TSA PreCheck lasts five years, then you must renew

Your TSA PreCheck membership is valid for exactly five years from the date you were approved. When those five years are up, your Known Traveler Number (KTN) stops working at airport security, and you will need to renew to keep using expedited screening lanes.

The TSA sends you a notification by mail when your membership is about to expire, typically 6 months before the expiration date. This gives you time to renew without losing access to PreCheck benefits during travel. However, you do not have to wait for the notification—you can renew at any point during those final six months.

Renewal is not automatic. If you do not renew before your five years are up, your KTN becomes invalid when ready, and you will go through standard security screening on your next flight.

Key Takeaways

  • TSA PreCheck membership expires exactly five years after your approval date, and you must renew to continue using expedited screening.
  • You can renew during the final six months before expiration without losing your current benefits.
  • The TSA mails you a renewal notice about six months before your expiration date, but you do not have to wait for it to start the renewal process.
  • Renewal through the TSA website costs the same as the initial membership and takes about the same time to process.
  • If your membership expires before you renew, you will lose your KTN and must go through standard security until your new membership is approved.

How to renew online through the TSA website

The fastest way to renew is through the official TSA PreCheck website at tsa.gov/precheck. Log in with your existing account using your email address and password. The system will show your current membership status and expiration date.

Click the renewal option and answer the same background questions you answered during your initial membership. You will need to provide your current address, passport information, and any changes to your criminal or immigration history. The form takes about 10 to 15 minutes to complete.

After you submit the renewal form, you will pay the renewal fee. The cost is the same as a new membership. You do not need to visit an enrollment center for renewal—the entire process happens online. The TSA will review your renewal and send you a new approval notice by mail within a few weeks.

Renewing in person at an enrollment center

If you prefer to renew in person, you can visit a TSA PreCheck enrollment center. These are located at airports, passport acceptance facilities, and some police departments across the country. You can find your nearest center by searching your zip code on the TSA website.

Bring your passport or other government-issued ID, proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residency, and proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease works). An enrollment agent will review your information, take new fingerprints, and process your renewal on the spot.

In-person renewal takes about 15 minutes at the appointment. You will still pay the same renewal fee. Your new membership will be approved within a few weeks, and you will receive your new card by mail.

What happens if your membership expires before you renew

If your five-year membership expires and you have not yet renewed, your KTN stops working when ready. When you arrive at airport security, the TSA will not recognize your number, and you will be directed to standard screening lanes.

You can still renew after expiration—there is no penalty for letting it lapse. However, you will lose the PreCheck benefits for any flights you take between the expiration date and the date your new membership is approved. For this reason, renewing during the final six months is the safest approach.

Timeline for renewal processing

Online renewal typically takes two to four weeks from the date you submit your form. In-person renewal at an enrollment center also takes two to four weeks after your appointment. The TSA will mail you a new membership card and approval letter to the address you provided.

During the processing period, your old KTN remains valid if you have not yet reached your expiration date. Once your new membership is approved, you will receive a new KTN in the mail. You can use the new number when ready on your next flight.

If you are traveling before your renewal is approved, you can still use your current KTN as long as your five-year membership has not expired. Check your membership status on the TSA website before your trip to confirm your expiration date.

Renewal cost and payment methods

TSA PreCheck renewal costs the same as a new membership. The fee varies slightly depending on whether you renew online or in person, but both routes cost the same amount. You can pay by credit card, debit card, or money order.

Some credit cards and travel insurance plans reimburse TSA PreCheck fees. Check your card's benefits guide or contact your card issuer to see if your renewal is covered. If it is, you may be able to submit a receipt for reimbursement after you pay.

Changes to report during renewal

During renewal, you must report any changes to your background since your initial membership. This includes arrests, convictions, immigration status changes, or name changes. You do not need to report minor traffic violations, but you must disclose any criminal charges.

If your address has changed, update it in the renewal form. If your passport has expired or been replaced, provide your new passport number. The TSA uses this information to re-vet your background, and providing accurate information ensures your renewal is not delayed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew TSA PreCheck before the six-month window?

Yes. You can renew at any time, even years before your membership expires. However, your new five-year term will begin on the date you renew, not on your current expiration date. This means renewing too early can shorten your total coverage, so most people wait until the final six months.

What if I lose my TSA PreCheck card?

You do not need the physical card to use PreCheck—the TSA only needs your Known Traveler Number. You can find your KTN on your approval letter or by logging into your account on the TSA website. If you want a replacement card, contact the TSA directly through their website.

Do I have to renew in the same state where I got my initial membership?

No. You can renew online from anywhere, or you can visit an enrollment center in any state. Your membership is national and not tied to a specific location.

What if my background changes before my renewal?

You should report significant changes to the TSA before your renewal, especially criminal charges or immigration status changes. You can contact the TSA through their website to report changes. Failing to disclose changes during renewal can result in denial of your renewal.

Can someone else renew my TSA PreCheck for me?

No. You must renew your own membership using your account. If you renew online, you log in with your email and password. If you renew in person, you must be present at the enrollment center with your ID.