You can cancel TSA PreCheck by phone, mail, or through the official TSA website, and the process takes a few minutes

TSA PreCheck cancellation is straightforward and can be done without visiting an enrollment center. You have three main routes: calling the TSA directly, submitting a written request by mail, or using the online cancellation form on the TSA website. The fastest method is usually the phone call, which takes about five minutes. Once you cancel, your membership ends when ready, though you may be able to use your card through the end of your current membership period depending on when you submit the cancellation.

You do not need a reason to cancel, and there are no penalties or refunds issued. If you paid for a five-year membership and cancel after two years, that money does not come back. Keep this in mind before you submit your cancellation request.

Key Takeaways

  • Call the TSA at 1-855-347-8371 during business hours to cancel over the phone, which is the fastest method.
  • Mail a written cancellation request to the TSA address listed on their website, which takes one to two weeks to process.
  • Use the online cancellation form at tsa.gov if you prefer to cancel without speaking to anyone.
  • Your membership ends when ready upon cancellation, but you may retain card access through your paid period depending on the program rules in effect.
  • TSA PreCheck cancellations are permanent and non-refundable, so confirm you want to cancel before submitting your request.

Canceling by phone with the TSA

The phone method is the most direct route. Call the TSA PreCheck customer service line at 1-855-347-8371. The line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern time, and Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time. Have your TSA PreCheck membership number ready—it appears on your card and in any confirmation emails you received when you enrolled.

When you reach an agent, tell them you want to cancel your membership. They will ask for your membership number and may ask for your date of birth or last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity. The agent will confirm that you understand the cancellation is permanent and non-refundable, then process the cancellation on the spot. You will receive a confirmation number. Write it down or ask the agent to email it to you.

Submitting a written cancellation request by mail

If you prefer not to call, you can mail a cancellation request to the TSA. Visit tsa.gov and search for "TSA PreCheck mailing address" to find the current address for cancellation requests, as it may vary by region. Your letter should include your full name, TSA PreCheck membership number, date of birth, and a clear statement that you are requesting cancellation of your membership.

Mail your letter to the address provided and keep a copy for your records. Processing typically takes one to two weeks. You will not receive a confirmation letter in most cases, so if you need proof of cancellation, call the TSA customer service line after two weeks to confirm the cancellation went through.

Using the online cancellation form

The TSA website offers an online cancellation form that you can fill out without calling or mailing anything. Go to tsa.gov, navigate to the TSA PreCheck section, and look for the cancellation or account management option. You will need to log into your TSA PreCheck account or provide your membership number and personal details to verify your identity.

Fill out the form completely and submit it. You should receive an when ready confirmation on screen, and the TSA will send a confirmation email to the address on file. This method is when ready and leaves you with a digital record of your cancellation, which is useful if you ever need to prove when you cancelled.

What happens to your card after cancellation

Once your cancellation is processed, your TSA PreCheck card is no longer valid for expedited screening at airport security. However, the TSA's current policy allows you to use your card through the end of your paid membership period in some cases. This means if you paid for a five-year membership and cancel after one year, you might still be able to use the card for the remaining four years—but this varies, so contact the TSA to confirm your specific situation before you cancel.

Physically destroy your card once it is no longer valid. Cut it in half or shred it to prevent someone else from attempting to use it. You do not need to return it to the TSA.

Refunds and what you lose

TSA PreCheck cancellations are non-refundable. If you paid $78 to $85 for a five-year membership (the price varies slightly by year and enrollment method) and cancel after six months, you will not receive any money back. The TSA does not prorate refunds based on how much time you have left.

When you cancel, you lose access to TSA PreCheck benefits when ready or at the end of your paid period, depending on the program rules. This means you will go through standard security screening at airports instead of the expedited PreCheck lane. If you travel frequently, this can add 15 to 30 minutes to your airport arrival time.

Reasons people cancel and alternatives to consider

Common reasons for cancellation include moving abroad, no longer traveling frequently, or switching to Global Entry (which includes TSA PreCheck benefits). If you are canceling because you do not travel enough to justify the cost, consider whether you might travel more in the next few years before you finalize the cancellation.

If cost is the issue, remember that TSA PreCheck membership sometimes goes on sale for $70 or less during promotional periods, usually around holiday travel seasons. If you think you might travel again, you could let your membership expire naturally and re-enroll at a lower price later rather than canceling now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel my TSA PreCheck if I have an active trip coming up?

Yes, you can cancel at any time. However, if your trip is within the next few days, your cancellation may not process in time to affect your upcoming flight. Contact the TSA to confirm when your cancellation will take effect before you cancel if you have travel planned soon.

What if I lose my TSA PreCheck card before I cancel?

You can still cancel using your membership number, which you can find in your enrollment confirmation email or by calling the TSA. You do not need the physical card to cancel your membership.

Can I reactivate my TSA PreCheck after I cancel it?

No. Once you cancel, your membership is permanently terminated. If you want TSA PreCheck again, you will need to enroll as a new member and pay the full membership fee. You cannot straightforward reactivate a cancelled membership.

How long does it take for my cancellation to show up in the TSA system?

Phone and online cancellations are processed when ready. Mail cancellations take one to two weeks. After cancellation, it may take an additional day or two for the change to appear in the TSA's airport security system, so do not assume you have lost PreCheck access until you have confirmation from the TSA.

Will canceling TSA PreCheck affect my Global Entry or other trusted traveler programs?

No. TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are separate programs. Canceling one does not affect the other. However, Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck benefits, so if you have Global Entry, you do not need TSA PreCheck separately.