Touchless TSA screening means using TSA PreCheck or CLEAR to move through airport security without removing shoes, belts, or light jackets, and without taking out laptops or liquids

The TSA does not offer a program called "touchless TSA," but two real programs let you move through security faster with fewer items removed: TSA PreCheck and CLEAR. TSA PreCheck costs $78 to $85 for five years and requires an in-person appointment where you provide fingerprints and a government ID. CLEAR costs $189 per year and uses biometric scanning (your eyes and fingerprints) to verify your identity at a kiosk, letting you skip the ID check line entirely. Many travelers use both together for the fastest path through security.

Neither program is truly "touchless"—you still walk through a metal detector or body scanner and TSA officers may pat you down if the scanner flags something. But both reduce the number of items you handle and the time you spend in the security area.

Key Takeaways

  • TSA PreCheck ($78–$85 for five years) lets you keep shoes, belts, and light jackets on and leave laptops and liquids in your bag during screening.
  • CLEAR ($189 per year) uses your fingerprints and eye scan to verify your identity, so you skip the ID-check line and go straight to the scanner.
  • Both programs require an in-person appointment: TSA PreCheck at an enrollment center, CLEAR at a CLEAR kiosk in an airport or enrollment location.
  • You can hold both programs at the same time; many travelers do because they work together to speed up the entire security process.
  • TSA PreCheck is available at most U.S. airports; CLEAR is available at major airports and some smaller ones, so check your airport's website first.

How TSA PreCheck works and what you need to enroll

TSA PreCheck is a background-check program run by the TSA. When you enroll, you go through a fingerprint check and a review of your criminal and immigration history. If you pass, you receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) that you add to your airline reservation. At security, you enter a dedicated PreCheck lane where the rules are relaxed: you leave on shoes, socks, belts, light jackets, and hoodies; you leave laptops and liquids in your carry-on bag; and you move through the scanner without removing most items.

To enroll, you book an appointment at a TSA PreCheck enrollment center. You bring a valid government ID (passport, driver's license, or military ID), proof of citizenship or lawful permanent resident status (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), and pay the fee. The appointment takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You receive your KTN when ready, though your card arrives by mail in one to two weeks. Your PreCheck status is good for five years.

Not all airports have enrollment centers. Use the TSA's enrollment center locator on its website to find one near you. Some locations are in airports; others are in police departments, passport acceptance facilities, or private enrollment offices.

How CLEAR works and what you need to enroll

CLEAR is a separate biometric identity program run by a private company (not the TSA). It uses your fingerprints and iris scan to confirm who you are at the airport. When you arrive at security, you walk to a CLEAR kiosk, scan your eyes and fingerprints, and the kiosk confirms your identity. You then skip the ID-check line and go straight to the TSA scanner. CLEAR does not change what you remove at the scanner itself—you still follow TSA rules—but it eliminates the wait at the ID desk.

To enroll in CLEAR, you visit a CLEAR enrollment kiosk at a major airport or book an appointment at a CLEAR enrollment location. You bring a valid government ID and pay the annual fee. The enrollment takes about five minutes. Your membership is active when ready and lasts one year from the date you enroll.

CLEAR is available at most major U.S. airports (Atlanta, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, and others) and some smaller ones. Check the CLEAR website or your airport's website to see if CLEAR operates at your home airport before you enroll.

Using TSA PreCheck and CLEAR together

Many travelers enroll in both programs because they work at different points in the security process. TSA PreCheck changes what you remove at the scanner; CLEAR skips the ID-check line. Together, they create the fastest path: you use CLEAR to verify your identity and skip the line, then you enter the PreCheck lane where you remove fewer items.

If you hold both, add your TSA PreCheck KTN to your airline reservation as usual. At the airport, go to the CLEAR kiosk first, scan your biometrics, and then proceed to the TSA PreCheck lane. You do not need to do anything special—the systems work independently but in sequence.

Cost and renewal for both programs

TSA PreCheck costs $78 to $85 depending on the enrollment location and whether you use a discount code. The fee covers five years of membership. When your five years are up, you renew by paying the fee again and updating your information at an enrollment center (you do not need new fingerprints unless your prints are unclear on file).

CLEAR costs $189 per year. Some employers, credit card companies, and airline frequent-flyer programs offer CLEAR memberships as a benefit or discount, so check whether your employer or credit card issuer covers it. CLEAR also offers a monthly payment plan if you prefer not to pay the full year upfront.

Which airports have TSA PreCheck and CLEAR lanes

TSA PreCheck is available at most U.S. airports, including all major hubs. A few very small regional airports do not have dedicated PreCheck lanes, so check your airport's website or the TSA website before your trip. If your airport does not have a PreCheck lane, you go through standard security even with a valid KTN.

CLEAR is available at major airports and an expanding list of mid-size ones. The CLEAR website has a full list of participating airports. If your home airport does not have CLEAR, you can still use it at other airports where you connect or travel. Some travelers enroll in CLEAR specifically for trips through major hubs like Atlanta or Los Angeles.

What to do if you are denied or your enrollment is delayed

If your TSA PreCheck process is denied, the TSA sends you a letter explaining the reason. Common reasons include criminal history, immigration violations, or incomplete information. You can request reconsideration by submitting additional documents or information to the TSA. Contact the TSA's PreCheck office for the specific process.

If your enrollment is delayed (for example, if your fingerprints are unclear or your background check takes longer), you can still travel—you just use standard security until your status is approved. Once approved, your KTN becomes active when ready.

CLEAR enrollment is usually when ready, but if the biometric scan fails or your identity cannot be verified, CLEAR staff will ask you to try again or provide additional ID. If you cannot enroll, you can still use standard security.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need both TSA PreCheck and CLEAR, or is one enough?

One is enough. TSA PreCheck alone speeds up security by letting you remove fewer items. CLEAR alone skips the ID line but you still remove items at the scanner. Both together give you the fastest experience, but either one alone saves time.

Can I use my TSA PreCheck KTN on someone else's ticket?

No. Your KTN is tied to your name and ID. You must add it to your own reservation. Family members or travel companions need their own PreCheck enrollment.

What if I lose my CLEAR membership or want to cancel?

You can cancel CLEAR anytime through the CLEAR app or website and receive a prorated refund for the unused portion of your membership. If you lose access to your biometrics (for example, after an injury), contact CLEAR support and they can re-enroll you.

Does TSA PreCheck work internationally?

TSA PreCheck only works at U.S. airports. For international travel, some countries offer their own trusted traveler programs (like Canada's NEXUS or the UK's Registered Traveler scheme), but TSA PreCheck does not transfer abroad.

Can children enroll in TSA PreCheck or CLEAR?

Children under 18 can be added to a parent's TSA PreCheck account at no extra cost and use the parent's KTN. CLEAR allows children to enroll separately, though some airports let children under 12 go through PreCheck with a parent without their own membership. Check your airport's rules.