What Touchless ID Is and Why You'd Use It

Touchless ID is a biometric option within TSA PreCheck that lets you move through airport security without handing documents to an officer or touching a scanner. Instead, you stand in front of a camera that reads your face and compares it to your passport photo on file. The system verifies your identity in seconds, and you keep walking.

You do not need to sign up for Touchless ID separately. If you already have an active TSA PreCheck membership, you can use Touchless ID at participating airports without any additional steps — it is built into your PreCheck benefits. If you do not yet have TSA PreCheck, you will go through the standard PreCheck enrollment process first, and Touchless ID becomes available to you at airports that have the technology installed.

Touchless ID is optional. You can still use your physical PreCheck card and go through the regular PreCheck lane if you prefer. The system is designed to speed up the process for people who want it, but it is not required.

Key Takeaways

  • Touchless ID is included with TSA PreCheck membership at no extra cost — you do not sign up for it separately.
  • To use Touchless ID, you must first have an active TSA PreCheck membership, which requires an in-person appointment at an enrollment center.
  • Touchless ID only works at airports that have installed the biometric kiosks, so check which airports near you offer it before your trip.
  • Your face is matched against your passport photo, so you will need a valid U.S. passport or passport card to enroll in PreCheck.

Getting TSA PreCheck First (Required Step)

Before you can use Touchless ID, you need an active TSA PreCheck membership. Start by visiting the official TSA PreCheck website and creating an online account. You will provide your name, date of birth, contact information, and answer questions about your background and travel history. This part takes about 10 minutes and costs $78 to $85 depending on the program option.

After you submit your online form, you will schedule an in-person appointment at a PreCheck enrollment center. These are located at airports, passport acceptance facilities, and some police departments. Bring your valid passport or passport card — this is what the system uses for your biometric comparison — along with a second form of ID like a driver's license. The appointment itself takes about 15 minutes. An officer will take your fingerprints, photograph you, and verify your information.

Once your background check clears (usually within two to three weeks), you will receive your PreCheck card in the mail. Your membership lasts five years. At this point, Touchless ID is automatically available to you at any airport that has the technology.

Which Airports Have Touchless ID Kiosks

Touchless ID kiosks are not at every airport yet. As of now, they are installed at major hubs including Atlanta (ATL), Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Denver (DEN), Los Angeles (LAX), Orlando (MCO), Phoenix (PHX), San Francisco (SFO), and several others, but the list continues to expand. The TSA website maintains a current list of participating airports, so check there before your trip to see if your departure airport has the technology.

If your airport does not have a Touchless ID kiosk, you can still use your PreCheck card to go through the standard PreCheck security lane. You will hand your card and ID to the officer as usual. Touchless ID is a convenience option, not a requirement.

How to Use Touchless ID at the Airport

When you arrive at security, look for the Touchless ID kiosk in the PreCheck lane. It is a standalone booth with a camera and screen. Walk up and follow the on-screen instructions — you will be asked to look at the camera and hold still for a moment while it captures your face. The system compares your live image to your passport photo and displays your name and PreCheck status on the screen.

Once the system verifies you, the kiosk will print a receipt or display a confirmation on screen. You take this to the security officer, who will scan or review it and wave you through. The entire process takes less than a minute. You do not hand over your passport, PreCheck card, or driver's license — the camera does the work.

If the system cannot match your face for any reason, the kiosk will tell you to proceed to a regular security lane where an officer will verify your identity the traditional way. This can happen if the lighting is poor, you are wearing heavy sunglasses, or your appearance has changed significantly since your passport photo was taken.

What Documents You Need for PreCheck Enrollment

For your in-person enrollment appointment, bring your valid U.S. passport or passport card as your primary document. This is the document the system will use to create your biometric profile for Touchless ID. You also need a second form of ID — a state driver's license, military ID, or federal employee ID all work.

Your passport must be valid (not expired) at the time of your appointment. If your passport is expired, renew it before you schedule your PreCheck appointment. The enrollment officer will not accept an expired passport, and you will have to reschedule.

Renewing Your PreCheck When It Expires

Your TSA PreCheck membership lasts five years from the date you complete your in-person appointment. When your membership is about to expire, you can renew it online through the TSA PreCheck website without scheduling another appointment — the renewal costs $70 to $85 and takes about five minutes. Your new card will arrive in the mail within two to three weeks.

If you renew online, your biometric data stays the same, so Touchless ID will continue to work with your renewed membership. You do not need to take a new photo or have your fingerprints taken again unless the TSA specifically requests it.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

If the Touchless ID kiosk cannot read your face, the most common reasons are poor lighting, sunglasses or heavy eyeglasses, a hat or hood covering your face, or a significant change in appearance since your passport photo was taken (such as a new beard, major weight loss, or different hair color). If this happens, straightforward proceed to the regular PreCheck lane and show your PreCheck card to the officer.

If you have a valid PreCheck membership but the kiosk says you are not enrolled, it may mean the airport's system has not yet synced with the national database — this is rare but can happen. Ask the security officer to manually verify your PreCheck status using your card. You will still get through the PreCheck lane, just without the touchless option that day.

If you lose your PreCheck card before your membership expires, you can request a replacement through the TSA PreCheck website for a small fee. Your Touchless ID access remains active while you wait for the replacement card to arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use Touchless ID if I have TSA PreCheck?

No. Touchless ID is optional. You can continue to use your physical PreCheck card and go through the standard PreCheck lane at any time. The kiosk is there if you want to use it, but it is not required.

What if my airport does not have a Touchless ID kiosk?

You will use your PreCheck card as usual in the PreCheck security lane. The officer will scan your card and check your ID. Touchless ID is only available at airports that have installed the biometric equipment, and that list is still growing.

Can I use Touchless ID if my passport is expired?

No. Your passport must be valid at the time of your PreCheck enrollment appointment. If your passport is expired, renew it first, then schedule your PreCheck appointment. For Touchless ID to work, the system needs a current passport photo to compare against.

How long does the Touchless ID process take at the airport?

The entire process — standing at the kiosk, having your face read, and receiving confirmation — takes less than one minute. It is faster than handing documents to an officer, but the time savings are small.

Is my biometric data stored, and who has access to it?

Your facial biometric is stored in the TSA system and is used only for identity verification at PreCheck kiosks. The TSA does not share this data with other agencies unless required by law. You can read the TSA's privacy policy on their website for full details about how your information is handled.