TSA PreCheck has not been suspended, but your membership can expire or be revoked

TSA PreCheck itself remains active and available. However, individual memberships can end for several reasons: your five-year membership period expires, you fail a background check renewal, you commit certain crimes, or you violate program rules at the airport. The program has never been shut down nationwide, though individual enrollment centers occasionally close temporarily for staffing or facility issues.

If you hold a current TSA PreCheck card, you can use it at participating airports and for some international flights. If your card has expired or you have heard rumors about a suspension, the issue is almost always personal to your account rather than a program-wide closure.

Key Takeaways

  • TSA PreCheck memberships last five years and must be renewed before expiration; an expired card will not work at security.
  • Your membership can be revoked if you are convicted of certain crimes, fail a background check, or violate TSA rules.
  • You can check your membership status and expiration date on the TSA website or by calling the TSA PreCheck customer service line.
  • Enrollment centers sometimes close temporarily, but this is a local issue and does not affect active memberships elsewhere.

How to check if your TSA PreCheck is still valid

The fastest way to confirm your status is to visit the official TSA PreCheck website and log into your account. You will see your membership expiration date, your Known Traveler Number (KTN), and whether any issues have been flagged. This takes about two minutes and requires your email address and password.

If you cannot access your account online, call the TSA PreCheck customer service line at 1-855-347-8371. They can tell you whether your membership is active, when it expires, and whether any action is needed on your part. Have your driver's license number or passport number ready when you call.

Why a TSA PreCheck membership ends

Expiration is the most common reason. Your membership is valid for five years from the date you were approved. After five years, you must renew to keep using PreCheck benefits. The TSA sends reminder emails about 90 days before expiration, but these can land in spam folders.

Background check failure during renewal is the second reason. When you renew, the TSA runs a new background check. If new information emerges—a conviction, a disqualifying arrest, or a change in your immigration status—your renewal can be denied. You will receive a letter explaining the reason.

Revocation can happen if you are convicted of certain crimes after your membership is approved, if you violate TSA rules at the airport (such as bringing a weapon through PreCheck lanes), or if you provide false information on your process. Revocation is rare and usually follows a specific incident.

What to do if your membership has expired

You can renew your TSA PreCheck membership online or in person at an enrollment center. Renewal through the website costs $78 to $85 depending on your state and takes about two weeks for approval. You do not need to visit a center for renewal unless the TSA requests an in-person interview.

To renew online, log into your TSA PreCheck account, select "Renew," and complete the process form. You will pay the renewal fee by credit card. The TSA will run a new background check and notify you by email when your renewal is approved. Your new membership card will arrive by mail within one to two weeks after approval.

If you prefer to renew in person, you can visit an enrollment center in your area. Bring your passport or driver's license, proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residency, and a valid payment method. The in-person appointment takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

Enrollment center closures and what they mean

Individual TSA PreCheck enrollment centers sometimes close temporarily due to staffing changes, facility maintenance, or operational adjustments. When this happens, the TSA updates its website to show which centers are open and which are temporarily closed. A closure at your local center does not affect your existing membership or your ability to use PreCheck at the airport.

If you need to renew and your nearest center is closed, you have two options: renew online (which does not require a center visit), or travel to an open center in a nearby city. The TSA website shows all open enrollment locations and allows you to book appointments online.

How to renew before your membership expires

You can renew your TSA PreCheck up to six months before your card expires. Starting the renewal process early gives you a buffer in case the background check takes longer than expected or the TSA requests additional information. Many travelers renew as soon as they receive the reminder email, rather than waiting until the last month.

To renew early, log into your account on the TSA PreCheck website and look for the "Renew" button. If you do not see it yet, your membership may not be may be able to access for renewal. The system typically allows renewal starting about six months before expiration.

What happens if you fly without valid PreCheck

If your membership has expired, your Known Traveler Number (KTN) will not work at the airport. You will go through standard security screening instead of the faster PreCheck lane. You will not be charged a fee or penalized; you straightforward lose the PreCheck benefit for that trip.

If you are unsure whether your membership is current before you travel, check your account online or call customer service at least a few days before your flight. This gives you time to renew if needed, or to plan for standard security screening.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my TSA PreCheck while my renewal is being processed?

No. Your old membership expires on the date shown on your card, and your new membership does not begin until the TSA approves your renewal and issues a new card. If you renew close to your expiration date, you may have a gap where you cannot use PreCheck. Renewing early avoids this problem.

What crimes or violations cause TSA PreCheck to be revoked?

The TSA does not publish a complete list, but revocation typically follows felony convictions, certain drug offenses, violent crimes, or security violations at the airport. A single misdemeanor does not automatically cause revocation. If you have been convicted of a crime since your approval, contact the TSA to understand how it affects your membership.

If my TSA PreCheck is revoked, can I reapply later?

This depends on the reason for revocation. If you were revoked due to a crime, you may be able to reapply after a certain period or after your sentence is complete, but the TSA will review your case individually. Contact customer service to learn whether reapplication is possible in your situation.

Do I need to do anything if I move to a different state?

No. Your TSA PreCheck membership is valid nationwide and does not depend on your state of residence. You do not need to update your address unless you want to receive mail at a new location. You can update your address in your online account at any time.

Why did I get an email saying my TSA PreCheck was suspended?

Check the sender's email address carefully. Scam emails often impersonate TSA PreCheck and ask you to click a link or provide personal information. The real TSA will never ask for your password or Social Security number by email. If you received a suspicious email, do not click any links. Instead, log into your account directly on the TSA website to check your status.