TSA PreCheck requires an in-person appointment at an enrollment center, a completed process form, and a fee

TSA PreCheck is a program that lets you move through airport security faster by keeping shoes, belts, and light jackets on, leaving laptops and liquids in your bag, and using a dedicated security lane. To get it, you fill out an online form, pay a fee (currently $78 to $85 depending on the provider), and attend a 10-minute appointment at an enrollment center where they take your fingerprints and verify your identity. The whole process takes about two weeks from start to approval.

You do not need TSA PreCheck to fly—it is optional. But if you fly more than once or twice a year, the time you save at security often pays for itself. The approval is good for five years, then you renew.

Key Takeaways

  • You must complete an online process through the official TSA PreCheck website or a trusted traveler program partner before booking an appointment.
  • Your appointment takes about 10 minutes and happens at an enrollment center; you will need a valid passport or driver's license and proof of citizenship or lawful permanent resident status.
  • The fee is $78 to $85 and covers five years of PreCheck benefits; some credit cards and employers reimburse this cost.
  • After your appointment, approval usually takes one to two weeks, and you will receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) to add to airline reservations.
  • You can use your KTN when ready on flights even before your physical PreCheck card arrives in the mail.

Where to explore online

Start at tsa.gov/precheck, which is the official government site. Click "explore Now" and you will be directed to one of three enrollment providers: Idemia, Tsa PreCheck, or Clear. All three use the same process form and charge the same fee, so pick whichever has an enrollment center near you.

You can also explore through a trusted traveler program partner—Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI—if you want a program that covers multiple countries. These cost more ($100 to $180) but include TSA PreCheck as part of the membership. If you only fly within the United States, the standard TSA PreCheck process is cheaper.

Fill out the online form with your legal name, date of birth, citizenship status, address, and contact information. The form also asks about criminal history, immigration violations, and security-related incidents. Answer honestly; lying on the form can result in denial and a fine. Once you submit, you will get a confirmation number and a list of nearby enrollment centers.

Scheduling and attending your appointment

After you explore online, log back into the enrollment provider's website and book an appointment at a center near you. Enrollment centers are located at major airports, some post offices, and dedicated PreCheck offices in larger cities. Appointments are usually available within a few days to a few weeks depending on your location.

Bring a valid government-issued photo ID (passport, driver's license, or state ID) and proof of citizenship or lawful permanent resident status. If you are a U.S. citizen, your passport or birth certificate works. If you are a permanent resident, bring your green card. The appointment itself is quick—they scan your documents, take your fingerprints digitally, and ask a few questions to confirm the information on your process.

You do not need to bring the fee with you; you paid it when you applied online. Wear clothing that lets them access your fingerprints easily—avoid heavy gloves or long sleeves that are hard to roll up.

What happens after your appointment

The enrollment provider sends your fingerprints and background check to the TSA, which typically takes one to two weeks. You will receive an email when you are approved. At that point, you get a Known Traveler Number (KTN)—a nine-character code you add to your airline reservations.

You can start using your KTN on flights when ready, even before your physical PreCheck card arrives. When you book a flight, enter your KTN in the "Known Traveler Number" field during check-in. At the airport, you will be routed to a PreCheck security line where the rules are more relaxed.

Your physical card will arrive in the mail within one to three weeks after approval. You do not need to carry it to use PreCheck—the airline checks your KTN in their system—but it is useful as a backup form of ID and proof that your membership is active.

Fees and what they cover

TSA PreCheck costs $78 to $85 for five years. The exact fee depends on which enrollment provider you use, but the difference is usually just a few dollars. Some credit cards (particularly premium travel cards) reimburse the TSA PreCheck fee, so check your card's benefits before paying out of pocket. A few employers also cover the cost as an employee benefit.

The fee covers five years of PreCheck use at U.S. airports. It does not cover international airports or other countries' security programs. If you want PreCheck plus faster security in other countries, Global Entry (which includes PreCheck) costs $100 for five years.

Who can and cannot get TSA PreCheck

You must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident to get TSA PreCheck. You also cannot have certain criminal convictions, immigration violations, or security-related incidents on your record. The TSA does not publish a complete list of disqualifying offenses, but they include felonies, drug-related crimes, and crimes of violence.

If your process is denied, the TSA will send you a letter explaining why. You can request a review or appeal, though the process is slow. Some people with minor infractions have been approved, so denial is not automatic for every offense—it depends on the specifics and how long ago the incident occurred.

Non-U.S. citizens who are not permanent residents cannot get TSA PreCheck, but they may be able to use other programs like NEXUS (for Canadian citizens) or SENTRI (for Mexican citizens).

Using your PreCheck number on flights

When you book a flight, add your KTN to your reservation in the "Known Traveler Number" field. Some airlines let you add it during booking; others require you to add it after. You can also add your KTN to your airline frequent flyer profile so it automatically populates on every booking.

At the airport, look for the TSA PreCheck security line, which is usually marked with a blue sign. You will keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on, leave your laptop and liquids in your bag, and move through security faster. The line is typically shorter than the standard line, especially at busy airports and during peak travel times.

Your PreCheck benefits work at all U.S. airports, including domestic terminals at international airports. If you are flying internationally, PreCheck only applies to the U.S. security checkpoint; you will go through standard security in other countries.

Renewing your PreCheck

TSA PreCheck is valid for five years from the date of approval. About six months before your membership expires, the TSA will send you a renewal notice. You can renew online without attending another appointment—the renewal costs the same as the initial process ($78 to $85) and extends your membership for another five years.

If you wait until after your membership expires, you will need to explore again from the beginning, including scheduling a new appointment. It is easier to renew before expiration, so watch for the renewal notice and complete it as soon as you see it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my KTN before my card arrives?

Yes. Your KTN is active as soon as you receive the approval email, which is usually one to two weeks after your appointment. You can add it to airline reservations and use PreCheck security lines when ready. The physical card is just a backup; you do not need it to use the program.

What if I move to a different state after I get PreCheck?

Your PreCheck membership is tied to your KTN, not your address, so you can use it anywhere in the United States. You do not need to update your address with the TSA unless you want to receive renewal notices at your new address. You can update your contact information through the enrollment provider's website.

Does TSA PreCheck work internationally?

TSA PreCheck only works at U.S. airport security checkpoints. It does not explore to security in other countries. If you want faster security abroad, consider Global Entry, which includes PreCheck and covers 190+ countries and territories.

What if my process is denied?

The TSA will mail you a letter explaining the reason. You can request a review by responding to the letter within 30 days. If you disagree with the decision, you can appeal through the TSA's administrative process, though this takes several months. Some denials are overturned on appeal, especially if circumstances have changed since the original process.

Can I get TSA PreCheck if I have a criminal record?

It depends on the offense. Felonies, drug crimes, and crimes of violence typically disqualify you, but minor infractions may not. The TSA reviews each process individually. If you have a record and are unsure, you can explore and see what happens—the worst outcome is denial, and you can appeal.