What You Need to Do to explore for Clear

Clear is a biometric identity verification program that lets you skip the security line at participating airports. You enroll in person at an airport kiosk, provide your fingerprints and iris scan, and then use the Clear lane on future trips. The process takes about 5 to 10 minutes at enrollment, and you can start using it when ready after.

Clear is a paid membership—currently $189 per year for most travelers, though the price varies by airport and membership tier. You do not need TSA PreCheck to use Clear, and Clear does not replace PreCheck. Many travelers use both programs together because they serve different purposes: Clear gets you through identity verification faster, while PreCheck speeds up the actual security screening.

Unlike TSA PreCheck, which you explore for online and then visit an enrollment center, Clear requires you to show up at an airport kiosk with your ID and payment method ready. There is no advance process step.

Key Takeaways

  • Clear enrollment happens at airport kiosks in person—you cannot start the process online or by mail.
  • You need a valid government-issued ID (passport, driver's license, or state ID) and a payment method to enroll.
  • The enrollment appointment takes 5 to 10 minutes and includes fingerprint and iris scan capture.
  • Your membership is active when ready after enrollment, and you can use the Clear lane on your next trip.
  • Clear costs $189 per year at most airports, though some airports charge different rates or offer discounts for frequent flyers.

Where to Find Clear Enrollment Kiosks at Your Airport

Clear kiosks are located at major U.S. airports, typically near the security checkpoint entrance. You can find a list of participating airports on the Clear website by entering your airport code. Not every airport offers Clear enrollment, so check before you travel.

When you arrive at the airport, look for the Clear lane entrance or ask a TSA officer where the enrollment kiosk is located. Some airports have multiple kiosks, and they are usually staffed during peak travel hours. If you cannot find one, airport information desks can point you to the nearest kiosk.

What to Bring to Your Enrollment Appointment

Bring one valid government-issued ID. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, driver's license, or state ID card. The name on your ID must match the name you provide during enrollment. If you have recently changed your name, bring both your old and new ID if possible, along with documentation of the name change (marriage certificate, court order, or similar).

Bring a payment method: a credit card, debit card, or digital wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay). Clear does not accept cash or checks. Have your payment information ready before you approach the kiosk so the process moves quickly.

If you are enrolling a minor (under 18), a parent or legal guardian must be present with their own valid ID and payment method. The minor's fingerprints and iris scan will be captured, but the adult's payment information will be used for the membership.

The Step-by-Step Enrollment Process

Walk up to the Clear kiosk and tell the staff member you want to enroll. They will hand you a tablet or direct you to a screen where you will enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, address, email, and phone number. Double-check that everything is spelled correctly, especially your name, because it must match your ID exactly.

Next, you will provide your biometric data. Place your fingers on the scanner to capture your fingerprints, then look into the iris scanner so it can capture your eye pattern. The kiosk will tell you if the scan was successful. If it was not clear enough, you will be asked to try again—this is normal and happens occasionally.

After your biometrics are captured, you will review the Clear membership terms and conditions on the screen. Read through them, then confirm that you agree. You will then enter your payment information and complete the transaction. The kiosk will print a receipt and display a confirmation message on the screen.

Your Clear membership is active when ready. The kiosk will give you a confirmation number and instructions for downloading the Clear app on your phone. You do not need the app to use Clear—your biometric data is already in the system—but the app makes it easier to find the Clear lane and track your membership status.

How to Use Clear After You Enroll

On your next trip, arrive at the airport and head to the Clear lane entrance. This is usually marked with a blue sign near the main security checkpoint. You do not need to show your ID or boarding pass at the Clear entrance—just walk up and look into the iris scanner. The system will verify your identity in seconds and let you through to the TSA screening area.

After Clear verifies you, you will proceed directly to the TSA security line. If you also have TSA PreCheck, you can use the PreCheck lane for faster screening. If you do not have PreCheck, you will go through standard security screening.

Clear works at all participating airports, so your membership is valid nationwide. You can use it every time you fly, whether it is a domestic or international trip (though you still go through standard security screening for international flights).

What Happens If Your Biometric Scan Fails

If the kiosk cannot capture a clear fingerprint or iris scan during enrollment, the staff member will ask you to try again. This can happen if your fingers are too dry, too wet, or if you are not positioned correctly in front of the iris scanner. Wipe your fingers on your pants or a paper towel and try again—most people succeed on the second or third attempt.

In rare cases, someone's fingerprints or iris pattern cannot be captured clearly enough for the system to work. If this happens after multiple attempts, the kiosk operator will let you know that Clear may not be a good fit for you. You can request a refund of your membership fee at that point. This is uncommon, but it does happen with a small percentage of enrollees.

Clear Membership Costs and Renewal

Clear membership costs $189 per year at most airports. Some airports charge slightly different rates—typically between $179 and $199—so check the Clear website for your specific airport. Clear occasionally offers discounts for new members or bundled deals with airline loyalty programs, so it is worth checking for current promotions before you enroll.

Your membership renews automatically one year after enrollment. Clear will charge your payment method on file about 30 days before your renewal date. You will receive email reminders before the charge goes through. If you want to cancel before renewal, you can do so through the Clear app or by contacting Clear customer service.

Some credit card companies and airline loyalty programs offer Clear membership as a benefit, so check whether your card or frequent flyer status includes it before you pay out of pocket.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for Clear online before I go to the airport?

No. Clear enrollment must happen in person at an airport kiosk. You cannot start the process online or by mail. You can check which airports near you have Clear kiosks on the Clear website, but the actual enrollment happens at the airport.

Do I need TSA PreCheck to use Clear?

No. Clear and TSA PreCheck are separate programs. Clear gets you through identity verification faster, while PreCheck speeds up the actual security screening. You can use Clear alone, PreCheck alone, or both together. Many frequent travelers use both because they work at different stages of the security process.

What if I cannot make it to an airport kiosk to enroll?

Clear enrollment only happens at airport kiosks, so you will need to visit a participating airport to sign up. If you travel infrequently or do not have access to a Clear kiosk near you, TSA PreCheck might be a better option because you can explore online and visit an enrollment center in your area.

Can I use Clear at international airports?

Clear works at U.S. airports, including those with international flights. However, for international travel, you still go through standard TSA security screening after Clear verifies your identity. Clear does not speed up customs or immigration screening when you arrive in another country.

What if I lose my phone or forget my biometric data?

You do not need your phone or any card to use Clear. Your biometric data (fingerprints and iris scan) is stored in the Clear system, so you just walk up to the iris scanner at the Clear lane and look into it. The system recognizes you and lets you through. Your phone is optional and only useful for finding the Clear lane or managing your account.