TSA PreCheck approval requires you to submit an process, pay a fee, and attend an in-person appointment where an officer verifies your identity and background

The process starts online at the official TSA PreCheck website (tsa.gov/precheck). You fill out a form with your personal information, travel history, and background details. After you submit the form, you receive a confirmation number and instructions for scheduling an in-person appointment at an enrollment center near you.

The in-person step is mandatory. At your appointment, a TSA officer will check your passport or driver's license, take your fingerprints, and verify the information you provided online. The whole appointment usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. You pay the process fee at this appointment—currently $78 to $85 depending on your state and the enrollment provider, though some programs offer fee waivers.

After your appointment, TSA reviews your background check. This typically takes two to three weeks, though it can take longer. Once approved, you receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) by email. You use this number when booking flights, and it appears on your boarding pass so security officers know to send you through the expedited lane.

Key Takeaways

  • You must complete an online process, attend an in-person appointment, and pay a fee—there is no way to complete the process entirely online or by mail.
  • At your appointment, bring a valid passport or driver's license and be prepared to provide fingerprints and answer background questions.
  • Approval takes two to three weeks after your appointment, and you will receive a Known Traveler Number by email once TSA approves your process.
  • Your approval lasts five years, after which you can renew by submitting a new process and paying another fee.
  • If TSA denies your process, you have the right to request a hearing to challenge the decision.

What documents and information you need before you start

Gather your documents before you begin the online process. You will need a valid passport, passport card, or state-issued driver's license. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you will need a permanent resident card, employment authorization document, or valid visa.

Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address ready. If you have moved in the last five years, you will need to list all previous addresses. The form also asks about your employment history for the past five years, so have job titles, employers, and dates available.

If you have any criminal history, traffic violations, or immigration issues, disclose them on the form. TSA will find them anyway during the background check, and lying on the process is grounds for when ready denial and can result in criminal charges.

Finding an enrollment center and scheduling your appointment

After you submit your online process, you will see a list of enrollment centers in your area. These are run by TSA, private companies, or travel agencies depending on your location. You can filter by city or zip code to find the closest one.

Enrollment centers are not open every day. Many operate only a few days per week, and some are only open during business hours. Check the calendar for each location—availability varies widely. In rural areas, the nearest center might be 50 or more miles away, so plan ahead.

Book your appointment as soon as you see an opening that works for you. Popular time slots fill up quickly, especially in major cities. If no appointments are available in your area for several weeks, check back frequently—cancellations happen regularly and new slots open up.

What to bring and what to expect at your appointment

Bring your valid passport or driver's license. Bring your confirmation number from your online process. If you are renewing, bring your current TSA PreCheck card or your Known Traveler Number.

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. The officer will verify your identity by scanning your document, ask you to confirm the information on your process, and take your fingerprints using a digital scanner. They may ask follow-up questions about your background, employment, or travel history.

The appointment is straightforward if your information is accurate and complete. If there are discrepancies between what you said online and what your documents show, the officer will ask you to clarify. Bring any supporting documents if you think there might be questions—for example, a recent pay stub if your employment dates are unclear.

You will pay the fee at the appointment. Most enrollment centers accept credit cards, debit cards, and sometimes checks. Some locations accept cash, but confirm this when you book. The fee is non-refundable if you are denied, though some programs offer fee waivers for military members, veterans, or low-income applicants.

Background check and approval timeline

After your appointment, TSA conducts a background check that includes criminal history, immigration records, and security databases. This process usually takes two to three weeks. You can check the status of your process on the TSA PreCheck website using your confirmation number.

If TSA approves you, you will receive an email with your Known Traveler Number. This number is valid for five years. You do not receive a physical card in the mail—you only get the number, which you enter when booking flights.

If TSA needs more information, they will contact you by email or phone. Respond promptly, because delays in providing documents can slow down your approval. If TSA denies your process, the email will explain the reason and tell you how to request a hearing to challenge the decision.

Using your Known Traveler Number and renewing your approval

Once you have your Known Traveler Number, enter it in the "Known Traveler Number" field when you book a flight on any airline website. The number will appear on your boarding pass. At security, show your boarding pass and ID to the officer, and they will direct you to the TSA PreCheck lane, where you can leave your shoes, belt, and light jacket on, and keep your laptop and liquids in your bag.

Your approval is valid for five years from the date of your appointment. About six months before it expires, you can submit a renewal process. Renewal is faster than the initial process—you do not need to attend an in-person appointment if you renew online and your information has not changed significantly. The renewal fee is the same as the initial fee.

If you move to a different state or your information changes substantially, you may need to attend another in-person appointment. Check the TSA PreCheck website to see whether your situation requires a new appointment or if you can renew by mail or online.

What happens if your process is denied

TSA denies applications for several reasons: criminal convictions, certain traffic violations, immigration violations, false statements on the process, or security concerns. The denial letter will state the reason.

You have the right to request an administrative hearing to challenge the denial. You must request the hearing within 30 days of the denial letter. The hearing is conducted by an administrative law judge who reviews your case and TSA's evidence. You can represent yourself or hire an attorney.

If the judge upholds the denial, you can reapply after one year. Some people reapply after addressing the issue that caused the denial—for example, if a traffic violation was the reason, waiting until it falls off your record may help. There is no may provide of approval on a second attempt, but circumstances can change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use TSA PreCheck at international airports?

TSA PreCheck works at U.S. airports and on flights departing the United States. It does not work at foreign airports or on flights departing from other countries. However, some international airlines honor it for the U.S. portion of your journey if you are connecting through a U.S. airport.

What if I miss my appointment?

If you miss your appointment, you will need to schedule a new one. Your online process remains active, so you can book another appointment using your confirmation number. You do not have to fill out the form again unless more than one year has passed since you submitted it.

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

It depends on the type and severity of the offense. Felonies and certain misdemeanors result in automatic denial. Minor traffic violations or old offenses may not disqualify you. The only way to know is to disclose everything on your process and let TSA make the information. You can request a hearing if you are denied.

Do I need TSA PreCheck if I have Global Entry or NEXUS?

No. Global Entry and NEXUS both include TSA PreCheck benefits, so you do not need to pay for a separate TSA PreCheck membership. If you already have either program, you can use your membership number as your Known Traveler Number.

What if my information changes after I am approved?

Minor changes like a new phone number or email address do not require you to update your TSA PreCheck. Major changes like a legal name change, new citizenship status, or a criminal conviction should be reported to TSA. Contact the TSA PreCheck program directly through their website to report significant changes.