Your children do not automatically get TSA PreCheck just because you have it

TSA PreCheck is tied to the individual who applied for it and paid the fee. If you have TSA PreCheck, your children will still go through standard security screening unless they have their own membership or you enroll them separately. Each person traveling needs their own Known Traveler Number (KTN) to use expedited screening lanes.

The good news is that children under 12 can go through PreCheck screening with you at no extra cost if they are traveling with you and you present your KTN at the checkpoint. Children 13 and older need their own PreCheck membership to use expedited lanes independently or when traveling without you.

Key Takeaways

  • Children under 12 can use your PreCheck benefits at the airport if they travel with you, but they cannot use PreCheck without an adult who has it.
  • Children 13 and older must have their own TSA PreCheck membership to use expedited screening, even if a parent has it.
  • Getting PreCheck for a teenager costs the same as an adult membership and lasts five years.
  • You will need your child's passport or state ID, Social Security number, and proof of citizenship or lawful permanent resident status to enroll them.

How the under-12 rule works at security

When you go through a TSA PreCheck lane with children under 12, tell the officer that the children are traveling with you. You will present your boarding pass and ID along with your KTN. The children can then proceed through the expedited lane with you without removing shoes, belts, or light jackets, and without taking out laptops or liquids from carry-on bags.

This only works if you are physically traveling with them. If your child is flying alone or with a guardian who does not have PreCheck, they will go through standard screening. The TSA does not issue a separate KTN or membership card to children under 12 — they straightforward ride along on the parent's or guardian's PreCheck status at that moment.

When your teenager needs their own PreCheck

Once a child turns 13, they are no longer covered under a parent's PreCheck membership. If your teenager wants to use expedited screening, they will need to enroll in their own TSA PreCheck account. This applies whether they are traveling with you or traveling independently.

A teenager's PreCheck membership works exactly like an adult's: it costs the same, lasts five years, and gives them their own KTN to present at any airport. Many families find it worthwhile to enroll teenagers in PreCheck if they travel frequently, especially if they fly alone to visit relatives or for school.

What you need to enroll a child in PreCheck

To enroll a child or teenager in TSA PreCheck, you will need to gather specific documents before you start the process. Have your child's passport or state-issued ID, their Social Security number, and proof that they are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. You will also need to provide your own information as the parent or guardian.

The process is done online at the TSA PreCheck website. You will answer questions about your child's background, then schedule an in-person appointment at a TSA PreCheck enrollment center. During the appointment, a TSA officer will verify your child's documents, take their fingerprints, and take a photo. The whole process usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes at the appointment itself.

The cost and timeline for a child's PreCheck

TSA PreCheck for a child costs the same as for an adult: $78 to $85 depending on the enrollment center, and the membership lasts five years. Some families choose to wait until a child is a regular traveler before paying for their own membership, while others enroll teenagers who fly alone or travel frequently for sports or school.

After your child's in-person appointment, it typically takes three to five business days for their KTN to be issued and for their account to be active. You can check the status of their process online using the confirmation number you received when you first submitted it. Once the KTN is issued, your child can use it when ready on their next flight.

What happens if your child travels without you

If your child is flying alone or with a guardian who does not have PreCheck, they will go through standard security screening even if you have PreCheck. A child under 12 cannot use PreCheck without a parent or guardian who has it present at the checkpoint. A teenager 13 or older can use PreCheck only if they have their own membership.

If your child is traveling with a different adult — a grandparent, aunt, or family friend — that adult can bring your child through PreCheck screening only if that adult has PreCheck. Your PreCheck membership does not transfer to other adults, even if they are traveling with your child.

Other options if PreCheck does not fit your family

If your family travels infrequently or PreCheck feels like an unnecessary expense, there are other ways to move through security faster. TSA Trusted Traveler programs like Global Entry (which includes PreCheck) cover multiple family members in some cases, though you should check the specific rules. Some airlines offer priority boarding or security lane access to frequent flyers or elite members, though this is not the same as PreCheck screening.

You can also arrive at the airport earlier than usual to account for standard security lines, or look for airports with shorter wait times during off-peak hours. The TSA website shows real-time wait times at many major airports, which can help you plan your arrival time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a 10-year-old use my PreCheck if I am not traveling with them?

No. Children under 12 can only use PreCheck when traveling with a parent or guardian who has PreCheck and is present at the security checkpoint. If your child is flying with another adult or alone, they go through standard screening.

Does my teenager's PreCheck card look different from mine?

No. A teenager's PreCheck membership card looks identical to an adult's and works the same way. It has their name, photo, and KTN printed on it. They present it at the checkpoint just like any other PreCheck member.

What if my child loses their PreCheck card before it expires?

You can request a replacement card through the TSA PreCheck website using your child's account. There is usually a fee for a replacement card, typically around $20. Your child's KTN remains the same, so they can use PreCheck at the airport even while waiting for a replacement card to arrive.

Can I use my child's PreCheck if they are not traveling with me?

No. PreCheck is personal to the individual whose name and KTN are on the membership. You cannot use someone else's KTN, and they cannot use yours. Each person needs their own membership to use expedited screening independently.

Is PreCheck worth it if my kids only fly a few times a year?

That depends on your family's travel patterns and how much you value your time at the airport. If your children fly fewer than four or five times per year, the cost may not be worth it. If they fly regularly or travel alone, PreCheck often pays for itself in saved time and reduced stress.