and explain next steps if there is a problem.

If you are at the airport and your PreCheck is not working, inform the TSA officer at security. They can look up your status in their system. Sometimes a technical glitch prevents your KTN from appearing in the airline's system even though your membership is valid.

Why TSA PreCheck memberships get revoked

TSA revokes PreCheck memberships when members violate the program's rules or when new information comes to light during a renewal background check. The most common reasons are providing false information on your enrollment process, being convicted of a disqualifying crime, or committing a security violation at a checkpoint.

Disqualifying crimes include felonies, certain drug offenses, crimes of violence, and offenses related to transportation security. TSA also revokes memberships if you are found to have lied about your criminal history, immigration status, or other key facts on your process.

Less commonly, TSA revokes PreCheck for repeated violations at security checkpoints—such as bringing prohibited items through PreCheck lanes multiple times or refusing to comply with screening procedures. A single mistake usually results in a warning, not revocation.

What happens when your PreCheck is revoked

When TSA revokes your membership, you lose access to PreCheck lanes at airport security. You will go through standard screening instead, which takes longer. Your KTN will no longer work with airlines or at TSA checkpoints.

TSA will send you a written notice explaining the reason for revocation and your right to appeal. The notice will include instructions for requesting an appeal and the important date to do so. You typically have 30 days from the date of the letter to request an appeal.

If you appeal and TSA upholds the revocation, you may be able to reapply for PreCheck after a waiting period. The length of the waiting period depends on the reason for revocation. For fraud or serious violations, the waiting period can be several years. For minor violations, you may be may be able to access to reapply sooner.

How to renew an expired PreCheck membership

If your PreCheck membership has straightforward expired, you can renew it online at the TSA PreCheck website or in person at an enrollment center. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $78 to $85 depending on your state. You will need your KTN, passport or state ID, and a valid payment method.

In-person renewal at an enrollment center takes about 15 minutes and involves the same fee. You will have your fingerprints taken again and answer security questions. Enrollment centers are located at airports, passport acceptance facilities, and some police departments. You can find the nearest center on the TSA PreCheck website.

Renewal approval usually takes one to two weeks. Your new membership will be active when ready once approved, and you can use your KTN at security right away. Your five-year clock resets from the approval date, not from your old expiration date.

Appealing a revocation decision

If TSA revoked your PreCheck and you believe the decision was wrong, you can request an appeal by following the instructions in your revocation letter. You will need to submit a written request explaining why you disagree with the decision and provide any supporting documents.

Send your appeal to the address listed in the letter, usually the TSA PreCheck enrollment center that issued your membership. Include copies of any evidence that supports your case—such as court records showing a conviction was overturned, proof that you provided correct information, or documentation of the circumstances of a security violation.

TSA will review your appeal and send you a written decision. If the appeal is denied, you can request a hearing before a TSA official. The hearing process is explained in the appeal decision letter. Appeals can take several months to resolve.

PreCheck suspension during background check renewal

When your five-year membership is about to expire, TSA conducts a new background check as part of the renewal process. During this check, your PreCheck status may be temporarily suspended while TSA verifies your information and checks for any new criminal history or disqualifying events.

This temporary suspension is normal and does not mean your membership will be revoked. It usually lasts one to two weeks while the background check is completed. Once approved, your membership is renewed and your PreCheck benefits are restored when ready.

If the background check uncovers a problem—such as a conviction you did not disclose—TSA will contact you before making a final decision. You will have a chance to explain or provide additional information before your membership is revoked.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use PreCheck if my membership expired last month?

No. Once your membership expires, your KTN will not work at security checkpoints. You must renew your membership before you can use PreCheck again. Renewal takes about one to two weeks after you submit your process, so plan ahead before your expiration date.

What if I was revoked for providing false information by mistake?

You can still appeal the revocation by explaining the mistake in writing and providing evidence that the information was incorrect unintentionally. Include documents that support your explanation. TSA considers the circumstances when reviewing appeals, though the outcome is not may provide.

How long do I have to wait before I can reapply after revocation?

The waiting period depends on why you were revoked. For fraud or serious violations, you may need to wait several years. For minor violations, you might be may be able to access sooner. The revocation letter should explain the waiting period. Contact the enrollment center if the letter does not specify one.

Will a DUI disqualify me from PreCheck?

A single DUI conviction does not automatically disqualify you, but it will be reviewed during your background check. TSA considers the circumstances, such as how long ago it occurred and whether there are other offenses. Multiple DUIs or a DUI combined with other violations are more likely to result in denial or revocation.

Can I check my PreCheck status without logging in online?

Yes. Call the TSA PreCheck enrollment center at 1-855-347-8371 with your KTN or passport number. A representative can tell you your membership status, expiration date, and whether any issues are pending. This is the fastest way to get an answer if you do not have online access.