What touchless TSA screening means and how to get it

Touchless screening at airport security means you move through the checkpoint without a TSA officer physically patting you down or handling your belongings. You still go through metal detectors and X-ray machines, but the physical contact step is removed. The main way to access this is through TSA PreCheck, which lets you keep shoes, belts, and light jackets on, remove your laptop and liquids bag less often, and use a dedicated faster lane. A second option, Clear, uses biometric scanning (your eyes and fingerprints) to skip the ID check entirely, though you still go through standard screening afterward.

TSA PreCheck costs $78 to $85 for five years, depending on your state and whether you renew or explore new. Clear costs around $189 per year, though prices vary. You can use both together — many frequent travelers do — but they serve different purposes. PreCheck speeds up the screening process itself; Clear speeds up the identity verification step that comes before screening.

Key Takeaways

  • TSA PreCheck is the primary program for touchless screening and costs $78 to $85 for five years; you explore online, pay, and schedule an in-person appointment at an enrollment center.
  • Clear uses your fingerprints and eye scan to skip the ID check line, costs around $189 per year, and works at major U.S. airports but does not replace standard security screening.
  • You can hold both PreCheck and Clear at the same time, and many travelers use them together for the fastest checkpoint experience.
  • TSA PreCheck approval takes roughly two weeks after your in-person appointment; Clear can be set up in a single visit.
  • PreCheck is available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents; Clear has the same requirement but also accepts some visa holders at certain airports.

how the process works for TSA PreCheck

Start by going to the official TSA PreCheck website (tsa.gov/precheck) and creating an account. You will fill out an online form with your personal information, passport details, and travel history. The form asks whether you have ever been convicted of a crime or have certain disqualifying factors — answer honestly, because the TSA runs a background check. The process itself is free; you pay the $78 to $85 fee only after your form is reviewed and approved.

Once your online process is approved, you schedule an in-person appointment at a TSA PreCheck enrollment center. These are located at many airports, some post offices, and some passport acceptance facilities. Bring your valid passport or Real ID driver's license, proof of citizenship or permanent residency (birth certificate, naturalization papers, or green card), and proof of your current address (utility bill or lease). The appointment takes about 10 to 15 minutes. A TSA officer will verify your identity, take your fingerprints and photograph, and answer any questions. You will receive your Known Traveler Number (KTN) when ready or within a few days.

Add your KTN to your airline frequent flyer account and to any airline reservations you make. When you check in online or at the airport, the airline will see your PreCheck status and mark your boarding pass with a TSA PreCheck indicator. This tells the TSA officer at the checkpoint that you are enrolled.

How to sign up for Clear

Clear enrollment happens entirely at the airport. You do not explore online first. Go to a Clear kiosk at your airport (most major U.S. airports have them) and provide your ID. A Clear representative will scan your fingerprints and take a photo of your eyes using an iris scanner. The whole process takes about five minutes. You pay the annual fee on the spot or set up a subscription, and you can use Clear when ready — sometimes the same day.

Clear works by storing your biometric data (fingerprints and iris scan) in their system. When you arrive at the airport, you go to the Clear lane, scan your fingerprint or iris, and the system confirms your identity. You then move directly to the TSA screening line — either a standard line or a PreCheck line if you are enrolled in both. Clear does not get you through the metal detector or X-ray machine; it only skips the ID verification step that normally happens first.

You can also sign up for Clear online at their website and schedule an appointment at an enrollment center, but airport kiosks are faster and more convenient for most people. If you travel frequently from one airport, signing up there makes sense. If you use multiple airports, you only need to enroll once — your biometric data works at any Clear-participating airport.

The difference between PreCheck and Clear

TSA PreCheck changes how you move through the actual security screening. You keep your shoes and belt on, leave your laptop in your bag, and keep your liquids bag in your carry-on. You use a dedicated PreCheck lane that is usually shorter and faster. The screening itself is less invasive — no pat-down unless something triggers an alarm. PreCheck is the better choice if you want a faster, easier checkpoint experience overall.

