Touchless TSA PreCheck uses facial recognition instead of fingerprints

TSA PreCheck normally requires you to visit an enrollment center in person, where an agent takes your fingerprints and photograph. Touchless TSA PreCheck lets you complete the identity verification step from home using your phone or computer camera — the system scans your face instead of rolling your fingers on a scanner. You still need to visit a center for the final approval, but the touchless option cuts the time you spend there from about 15 minutes to about 5 minutes.

Not every enrollment center offers touchless verification yet. The program is rolling out gradually across the country, so availability depends on which center is nearest to you. You can check whether your local center has it before you start the process.

Key Takeaways

  • Touchless TSA PreCheck uses facial recognition during the online portion of enrollment, so you do not need to visit a center twice or wait for fingerprint processing.
  • You start the process on the official TSA PreCheck website, create an account, and schedule an appointment at a center that offers touchless verification.
  • During your appointment, bring a valid passport, driver's license, or state ID, plus proof of citizenship or lawful permanent resident status.
  • The touchless verification step happens on a tablet or kiosk at the enrollment center, and takes about 5 minutes instead of the 15 minutes fingerprinting normally takes.
  • After approval, you receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) that you use when booking flights to get through TSA PreCheck lanes at the airport.

Start your enrollment on the TSA PreCheck website

Go to tsa.gov/precheck and click the button to create an account. You will need an email address and a password. The site will ask you basic questions: your full legal name, date of birth, citizenship status, and whether you have ever been convicted of a crime or denied entry to the United States.

Answer these questions honestly. TSA uses them to run a background check, and lying disqualifies you. If you have a criminal record or immigration issue, you may still be approved depending on what it is — the background check is not automatic rejection, but dishonesty is.

Once your account is created and your background check clears (usually within a few days), you will see the option to schedule an appointment. This is when you choose a center and a time.

Find an enrollment center that offers touchless verification

On the TSA PreCheck website, use the center locator tool and filter for "touchless" or "digital identity verification." Not all centers have the equipment yet. If the center nearest to you does not offer it, you can either travel to one that does or schedule a regular appointment with fingerprints — both are valid.

Touchless centers are more common in major metropolitan areas and airports. If you live in a smaller city, your nearest touchless center might be 30 to 60 miles away. The TSA website shows you the address, hours, and which services each center offers, so you can decide whether the drive is worth saving 10 minutes at your appointment.

Gather your documents before your appointment

Bring one form of government-issued photo ID: a valid U.S. passport, a state driver's license, or a state ID card. The name on this document must match the name you used when you created your account.

You also need to bring proof of citizenship or lawful permanent resident status. If you have a U.S. passport, that counts as both your ID and your citizenship proof. If you are using a driver's license or state ID, bring one of these: a birth certificate, a naturalization certificate, a green card, or a passport card. A copy is not enough — bring the original document.

If any of your documents are expired, renew them before your appointment. TSA will not process your enrollment with expired identification.

Complete the touchless verification at your appointment

When you arrive, check in at the desk and hand over your documents. An agent will verify that your ID matches your account and that your citizenship proof is valid. Then you will be directed to a kiosk or tablet where the touchless verification happens.

The system will ask you to look at the camera and hold still for a few seconds while it captures your face. You do not need to do anything special — just face the camera straight on, the way you would for a passport photo. The scan usually takes less than a minute. If the system cannot get a clear image, the agent will ask you to try again.

After the facial scan is complete, the agent will take a digital photograph of you (the traditional way) and collect your signature. This part takes a few more minutes. Then you are done at the center.

Wait for your approval and receive your Known Traveler Number

TSA typically approves or denies your process within 3 to 5 business days after your appointment. You will receive an email when a decision is made. If you are approved, the email will include your Known Traveler Number (KTN) — a nine-character code you use when booking flights.

Enter your KTN in the "Known Traveler Number" field when you buy your ticket. Most airlines have this field on their website during checkout. If you do not enter it, you will not get TSA PreCheck screening even though you are approved.

Your TSA PreCheck approval is valid for five years. You will need to renew it before it expires if you want to keep using the program.

What happens if the touchless scan fails

If the facial recognition system cannot read your face clearly — because of lighting, glasses, a mask, or the angle — the agent will ask you to try again. Most people pass on the second attempt. If the system still cannot get a match after a few tries, the agent can switch to the traditional fingerprint method instead, which takes longer but works just as well.

A failed scan does not hurt your process. It just means you will spend a bit more time at the center. Your background check and documents are what determine approval, not the method of identity verification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use touchless verification, or can I choose fingerprints instead?

You can choose either method. If your nearest center offers touchless but you prefer fingerprints, you can schedule a regular appointment. Both routes lead to the same TSA PreCheck approval and KTN.

Can I do the entire process online without visiting a center?

No. Touchless verification handles the identity check part online, but you still must visit an enrollment center in person to hand over your original documents and have your photograph taken. TSA requires this step for all applicants.

What if I wear glasses or contacts — will the facial scan work?

Yes. The system is designed to work with glasses and contacts. Wear whatever you normally wear. Avoid sunglasses or tinted glasses, and make sure your eyes are clearly visible to the camera.

How much does TSA PreCheck cost?

The process fee is $78 to $85 depending on which enrollment center you use. Some employers and credit card companies reimburse this fee, so check your benefits before you pay.

Can I use my TSA PreCheck at international airports?

TSA PreCheck works at U.S. airports only. It does not give you any benefit when traveling internationally, though some other countries have their own trusted traveler programs.