The Basic Steps to Get TSA PreCheck

TSA PreCheck approval requires you to complete an in-person appointment at an enrollment center, submit your fingerprints and background information, and pay a fee. The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes at the appointment itself, but approval from start to finish usually takes 2 to 6 weeks. You will need a valid passport or driver's license, your Social Security number, and proof of citizenship or lawful permanent resident status.

The first step is to create an account on the official TSA PreCheck website (tsa.gov/precheck) and fill out the online form with your personal information. This form is not a binding process yet—it is a questionnaire that helps the TSA review your background. After you submit it, you will receive a confirmation and instructions for scheduling your in-person appointment.

Once you have scheduled, you will go to an enrollment center (usually located at airports, but also at some post offices and other locations) on your appointment date. A TSA officer will verify your identity documents, take your fingerprints digitally, and ask you questions about your background. You will also pay the fee at this time—currently $78 to $85 depending on the enrollment provider, though some programs offer fee waivers or reductions.

Key Takeaways

  • You must complete an online form on tsa.gov/precheck and then attend an in-person appointment at an enrollment center to provide fingerprints and identity documents.
  • The appointment itself takes 10 to 15 minutes, but the entire approval process from submission to receiving your Known Traveler Number usually takes 2 to 6 weeks.
  • You will need a valid passport or driver's license, your Social Security number, and proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status.
  • The fee is typically $78 to $85, paid at your appointment, and covers five years of TSA PreCheck membership.
  • You can check your process status anytime by logging into your account on the TSA PreCheck website.

What Documents You Need to Bring

Bring one government-issued photo ID (a valid passport, driver's license, or military ID) and one proof of citizenship or lawful permanent resident status. Acceptable citizenship documents include a U.S. birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card. If your name has changed since your citizenship document was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number at the appointment. The TSA uses this to conduct a background check. Bring your Social Security card if you have it, though the officer can verify your number through other means if needed. Have your address and phone number ready as well, since the form you filled out online will be reviewed against what you provide in person.

Finding an Enrollment Center Near You

The TSA PreCheck website has a search tool where you can enter your zip code and see all enrollment centers within a certain distance. Most major airports have at least one enrollment center, and many operate extended hours to accommodate travelers. Some locations are staffed by the TSA directly, while others are run by approved vendors like Idemia or Telos.

If you live far from an airport, check whether your local post office or courthouse offers TSA PreCheck appointments. Some rural areas have fewer options, so you may need to travel to the nearest city. The search tool shows you the hours each location operates and whether you can book online or need to call ahead.

What Happens During Your Appointment

When you arrive, bring all your documents and plan to spend 15 to 20 minutes total, including waiting time. The officer will ask you to verify the information you entered online, check your identity documents, and take your fingerprints using a digital scanner. You will also answer questions about your background—whether you have ever been arrested, convicted of a crime, or have any disqualifying factors.

Be honest in your answers. The TSA conducts a thorough background check that includes criminal history, immigration records, and other databases. If you have a criminal record or immigration issue, you may still be approved depending on the nature and timing of the offense, but lying about it will result in denial. After the appointment, you will receive a receipt with a reference number so you can track your process status online.

How Long Approval Takes and What to Expect

Most applications are approved within 2 to 6 weeks of your appointment. During this time, the TSA is running your fingerprints through FBI and Department of Homeland Security databases. You can check your status anytime by logging into your account on tsa.gov/precheck and entering your reference number.

Once you are approved, you will receive an email notification and your Known Traveler Number (KTN). This is a nine-digit number you enter when booking flights or checking in at the airport. You do not receive a physical card—the KTN is all you need. Your approval is valid for five years from the date of your appointment, after which you can renew by submitting a new process and paying the fee again.

In rare cases, the TSA may request additional information or schedule a second interview. If this happens, you will receive a letter or email explaining what they need. Respond promptly, as delays in providing information can slow down your approval.

Reasons Your process Might Be Denied

The TSA can deny your process based on criminal history, immigration violations, security-related offenses, or inconsistencies in your background check. A felony conviction does not automatically disqualify you—the TSA looks at the nature of the crime, how long ago it occurred, and whether you have rehabilitated. However, certain offenses related to terrorism, espionage, or violent crime are permanent disqualifiers.

If your process is denied, you will receive a letter explaining the reason and your right to appeal. You can request reconsideration by submitting additional information or documentation showing why the denial was incorrect. The appeal process takes additional weeks, so contact the TSA if you believe there was an error in your background check.

Using Your TSA PreCheck Number

Once you have your Known Traveler Number, enter it when you book your flight or at check-in. Most airlines have a field for your KTN during online booking. At the airport, you will see a TSA PreCheck lane at security—you can keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on, leave your laptop and liquids in your bag, and move through screening faster than standard passengers.

Your TSA PreCheck membership works at all U.S. airports and with all airlines. It also provides benefits with some international carriers on flights departing the United States. If you lose your KTN or forget it, you can look it up anytime by logging into your TSA PreCheck account.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

It depends on the type and severity of the crime. Misdemeanors and older felonies do not automatically disqualify you. The TSA reviews each case individually, looking at what the offense was, when it happened, and whether you have shown rehabilitation. Crimes related to terrorism, violence, or security are permanent disqualifiers. If you have a record, you can still explore and let the TSA make the information.

What if I miss my appointment?

You can reschedule through your TSA PreCheck account on the website. There is no penalty for missing an appointment, but you will need to book a new one. If you need to cancel, do so at least 24 hours in advance so the slot can be offered to another applicant.

Do I need TSA PreCheck if I have Global Entry or another trusted traveler program?

No. Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, and CANPASS all include TSA PreCheck benefits automatically. If you already hold one of these programs, you do not need to pay for TSA PreCheck separately. You will receive a KTN as part of your membership.

Can my children get TSA PreCheck?

Yes. Children under 18 can be included on a parent or guardian's TSA PreCheck membership at no additional cost. They will use the same KTN as the adult and receive the same security screening benefits. Children 18 and older must explore for their own membership.

What happens if my TSA PreCheck expires?

You will receive an email notification about 90 days before your membership expires. You can renew by submitting a new process and paying the fee again. The renewal process is the same as the initial process, including the in-person appointment and background check.