TSA PreCheck is a background check program that lets you move through airport security faster

TSA PreCheck is a Department of Homeland Security program that speeds up security screening at U.S. airports. When you have it, you go through a separate, faster line at most major airports, keep your shoes and belt on, leave laptops and liquids in your bag, and remove less clothing overall. You pay a fee upfront, and the benefit lasts five years.

The program is not free, and you have to go through a background check and in-person appointment. But if you fly more than a couple of times a year, the time saved usually makes it worth the cost. The process takes a few weeks from start to finish.

Key Takeaways

  • TSA PreCheck costs $78 to $85 depending on where you explore, and the membership lasts five years.
  • You explore online first, then schedule an in-person appointment at a local enrollment center to provide fingerprints and documents.
  • The background check takes two to three weeks, and you receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) by email once you are approved.
  • You enter your KTN when you book flights, and it appears on your boarding pass so TSA knows to route you to the PreCheck line.
  • TSA PreCheck works at most major U.S. airports but not all regional ones, so check the TSA website to see if your airport participates.

Where to explore and what it costs

You can explore through the official TSA PreCheck website (tsa.gov/precheck) or through a private enrollment provider. The TSA website lists all approved providers in your area. The process fee is $78 to $85 depending on which provider you use and whether there are any current promotions. Some credit cards and travel memberships offer fee reimbursement, so check your benefits before paying.

The fee covers five years of membership. After five years, you renew by paying the fee again and completing a shorter background check—you do not have to do an in-person appointment for renewal in most cases.

What documents and information you need

Before your appointment, gather a valid government-issued ID (passport, driver's license, or military ID), proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residency, and your Social Security number. You will also need to provide your address, phone number, and employment history for the past five years.

Bring the original documents to your in-person appointment—copies are not accepted. If you have changed your name, bring a document showing the legal change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The enrollment center staff will take your fingerprints digitally during the appointment.

The in-person appointment process

After you submit your online process, you will receive an email with a link to schedule your appointment at a local enrollment center. Most cities have multiple centers, and you can usually book an appointment within one to two weeks. The appointment itself takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

At the center, a staff member will verify your documents, take your digital fingerprints, and take a photo. They will ask you questions about your background and may ask why you want TSA PreCheck. Answer honestly—the background check is looking for criminal history, security concerns, and immigration issues. Once the appointment is done, you leave, and the background check begins.

How long approval takes and what happens next

The background check typically takes two to three weeks. During this time, you will not have TSA PreCheck yet. Once you are approved, you will receive an email with your Known Traveler Number (KTN)—a nine-digit code unique to you. You will also receive a printed card in the mail, though the card is optional; the KTN is what you actually need.

If your process is denied, the TSA will send you a letter explaining why. You have the right to request reconsideration, and the letter will include instructions for doing so. Denials are usually based on criminal history, immigration status, or security concerns.

How to use your KTN when you book flights

When you book a flight, enter your KTN in the "Known Traveler Number" field during checkout. This field is on most airline websites and in airline apps. If you forget to add it when booking, you can usually add it to your reservation later through your airline account or by calling the airline.

Your KTN will appear on your boarding pass as "TSA Pre✓" or similar notation. When you arrive at security, look for the TSA PreCheck line—it is usually marked with a sign and is separate from the standard security line. Show your boarding pass to the TSA officer, and they will direct you through the faster screening process.

Which airports have TSA PreCheck lines

TSA PreCheck is available at most major U.S. airports, including all large hubs like Atlanta, Dallas, Los Angeles, and New York. However, not all regional or smaller airports have dedicated PreCheck lines. The TSA website has a searchable list of participating airports, so check before your trip if you are flying to a smaller city.

Even if your departure airport does not have a PreCheck line, your KTN is still valid and may speed up screening slightly. Some smaller airports use a mixed security line where PreCheck members are screened with fewer restrictions even without a separate line.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use TSA PreCheck internationally?

TSA PreCheck only works for U.S. domestic flights and flights departing the United States. For international travel, you may want to look into Global Entry, which includes TSA PreCheck benefits plus expedited customs screening when you return to the U.S. Global Entry costs more but covers both domestic and international travel.

What if I am denied TSA PreCheck?

If you are denied, the TSA sends a letter explaining the reason. You can request reconsideration by following the instructions in the letter. Common reasons for denial include felony convictions, certain misdemeanors, immigration violations, or security-related concerns. Reconsideration can take several weeks.

Do I need to renew my TSA PreCheck before it expires?

You can renew up to six months before your membership expires. Renewal is faster than the initial process—you pay the fee, complete a shorter background check, and usually do not need an in-person appointment. The TSA will send you a reminder email as your expiration date approaches.

What if my boarding pass does not show TSA Pre✓?

Contact your airline before you reach security. Sometimes the KTN does not transfer to the boarding pass due to a booking error. The airline can usually fix it on the spot or issue a new boarding pass. If it is not fixed, inform the TSA officer at security and show them your KTN separately.

Can family members use my KTN?

No, your KTN is personal to you and cannot be shared. Each family member needs their own TSA PreCheck membership and KTN. Children under 12 can go through the PreCheck line with an adult who has PreCheck, but they do not need their own membership.