TSA PreCheck requires an in-person appointment at an enrollment center, a completed process form, and a fee of $78 to $85 depending on your state

You cannot complete TSA PreCheck entirely online. The process has three parts: fill out the process on the TSA website before your appointment, pay the fee, and attend an in-person appointment where a TSA officer will verify your identity and take your fingerprints. The whole appointment takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Once approved, your membership lasts five years.

The fee varies slightly by state because some states partner with TSA to offer the program at driver's license offices, while others use dedicated TSA enrollment centers. You pay at your appointment, not online. Most people receive their Known Traveler Number (KTN) within two weeks, though it can take up to 30 days.

Key Takeaways

  • You must complete an online process at tsa.gov/precheck before scheduling your appointment, but you cannot finish the process without going in person.
  • Your appointment takes 10 to 15 minutes and includes identity verification and fingerprinting at an enrollment center or participating state driver's license office.
  • The fee is $78 to $85 and is paid at your appointment, not in advance.
  • After approval, you receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) within two to four weeks that you use when booking flights.
  • Your TSA PreCheck membership is valid for five years from the date of approval.

Complete Your Online process Before Scheduling

Go to tsa.gov/precheck and select "explore Now" to start your process. You will need your Social Security number, passport or driver's license number, and information about your address history for the past five years. The form asks about your criminal history, immigration status, and any security violations. Answer honestly—TSA conducts a background check, and lying on the process can result in denial and a fine.

The online process takes about 10 minutes. You do not pay anything at this stage. Once you submit it, you will receive a confirmation number. Write it down or save the email—you will need it to schedule your appointment. Do not close the page without recording this number.

Find an Enrollment Center and Book Your Appointment

After submitting your online process, return to tsa.gov/precheck and use the "Find Enrollment Centers" tool to locate a center near you. Enter your zip code to see all available locations, their hours, and how far out their appointment calendar is. Some centers book appointments weeks in advance, while others have openings within days. Choose the location and date that work for you.

You can also schedule at participating state driver's license offices in some states—check the enrollment center locator to see if your state offers this option. The appointment process is identical whether you go to a TSA center or a driver's license office. Bring your confirmation number from your online process when you book.

What to Bring to Your Appointment

Bring one government-issued photo ID (passport, driver's license, or military ID) and proof of your current address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last month. If you have changed your address recently, bring a document showing your old address as well, since the process asks for five years of address history.

Bring your confirmation number from your online process. You will also pay the fee at your appointment—$78 to $85 depending on your state. Most enrollment centers accept credit cards, debit cards, and checks, but call ahead to confirm what payment methods your location accepts. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early.

What Happens During Your Appointment

A TSA officer will verify your identity using the documents you brought, check your background information against what you submitted online, and take your fingerprints digitally. The officer may ask follow-up questions about your process, especially if there are gaps in your address history or unclear information. Answer truthfully and directly.

The entire appointment takes 10 to 15 minutes. You will not receive your Known Traveler Number (KTN) on the spot. Instead, you will get a receipt showing you have been approved pending final background clearance. TSA will mail you a letter with your KTN within two to four weeks, though it can occasionally take up to 30 days. You can also check your status online using your confirmation number.

Use Your Known Traveler Number When Booking Flights

Once you receive your KTN, add it to your airline frequent flyer profile or enter it when you book your next flight. The KTN is a nine-character number that tells the airline you have TSA PreCheck approval. When you check in at the airport, your boarding pass will show a TSA PreCheck indicator, usually a "TSA Pre✓" mark or the words "TSA Pre" printed on it.

With TSA PreCheck, you can go through expedited security screening at participating airports. You keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on, leave your laptop and liquids in your bag, and use a dedicated PreCheck lane. Not every airport has a PreCheck lane, but most major airports do. Check tsa.gov to see which airports near you offer the service.

Renew Your TSA PreCheck Before It Expires

Your TSA PreCheck membership is valid for five years from your approval date. About four months before your expiration date, you can renew online at tsa.gov/precheck without scheduling another in-person appointment. The renewal fee is the same as the initial fee. If you wait until after your membership expires, you will have to go through the full process and appointment process again.

You can renew online only if you have not had any criminal convictions, immigration violations, or security incidents since your last approval. If your circumstances have changed, you may need to schedule a new in-person appointment. Check your TSA PreCheck status online using your confirmation number to see your expiration date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use TSA PreCheck internationally?

TSA PreCheck only works at U.S. airports. For expedited screening in other countries, you may be able to use Global Entry, which includes TSA PreCheck benefits and costs $100 for five years. Global Entry requires an in-person appointment at a U.S. airport or enrollment center and includes PreCheck benefits automatically.

What if I get denied?

If TSA denies your process, you will receive a letter explaining the reason. You can request reconsideration by submitting additional documents or information within 30 days. If you are still denied, you can appeal to the TSA Office of Security and Hazardous Materials Safety. The letter will include instructions for both steps.

Do I need TSA PreCheck if I have Global Entry?

No. Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck benefits, so you get expedited screening at U.S. airports automatically. You do not need both memberships. If you already have Global Entry, you do not need to pay for PreCheck separately.

What happens if my appointment is cancelled?

If you miss your appointment or TSA cancels it, you will need to reschedule using the enrollment center locator on tsa.gov. Your online process remains valid, so you can book a new appointment using the same confirmation number. There is no penalty for rescheduling.

Can I use someone else's TSA PreCheck number?

No. Your KTN is tied to your identity and your background check. Using someone else's number is fraud and can result in criminal charges, fines, and permanent denial of TSA PreCheck and other trusted traveler programs.