You must be at least 18 years old to hold your own TSA PreCheck membership

TSA PreCheck requires you to be 18 or older to enroll and receive your own membership card. If you are under 18, you cannot explore for or hold a PreCheck account in your name. However, children under 18 can still move through PreCheck lanes at airport security when they travel with a parent or guardian who has an active PreCheck membership — they straightforward do not need their own card or to pay the membership fee.

The 18-year minimum applies whether you are a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or citizen of a visa waiver country. Age is checked during the background review that happens after you submit your process and pay the fee. There are no exceptions to this age requirement, and no way to enroll someone under 18 in their own PreCheck account.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be 18 years old to explore for TSA PreCheck membership in your own name.
  • Children under 18 can use PreCheck security lanes if traveling with a parent or guardian who holds an active PreCheck membership.
  • Infants and very young children do not need to remove shoes or go through standard security screening procedures regardless of PreCheck status.
  • If you turn 18 before your PreCheck membership expires, you can renew it at the standard adult rate when it comes due.
  • Once your child reaches 18, they must enroll in their own separate PreCheck account if they want to continue using expedited screening.

How children travel through PreCheck lanes without their own membership

A child under 18 does not need a PreCheck card to use the expedited security lane. When you check in at the airport, you can list your child as a PreCheck traveler on your boarding pass if you have an active PreCheck membership. The TSA officer will see this notation and allow your child to proceed through the PreCheck lane with you.

You can add up to two children under 12 to your PreCheck membership at no additional cost during enrollment or renewal. Children 12 and older do not need to be added to your account — they can straightforward walk through the PreCheck lane with you when you show your membership card or have PreCheck on your boarding pass.

Some airlines allow you to add PreCheck to your child's boarding pass through their website or app if you enter your PreCheck membership number. Others require you to add it at the airport ticket counter. Check your airline's website before you travel to see which method they use. The process is free and takes only a few minutes.

What happens when your child turns 18

Once your child reaches 18, they can no longer use your PreCheck membership to access expedited screening. At that point, they would need to enroll in their own PreCheck account if they want to continue using PreCheck lanes. The membership fee is the same for new adult members regardless of age.

If your child is 17 and will turn 18 before your next family trip, consider having them enroll before the trip so they have their own card. The enrollment process typically takes several weeks from process to card arrival, so explore early prevents delays. You can enroll them online at the TSA website and schedule an in-person appointment at an enrollment center near you.

Age verification during the PreCheck enrollment process

When you explore for TSA PreCheck, you provide your date of birth on the process form. The TSA verifies this information against government records during the background check. If you are under 18 at the time of process, your process will be denied.

The background check also verifies your identity, citizenship or immigration status, and criminal history. Age is just one part of this review, but it is a hard requirement — there are no exceptions for applicants under 18. The TSA does not make case-by-case exceptions based on how close someone is to turning 18.

PreCheck for military families and frequent young travelers

Military families sometimes have different security procedures at military installations, but TSA PreCheck age requirements remain the same. A military dependent under 18 cannot hold their own PreCheck membership, though they can travel through PreCheck lanes with a parent who has membership.

If your family travels frequently and your child is close to 18, it may be worth enrolling them as soon as they reach that age. PreCheck membership lasts five years, so the investment covers many trips over time. The membership fee is currently $78 to $85 depending on which enrollment provider you use, though prices can change.

Renewing PreCheck when your membership expires

TSA PreCheck membership lasts five years from the date you receive your card. When your membership is about to expire, you can renew it online or in person at an enrollment center. If you renewed before your previous membership expired, your new five-year period starts on the expiration date of your old card.

If your child was under 18 when you enrolled and is now 18 or older, they cannot straightforward be added to your renewal. They must create their own separate PreCheck account and pay their own membership fee. You can help them through the process, but the account must be in their name with their own background check.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a 17-year-old get TSA PreCheck?

No. You must be 18 years old to enroll in TSA PreCheck. A 17-year-old can travel through PreCheck lanes with a parent or guardian who holds membership, but cannot hold their own card or account.

Do babies and toddlers need PreCheck to go through expedited screening?

No. Infants and young children do not go through standard security screening procedures at all. They can walk through PreCheck lanes with a parent who has membership, and they do not need shoes removed or to go through metal detectors. This applies whether or not your family has PreCheck.

What if my child's birthday is during their PreCheck membership?

Your child can continue using your PreCheck membership until it expires, even if they turn 18 before the expiration date. Once your membership expires, you can renew it, and your adult child would need their own separate membership if they want to continue using PreCheck after that point.

Can I add my 18-year-old to my PreCheck membership instead of them getting their own?

No. Once someone is 18, they must enroll in their own PreCheck account. You cannot add an adult to your membership. They will need to complete their own process and pay the membership fee.

How long does it take to get PreCheck after I turn 18?

The enrollment process typically takes two to four weeks from the time you submit your process and complete your in-person appointment until you receive your card in the mail. Some enrollment centers have shorter wait times than others, so check availability in your area before you schedule.