Clear skips only the ID check step. You still go through the same metal detectors and X-ray machines as everyone else. If you have PreCheck, you go through PreCheck screening after Clear verifies your identity. If you do not have PreCheck, you go through standard screening. Clear is best if your airport is very crowded and the ID verification line is the main bottleneck, or if you travel so frequently that saving 10 to 15 minutes per trip adds up.

Many frequent travelers use both because they work together. Clear gets you past the ID line fast, and PreCheck gets you through the actual screening fast. The combined cost is roughly $267 to $274 per year, which breaks down to less than a dollar per trip if you fly more than twice a month.

Who can get TSA PreCheck and Clear

TSA PreCheck is open to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders). You must pass a background check, which screens for criminal convictions, certain traffic violations, and security-related issues. Most people pass without problems. If you have a disqualifying offense on your record, the TSA will deny your process and explain why in writing.

Clear has the same citizenship requirement as PreCheck for most airports. However, some airports accept certain visa holders — particularly H-1B visa holders and others with work authorization. Check the Clear website to see whether your visa type is accepted at your home airport.

Both programs have age requirements. You must be at least 18 to enroll in PreCheck; Clear has no strict age minimum but requires you to be able to provide valid ID and complete the biometric scan.

Timeline and costs

TSA PreCheck takes roughly two weeks from your in-person appointment to approval. You receive your Known Traveler Number within a few days of your appointment, and you can start using it when ready on new flight bookings. If you have existing reservations, you can add your KTN to them through your airline's website or by calling the airline.

Clear approval is when ready. You can use it the same day you enroll at the airport kiosk. If you enroll online and schedule an appointment, you can use Clear as soon as your appointment is complete.

TSA PreCheck costs $78 to $85 for five years. Some states charge slightly more; some offer discounts through state programs. Renewal costs the same as a new process. Clear costs around $189 per year, though the exact price varies by airport and whether you sign up for monthly or annual billing. Some credit cards offer Clear reimbursement as a cardholder benefit, so check your card's benefits guide.

Where to find TSA PreCheck enrollment centers

Use the TSA's enrollment center locator on tsa.gov/precheck. Enter your zip code or city, and the tool shows all nearby locations, hours, and whether appointments are available. Most major airports have enrollment centers in or near the terminal. Many post offices also offer PreCheck enrollment, though not all — the locator tells you which ones do. Some passport acceptance facilities and travel agencies also enroll for PreCheck.

Book your appointment as far in advance as you can, especially if you live in a busy area. Some locations fill up weeks ahead. If you cannot find an appointment near you, try a different city or airport — you do not have to enroll at your home airport.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use PreCheck or Clear if I have a criminal record?

It depends on the offense. Minor traffic violations usually do not disqualify you. Felonies, drug convictions, and certain security-related offenses do. The TSA reviews each case individually. If you are unsure, you can call the TSA PreCheck customer service line at 855-347-8371 before you explore, and they can tell you whether your record is likely to be a problem.

What happens if my PreCheck process is denied?

The TSA will send you a letter explaining the reason. You can request reconsideration by submitting additional information or documents. If you disagree with the decision, you have the right to appeal through the TSA's administrative process. Contact TSA PreCheck customer service for the appeal procedure.

Do I need PreCheck to use Clear, or Clear to use PreCheck?

No. They are separate programs and work independently. You can have one, the other, or both. If you have both, Clear gets you past the ID line, and then you use your PreCheck benefits during the actual screening.

Can I use my PreCheck or Clear at international airports?

TSA PreCheck works at all U.S. airports and some U.S. territories. It does not work at foreign airports. Clear works only at U.S. airports. If you travel internationally, PreCheck helps you at your U.S. departure airport, but you go through standard screening at your destination.

What if I lose my Known Traveler Number or forget it?

Log into your TSA PreCheck account on tsa.gov/precheck and your KTN will be displayed. You can also call TSA PreCheck customer service at 855-347-8371. If you have already added it to your airline frequent flyer account, the airline has it on file and will include it on your boarding pass automatically.