TSA PreCheck requires an in-person appointment at an enrollment center, a completed process form, and a fee

TSA PreCheck is not something you order online or mail in. You fill out Form I-797 (the official TSA PreCheck process) on the TSA website, pay the fee of $78 to $85 depending on your state, then book an in-person appointment at an enrollment center near you. At that appointment, a TSA officer will verify your identity with a government-issued ID, take your fingerprints, and conduct a background check. The whole process takes about 15 minutes at the center, but approval typically takes two to three weeks after your appointment.

The fee covers five years of membership. Once approved, you receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) that you enter when you book flights. At the airport, you use a dedicated TSA PreCheck lane where you keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on, leave your laptop and liquids in your bag, and move through security faster than standard screening.

Key Takeaways

  • You must complete the TSA PreCheck process on the official TSA website and pay the fee before booking an appointment.
  • Your in-person appointment at an enrollment center takes about 15 minutes and includes identity verification and fingerprinting.
  • Approval takes two to three weeks after your appointment, and your membership lasts five years.
  • You need a valid government-issued ID (passport, driver's license, or state ID) to complete your appointment.
  • The fee is $78 to $85 and covers the full five-year membership period.

Where to find an enrollment center near you

The TSA website has a searchable map of enrollment centers at tsa.gov/precheck. You can filter by state and city. Most major airports have at least one center, and many cities have enrollment locations at post offices, police departments, or dedicated TSA facilities. Some private companies like Idemia and Telos also operate enrollment centers under contract with TSA.

Availability varies widely by location. Urban areas typically have multiple centers with appointments available within a week or two. Rural areas may have fewer options and longer wait times. If your nearest center is far away, check whether a center in a neighboring city has sooner availability—it may be worth the drive to avoid a months-long wait.

What documents you need to bring

Bring one valid government-issued photo ID: a U.S. passport, driver's license, or state ID. You also need to bring proof of your current address—a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last month. If your ID and address documents have different names (for example, if you recently married or changed your name), bring a document that shows the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

If you are explore for the first time, that is all you need. If you are renewing an expiring membership, bring your current KTN or membership card. The officer will verify your information against TSA records and the background check database.

How to complete the online process

Go to tsa.gov/precheck and click "explore Now." You will create an account with an email address and password. Fill in your personal information: full legal name, date of birth, citizenship status, and contact details. Answer the background questions honestly—these cover criminal history, immigration violations, and security-related issues. The form takes about 10 to 15 minutes to complete.

After you submit the form, you will receive a confirmation number. Do not lose this number—you will need it when you book your appointment. You will also receive an email with a link to pay the fee. Payment is by credit card or debit card only. Once payment is processed, you can when ready book your in-person appointment.

Booking and attending your appointment

After you pay the fee, return to the TSA website and use your confirmation number to book an appointment at an enrollment center. Select your preferred location and date. You will receive a confirmation email with your appointment time and a list of documents to bring. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early.

At the appointment, the officer will ask you to verify the information on your process, check your ID and address documents, and take your fingerprints using a digital scanner. They may ask follow-up questions about anything on your form. The whole process is straightforward and takes about 15 minutes. You will not receive your KTN at the appointment—it arrives by email or mail after the background check is complete, usually within two to three weeks.

What happens after approval

Once you are approved, you will receive your Known Traveler Number by email or mail. Add this number to your airline frequent-flyer account or enter it when you book each flight. You can also add it to your airline profile so it is automatically included on future reservations. When you check in at the airport, your boarding pass will show "TSA PreCheck" if the number was correctly entered.

Your membership is valid for five years from the date of your appointment. About 90 days before it expires, you will receive a renewal notice. You can renew online without a new appointment, though you will need to pay the fee again and update your background information.

If your process is denied or delayed

If your background check reveals a disqualifying issue, TSA will send you a letter explaining the reason. Common reasons include felony convictions, certain misdemeanors, immigration violations, or false statements on the process. You have the right to request reconsideration or appeal the decision. The TSA website has instructions for submitting an appeal, which typically takes several weeks to process.

If your approval is straightforward delayed beyond three weeks, contact the enrollment center where you had your appointment. Delays sometimes happen when background checks take longer than expected, especially if you have a common name or have lived in multiple states. The center can check the status of your process and may be able to expedite it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use TSA PreCheck internationally?

TSA PreCheck only works at U.S. airports and only for flights departing the United States. It does not provide any benefit at foreign airports or for international arrivals. If you travel internationally frequently, you may want to consider Global Entry, which includes TSA PreCheck and also speeds up customs screening when you return to the U.S.

What if I miss my appointment?

Contact the enrollment center as soon as possible to reschedule. You will not lose your fee or your process. Most centers allow you to reschedule online or by phone. If you need to cancel and rebook far in the future, you can do that through the TSA website using your confirmation number.

Do I need TSA PreCheck if I have Global Entry?

No. Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck benefits, so you automatically get the expedited security lane at U.S. airports. You do not need both memberships. Global Entry costs more but covers international travel as well.

Can my children use my TSA PreCheck number?

No. Each person needs their own process and membership. Children under 18 can have their own TSA PreCheck, and the process is the same. Some enrollment centers allow a parent to bring a child to an appointment, but you should call ahead to confirm.

What if my address changes after I get TSA PreCheck?

You do not need to update your address with TSA. Your KTN remains valid for the full five years regardless of where you live. However, if you move, update your address with your airline frequent-flyer account so you receive any TSA or airline communications at your new address.