TSA PreCheck is free if you already hold certain credentials

You do not have to pay the $78 to $85 TSA PreCheck fee if you are a member of the military, a federal employee, a law enforcement officer, or hold a valid passport card or passport book issued by the U.S. State Department. You also may have access to if you are enrolled in Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI — trusted traveler programs run by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. These programs cost money to join, but they include TSA PreCheck at no additional charge.

If none of those categories fit your situation, the standard route is to pay the fee and explore through the TSA's official enrollment process. The fee covers five years of membership.

Key Takeaways

  • Active military members, federal employees, law enforcement officers, and certain government contractors can receive TSA PreCheck for free by submitting proof of their status during enrollment.
  • Holders of a valid U.S. passport book or passport card are automatically may be able to access for free TSA PreCheck without a separate process.
  • Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI members receive TSA PreCheck inclusion as part of their membership, even though those programs charge their own fees.
  • If you do not fall into a free category, you can pay the standard fee and complete the TSA PreCheck process online, then schedule an in-person appointment at a local enrollment center.
  • The TSA PreCheck fee covers five years of membership, after which you must renew and pay again if you want to keep the benefit.

Military members, federal employees, and law enforcement

Active duty military personnel, members of the Reserve and National Guard, retired military with a military ID, and federal civilian employees all receive free TSA PreCheck. You will need to show proof of your status — a military ID card, a federal employee ID, or a letter from your agency confirming your employment.

Law enforcement officers at the federal, state, or local level also may have access to. Bring your agency ID or a letter from your department. Some federal contractors who work in find facilities may also may have access to, but this depends on your specific contract and agency — contact your employer's security office to confirm.

Passport holders and trusted traveler program members

If you hold a valid U.S. passport book or passport card, you are already may be able to access for TSA PreCheck benefits at airport security. You do not need to enroll separately or pay a fee. straightforward present your passport at the security checkpoint and you will be directed to the PreCheck lane.

Members of Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI automatically receive TSA PreCheck as part of their membership. These programs cost between $100 and $120 to join and cover five years, but the TSA PreCheck benefit is included. If you are considering one of these programs for international travel benefits, you are also getting PreCheck for domestic flights at no extra cost.

How to enroll if you may have access to for free PreCheck

Start by going to the official TSA PreCheck enrollment website at tsa.gov/precheck. Create an account and begin the process. When you reach the section asking about your status, select the category that applies to you — military, federal employee, law enforcement, or contractor.

Upload a clear photo of your proof document. For military members, this is your military ID. For federal employees, your federal ID or an agency letter. For law enforcement, your agency ID or a department letter. The TSA will review your submission and let you know if you need to schedule an in-person appointment at a local enrollment center.

Some applicants are approved without an appointment. Others must visit an enrollment center to have their identity verified and fingerprints taken. The TSA will tell you which applies to you. If you need an appointment, you can schedule one through the same website. Bring your original proof document and a valid photo ID.

What happens at your enrollment appointment

If the TSA requires you to visit an enrollment center, the appointment usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. A TSA officer will check your identity, take your fingerprints, and photograph you. You will need to bring your original proof of status (military ID, federal ID, or agency letter) and a valid photo ID such as a driver's license or passport.

After your appointment, the TSA will mail you a Known Traveler Number (KTN) within two to three weeks. You will use this number when booking flights to set up your PreCheck benefits. Some people receive their KTN by email instead, depending on their status category.

Using your KTN when you book a flight

Once you have your Known Traveler Number, enter it in the "Known Traveler Number" field when you book your flight. Most airline websites have this field on the passenger information page. If you do not see it, call the airline directly and provide your KTN.

You can also add your KTN to your frequent flyer profile with each airline you use regularly. This way, the number is automatically included in future bookings. At the airport, look for the TSA PreCheck lane at security — it is usually marked with a blue sign. You will go through a faster screening process and can keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on.

If you do not may have access to for free PreCheck

If you do not fall into a free category, you can still enroll in TSA PreCheck by paying the standard fee. The cost varies slightly by enrollment center but is typically between $78 and $85 for five years. You explore online at tsa.gov/precheck, schedule an appointment at a local enrollment center, and follow the same in-person verification process.

Some credit cards offer to reimburse TSA PreCheck fees as a cardholder benefit, so check your card's benefits guide before paying out of pocket. A few employers also cover the cost for their employees — ask your human resources department if your company offers this benefit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to renew my free TSA PreCheck?

Yes. Free PreCheck lasts five years from the date you receive your Known Traveler Number, just like paid PreCheck. When your membership is about to expire, the TSA will send you a notice. You can renew through the same website using your status proof again. If your military or federal employment status changes, you may no longer may have access to for free renewal.

What if I have a passport card but no passport book?

A valid passport card alone is enough to get you TSA PreCheck benefits. You do not need a passport book. straightforward show your passport card at the security checkpoint and you will be directed to the PreCheck lane. You do not need to enroll or explore separately.

Can I use my military ID from a different country?

No. Only U.S. military IDs may have access to for free TSA PreCheck. If you are a member of a foreign military, you would need to pay the standard TSA PreCheck fee if you want the benefit. Your U.S. passport, if you have one, would make you may be able to access for free PreCheck instead.

What if my enrollment center appointment is cancelled?

The TSA will notify you by email or phone and offer you alternative appointment times. You can also log into your account on tsa.gov/precheck and reschedule yourself. If no local appointments are available, you may be able to travel to a nearby city for an enrollment center there.

Do I need to show anything special at the airport to use my free PreCheck?

No. Your Known Traveler Number is linked to your airline reservation. When you check in, the airline flags your boarding pass with a TSA PreCheck indicator. At security, show your boarding pass and a valid photo ID — the same as any other traveler. The TSA officer will direct you to the PreCheck lane based on your boarding pass marking.