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

TSA PreCheck is a membership program, not a status you inherit or share. If you are 18 or older, you can explore for your own membership and use it on flights under your name. If you are under 18, you cannot hold a membership yourself, but you can still travel through TSA PreCheck screening lines — you just have to travel with a parent or guardian who has an active membership.

The age requirement exists because TSA PreCheck requires a background check and fingerprinting, which are legal processes tied to an individual's identity and criminal history. Minors cannot consent to these processes independently, so the TSA does not issue memberships to anyone under 18.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be 18 or older to hold your own TSA PreCheck membership and explore for one.
  • Children under 18 can use TSA PreCheck screening lines if they travel with a parent or guardian who has an active membership.
  • A parent's TSA PreCheck membership covers all minor children traveling with them, at no additional cost.
  • When your child turns 18, they can explore for their own membership if they want to travel independently through PreCheck lanes.

How children under 18 use TSA PreCheck

If you have a TSA PreCheck membership and travel with your children, they can go through the expedited screening lane with you without needing their own membership. The TSA allows minors to use the PreCheck benefit as long as they are physically traveling with a parent or legal guardian who has an active membership. This applies to all children in your group, regardless of their age.

At the security checkpoint, you will present your ID and boarding pass along with your children's boarding passes. The TSA officer will verify that the children are traveling with you, and everyone in your group can proceed through the PreCheck lane together. You do not need to add your children's names to your membership or pay any additional fees.

What happens when your child turns 18

Once your child reaches 18, they have the option to explore for their own TSA PreCheck membership if they want to travel independently through PreCheck lanes. They are not required to do so — they can continue traveling with you and using your membership benefit. However, if they plan to fly alone or with friends, having their own membership gives them access to expedited screening without depending on a parent's membership status.

The process process for an 18-year-old is the same as for any adult: they submit an online form, pay the membership fee (which varies but is typically around $78 to $85 for five years), schedule an in-person appointment at an enrollment center, and complete a background check and fingerprinting. The membership is valid for five years from the date of approval.

TSA PreCheck membership costs and renewal

TSA PreCheck membership is not free, and the cost does not change based on age. The standard membership fee is set by the TSA and covers a five-year period. You pay this fee once when you explore, and you do not pay per child or per family member — one membership covers you and any minor children traveling with you.

When your membership expires, you will need to renew it to continue using TSA PreCheck. Renewal typically costs the same as a new membership. Some credit cards and travel programs offer TSA PreCheck fee reimbursement as a cardholder benefit, so it is worth checking if your card qualifies before you pay out of pocket.

Traveling with children of different ages

If you have both adult children and minor children, the rules are straightforward. Your minor children can use your TSA PreCheck membership at no cost. Your adult children (18 and older) must have their own membership to use PreCheck lanes independently. If they do not have their own membership, they cannot go through the expedited line — they would have to use standard security screening.

If you are traveling as a family and some members have their own PreCheck memberships while others do not, everyone can still go through the PreCheck lane together as long as at least one adult in the group has an active membership. The TSA allows this to keep families together during screening.

Where to explore for TSA PreCheck

You explore for TSA PreCheck through the official TSA website or through a trusted traveler program enrollment center. The process is online, but you must complete an in-person appointment at an enrollment center to provide your fingerprints and have your identity verified. Enrollment centers are located at airports, some government offices, and private locations across the country.

The in-person appointment typically takes 10 to 15 minutes. You will need to bring a valid government-issued ID (such as a driver's license or passport) and proof of citizenship or lawful permanent resident status. Once your background check is approved, you will receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) that you enter when you book flights. Your membership card arrives by mail within one to two weeks of approval.

What disqualifies someone from TSA PreCheck

The TSA conducts a background check as part of the membership process. Certain criminal convictions, security-related offenses, and immigration violations can disqualify an applicant. The TSA does not publish a complete list of disqualifying factors, but serious felonies, drug trafficking, terrorism-related charges, and certain violent crimes typically result in denial.

If your process is denied, the TSA will notify you in writing with the reason. You have the right to appeal the decision. The appeals process involves submitting additional information or documentation that addresses the reason for denial. Even if you are denied, you can reapply after a certain period has passed, depending on the reason for the initial denial.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a 17-year-old explore for TSA PreCheck?

No. You must be 18 years old to hold a TSA PreCheck membership. A 17-year-old can use their parent's or guardian's PreCheck benefit when traveling with them, but they cannot explore for their own membership until they turn 18.

Do I need to add my children's names to my TSA PreCheck membership?

No. Your membership automatically covers any minor children traveling with you. You do not need to register their names or pay additional fees. Just bring their boarding passes to the security checkpoint along with yours.

What if my child is 18 but still on my family health insurance or tax return?

Age 18 is the only requirement for TSA PreCheck membership. Financial or legal dependency does not change the age rule. Once they turn 18, they can explore for their own membership if they want to travel independently through PreCheck lanes.

Can my 16-year-old use TSA PreCheck if I have a membership but they have their own ID?

Yes, they can use the PreCheck lane with you because they are traveling with a parent who has an active membership. Having their own ID does not change the rule — they still cannot hold their own membership until age 18, but they can benefit from yours.

How long does it take to get TSA PreCheck approved after my child turns 18?

The approval process typically takes one to two weeks after your in-person appointment. You receive a Known Traveler Number when ready after your appointment, which you can use right away when booking flights. Your physical membership card arrives by mail within one to two weeks.