TSA PreCheck and CLEAR are two separate programs that work together for faster, touchless screening

TSA PreCheck is a background-check program that lets you go through a dedicated security lane with fewer restrictions — shoes and light jackets stay on, laptops and liquids stay in your bag. CLEAR is a separate paid service that uses biometric scanning (your eyes and fingerprints) to skip the ID-check line entirely. Neither one is "touchless" by itself, but together they create the fastest path through airport security with minimal contact between you and TSA officers.

You enroll in each program separately, at different times, and pay different fees. TSA PreCheck costs $78 to $85 for five years depending on where you explore. CLEAR costs $189 per year, though some credit cards and airline memberships include it free. You can have PreCheck without CLEAR, but CLEAR alone does not speed up the actual security screening — you still need PreCheck or another trusted traveler program to skip the main security line.

Key Takeaways

  • TSA PreCheck requires a background check and in-person appointment at an enrollment center; it costs $78 to $85 for five years and is valid at most U.S. airports.
  • CLEAR uses your fingerprints and iris scan to skip the ID-check line and costs $189 per year, but you still need TSA PreCheck or another trusted traveler program to move through security faster.
  • You can enroll in TSA PreCheck online and schedule your appointment through the official TSA website; CLEAR enrollment happens at airport kiosks or through their website.
  • Some airline credit cards, frequent flyer programs, and employer benefits include CLEAR membership at no extra cost, so check your current benefits before paying out of pocket.
  • Both programs are optional — standard security screening is always available, but PreCheck and CLEAR reduce wait times and physical contact with officers.

How to enroll in TSA PreCheck

Start at the official TSA PreCheck website (tsa.gov/precheck). Click "Enroll Now" and create an account with your email address. You will answer background questions online — the TSA asks about criminal history, immigration status, and other factors that might disqualify you. This part takes about 10 minutes and does not commit you to anything yet.

After you submit the online form, you will receive an email with instructions to schedule an in-person appointment. You must visit an enrollment center to provide fingerprints and a government-issued ID (passport, driver's license, or state ID). Enrollment centers are located at airports, some post offices, and private security companies — search for one near you on the TSA website. The appointment itself takes about 15 minutes. You will pay the enrollment fee at the center (cash, check, or card accepted). After your appointment, the TSA conducts a background check, which usually takes 2 to 4 weeks. You will receive an email when your PreCheck number is ready.

How to enroll in CLEAR

CLEAR enrollment is faster than PreCheck because there is no background check. You can sign up online at the CLEAR website or at a CLEAR kiosk at most major U.S. airports. If you enroll online, you will provide your name, email, and payment information, then schedule an appointment at an airport kiosk near you. At the kiosk, a CLEAR representative will scan your fingerprints and take an iris scan (a photo of your eye). The whole process takes about 5 minutes.

If you enroll in person at an airport kiosk, you can complete everything — payment, biometric scan, and set up — in one visit. CLEAR membership starts when ready after your biometrics are recorded. You will receive a CLEAR card and a mobile app that you use at the airport to access the CLEAR lane.

Using PreCheck and CLEAR together at the airport

When you arrive at security, look for the CLEAR lane first. It is usually marked with a CLEAR sign and is separate from the main security line. Walk to the CLEAR kiosk, scan your fingerprint or iris, and the gate opens. You then walk directly to the TSA PreCheck security lane (or a standard lane if you only have PreCheck). At the TSA checkpoint, show your PreCheck number — it is printed on your TSA PreCheck card or you can show it on your phone. You will go through the dedicated PreCheck lane where you keep shoes, belts, and light jackets on, and laptops and liquids stay in your bag.

If you only have PreCheck and not CLEAR, you skip the CLEAR lane and go straight to the PreCheck security line. If you only have CLEAR and not PreCheck, you skip the ID line but still go through standard security screening, which takes longer. Most travelers find the combination of both programs worth the cost because it cuts total security time to under 5 minutes at busy airports.

What disqualifies you from TSA PreCheck

The TSA will deny PreCheck if you have certain criminal convictions, outstanding warrants, or immigration violations. You may also be denied if you have a history of security violations or if you provide false information on your process. The TSA does not publish a complete list of disqualifying factors, but common ones include felonies, drug trafficking, weapons violations, and immigration fraud.

If your PreCheck process is denied, the TSA will send you a letter explaining why. You can request reconsideration by mail, but the process is slow. CLEAR has fewer restrictions — it is mainly a biometric enrollment, not a background check — so you may be able to get CLEAR even if PreCheck is denied, though CLEAR alone does not speed up security much.

Renewing PreCheck and CLEAR

TSA PreCheck is valid for five years. About 6 months before your PreCheck expires, you will receive an email reminder. You can renew online through the TSA website for $70 to $85 — you do not need another in-person appointment unless the TSA requests one. Some renewal applications are approved in days; others take several weeks.

CLEAR membership renews annually. You will receive an email reminder about 30 days before your membership expires. You can renew through the CLEAR website or app with a few clicks. If your biometric data is already on file, renewal is when ready. If CLEAR asks you to re-scan your fingerprints or iris, you can do that at any airport kiosk.

Free or discounted CLEAR through credit cards and airlines

Several premium credit cards include CLEAR membership at no extra cost. The American Express Platinum Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve, and Visa Infinite cards often include CLEAR as a cardholder benefit. Check your card's benefits guide or call the issuer to confirm. Some airline frequent flyer programs, like United MileagePlus Premier, also include CLEAR as a status benefit.

If you have one of these cards or memberships, you can link your CLEAR account to your card or frequent flyer account and set up the benefit. You still need to enroll in CLEAR (provide your biometrics), but you will not pay the annual fee. This is worth checking before you pay $189 out of pocket.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use TSA PreCheck at international airports?

TSA PreCheck works at U.S. airports only. For international travel, you may want to look into Global Entry, which includes TSA PreCheck and also speeds up customs screening when you return to the United States. Global Entry costs $100 for five years and requires an in-person interview.

What if I lose my TSA PreCheck card?

You do not need the physical card — your TSA PreCheck number is what matters. You can find your number on your TSA account online or show it on your phone at security. If you want a replacement card, you can request one through your TSA account for a small fee.

Do I need CLEAR if I already have TSA PreCheck?

No. TSA PreCheck alone gets you through security faster than standard screening. CLEAR adds another layer by skipping the ID-check line, but it is optional. At smaller airports with short security lines, PreCheck alone may be enough.

Can I use CLEAR if I do not have TSA PreCheck?

Yes, but it is less useful. CLEAR skips the ID line, but you still go through standard security screening, which includes removing shoes, belts, and jackets. Most people get both programs together for the fastest experience.

How long does TSA PreCheck approval take?

Background checks usually take 2 to 4 weeks, but some are approved in days and others take longer. You can check your process status on the TSA website using your process number. You will receive an email when your PreCheck number is ready to use.