TSA PreCheck is the main touchless screening program, and you sign up through the official TSA website or at an enrollment center

TSA PreCheck lets you go through a faster security line at the airport without removing shoes, belts, light jackets, or taking out laptops and liquids. To sign up, you visit the official TSA PreCheck enrollment website (universalenroll.dhs.gov), create an account, fill out your information, and pay the fee. Then you schedule an in-person appointment at one of the enrollment centers across the country, where a TSA officer verifies your identity and takes your fingerprints.

The whole process takes about 5 to 10 minutes at the appointment itself, though the wait to get an appointment slot can be weeks depending on your location. You'll receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) that you enter when you book flights, and TSA PreCheck is valid for five years.

If you don't want to visit an enrollment center, some airports offer expedited enrollment events where you can complete the process in one visit, though these are less common and you should check your local airport's website first.

Key Takeaways

  • Sign up for TSA PreCheck at universalenroll.dhs.gov, pay the fee, and schedule an in-person appointment at an enrollment center near you.
  • At your appointment, bring a valid government ID and proof of citizenship or lawful permanent resident status, and the TSA officer will take your fingerprints.
  • You receive a Known Traveler Number to enter when booking flights, which activates your PreCheck benefits at security.
  • TSA PreCheck is valid for five years and costs a flat fee that does not vary by state or airport.
  • If you have a passport card or Real ID driver's license, you may not need PreCheck for domestic flights, but PreCheck still speeds up the line.

What documents you need to bring to your enrollment appointment

Bring one valid government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, passport card, or military ID all work. You also need proof that you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. A U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate with a government-issued ID, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card (green card) will satisfy this requirement.

If you're explore for the first time, bring your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. The TSA officer will verify your identity against government databases during the appointment, so bring originals, not copies. If you're renewing PreCheck, the process is simpler and you may be able to renew by mail or online without a new appointment, depending on your circumstances.

How to find an enrollment center and book your appointment

On the universalenroll.dhs.gov website, use the "Find an Enrollment Center" tool and enter your zip code or city. The map shows all centers near you, their hours, and whether they have open appointment slots. Some centers are at airports, some at police departments, and some at private enrollment facilities.

Click on a center and you'll see available dates and times. Select a slot that works for you, confirm your information, and you'll receive a confirmation email with your appointment details. If no slots are open in your area, check back regularly—centers add new appointment times throughout the month. You can also call the TSA PreCheck customer service line if you have trouble booking online.

What happens at your appointment and when you get your Known Traveler Number

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early with your documents. The TSA officer will check your ID, verify your citizenship status, take your fingerprints digitally, and take a photo. The whole visit takes about 5 to 10 minutes. You'll pay the fee at this time if you haven't paid online already.

You won't receive your Known Traveler Number at the appointment. Instead, the TSA mails it to you within two to three weeks, or you can log into your account on universalenroll.dhs.gov to see it sooner. Once you have your KTN, enter it in the "Known Traveler Number" field when you book flights with any airline. The TSA PreCheck benefit will show on your boarding pass, and you'll be directed to the PreCheck security line at the airport.

TSA PreCheck fees and how long the membership lasts

TSA PreCheck costs a flat fee that covers five years of membership. The fee does not change based on your state, airport, or how many times you fly. You can renew your membership before it expires by paying the renewal fee, which is the same as the initial fee. Some credit cards offer statement credits that cover the cost, so check your card's benefits before paying out of pocket.

If your PreCheck expires while you're traveling, you lose the benefit when ready—you won't be able to use the PreCheck line on your return flight. Set a reminder three months before your expiration date so you have time to renew.

Other touchless programs: Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI

Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck benefits plus expedited customs screening when you return to the U.S. from international travel. You sign up the same way—through universalenroll.dhs.gov—and the fee is higher than PreCheck alone. Global Entry is also valid for five years.

NEXUS is for frequent travelers between the U.S. and Canada, and SENTRI is for frequent travelers between the U.S. and Mexico. Both include TSA PreCheck benefits and use the same enrollment system. If you travel internationally to Canada or Mexico regularly, one of these programs might save you more time than PreCheck alone, though the fees and appointment processes differ slightly.

You cannot hold multiple programs at once—if you enroll in Global Entry, you don't need to enroll in PreCheck separately because Global Entry includes it. Check the universalenroll.dhs.gov website to compare the programs and see which one matches your travel patterns.

What to do if your appointment is cancelled or you need to reschedule

If the TSA cancels your appointment, you'll receive an email notification. Log back into your account on universalenroll.dhs.gov and book a new slot. Appointment slots fill quickly in busy areas, so book as soon as you see the cancellation notice.

If you need to reschedule your own appointment, log into your account and select a different date and time. You can reschedule as many times as you need before your appointment. If you miss your appointment without cancelling, you may lose your fee, so cancel at least 24 hours in advance if your plans change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use TSA PreCheck on international flights?

TSA PreCheck works on domestic U.S. flights only. For international flights departing the U.S., you still go through standard security screening. If you want expedited screening for international travel, you need Global Entry, which includes TSA PreCheck and adds customs benefits when you return to the U.S.

What if I don't have a birth certificate or passport?

You need one of the accepted citizenship documents to enroll. If you don't have a passport or birth certificate, contact your state's vital records office to order a certified copy of your birth certificate. The process takes one to two weeks depending on your state. Bring the certified copy to your TSA PreCheck appointment.

Do I have to renew TSA PreCheck in person?

Renewal rules vary. Some people can renew online or by mail without visiting an enrollment center, while others must renew in person. When your membership is within six months of expiring, log into universalenroll.dhs.gov and it will tell you whether you're may be able to access for expedited renewal or must schedule a new appointment.

What if I'm a permanent resident but don't have a green card yet?

You need proof of lawful permanent resident status. If your green card is in process, bring your I-797 approval notice or I-131 travel document. Call the TSA PreCheck customer service line before your appointment to confirm that your specific document will be accepted.

Can children sign up for TSA PreCheck?

Yes. Children under 18 can enroll in TSA PreCheck, and they use the same enrollment process. A parent or guardian must attend the appointment with the child and provide consent. Children receive their own Known Traveler Number and boarding pass benefit.