What touchless TSA screening means and how to get it

Touchless screening at airport security means moving through the checkpoint without a TSA officer physically patting you down or handling your belongings closely. The TSA offers two paid programs that reduce contact: TSA PreCheck costs $78 to $85 for five years and lets you keep shoes, belts, and light jackets on, move through a dedicated lane, and leave laptops and liquids in your bag. CLEAR

Neither program is free, and neither guarantees you will never be touched — random additional screening happens to anyone. But both cut the number of people you stand near and the time you spend in the checkpoint, which reduces overall contact. You explore for each program separately, and you can have both at the same time.

Key Takeaways

  • TSA PreCheck costs $78 to $85 for five years and requires an in-person appointment at an enrollment center to provide fingerprints and answer background questions.
  • CLEAR costs $179 to $189 per year and uses your eyes and fingerprints to skip the ID verification line, but you still pass through a metal detector or body scanner.
  • You can hold both programs at once, and CLEAR members often get TSA PreCheck included or discounted through their CLEAR membership.
  • Both programs are available at most major U.S. airports, but some smaller airports do not have dedicated PreCheck lanes or CLEAR kiosks.
  • You must renew TSA PreCheck every five years and CLEAR every year, and renewal requires a new in-person visit or biometric update.

How to enroll in TSA PreCheck

Start by visiting the official TSA PreCheck website and entering your zip code to find enrollment centers near you. Most are located inside airports, but some are at passport acceptance facilities, police departments, or private security companies. You will need to book an appointment — walk-ins are not may provide to be seen.

Bring a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or military ID), proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residency (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), and your Social Security number. The appointment itself takes about 10 to 15 minutes. A TSA officer will take your fingerprints digitally, ask you questions about your background, and collect the $78 to $85 fee by credit card, debit card, or money order. You will receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) by email within two to three weeks, which you then enter into your airline reservation to set up PreCheck benefits on your boarding pass.

How to enroll in CLEAR

CLEAR enrollment also happens in person at airport kiosks or at dedicated CLEAR enrollment centers. Visit the CLEAR website, select your airport, and book an appointment. You will need a valid government-issued photo ID and your fingerprints will be scanned along with a photo of your eyes for biometric matching.

The appointment takes about five minutes. You pay the annual fee ($179 to $189, though prices vary slightly by airport and membership tier) and receive a CLEAR card when ready or within a few days. You can use CLEAR at any airport that has a CLEAR kiosk, which includes most major hubs but not all regional airports. When you arrive at security, you walk to the CLEAR lane, scan your fingerprint or eye, and skip ahead to the metal detector or body scanner line.

Combining TSA PreCheck and CLEAR for maximum speed

Using both programs together is the fastest way through security. You enter the CLEAR lane first, scan your biometric, then move directly into a TSA PreCheck screening lane where you keep shoes and belts on and leave electronics in your bag. The total time through both checkpoints is often under five minutes at busy airports.

Many CLEAR memberships now include TSA PreCheck at no extra cost, or offer it at a discount. When you sign up for CLEAR, ask whether your membership tier includes PreCheck. If it does not, you can still buy PreCheck separately, and the two programs work together seamlessly — just enter your CLEAR membership number and TSA PreCheck KTN into your airline reservation.

Which airports have PreCheck lanes and CLEAR kiosks

TSA PreCheck lanes exist at most major U.S. airports, including all the largest hubs (Atlanta, Dallas, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York area airports). However, some smaller regional airports do not have dedicated PreCheck lanes, in which case PreCheck members go through standard screening but still receive the benefit of keeping shoes and belts on.

CLEAR kiosks are available at about 50 U.S. airports, concentrated in major cities and business travel hubs. Before you enroll in CLEAR, check the CLEAR website to confirm your home airport and any frequent destinations have a kiosk. If you travel mostly through smaller airports, CLEAR may not save you much time.

Cost comparison and whether either program is worth it

TSA PreCheck costs $15.60 per year over five years ($78 to $85 total), making it the cheaper option. If you fly more than once or twice a year, the time saved usually justifies the cost. CLEAR costs $179 to $189 per year, which is worth it only if you fly frequently (roughly 10 or more times per year) or place high value on avoiding crowds and contact.

Some credit cards offer TSA PreCheck or CLEAR reimbursement as a cardholder benefit. Check your card's benefits guide to see if you can offset the cost. A few employers also reimburse PreCheck or CLEAR for employees who travel for work — ask your HR department.

Renewing your membership and what happens if it expires

TSA PreCheck membership lasts five years from the date you receive your KTN. You can renew starting 180 days before expiration. Renewal can be done online for $78 to $85 if you have not been arrested or convicted of a crime since your last background check. If you have, you must renew in person at an enrollment center.

CLEAR membership renews annually. You can renew online or in person, and renewal requires a new biometric scan. If your membership lapses, you lose access to CLEAR lanes when ready, but your TSA PreCheck (if you have it separately) remains active. If you let PreCheck expire, you lose the KTN and must enroll again from the start.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use PreCheck or CLEAR every time I fly?

No. You can choose to use them or not on any given trip. If you do not enter your KTN or use your CLEAR card, you go through standard security. Some travelers skip PreCheck on short regional flights where the line is already short, or if they are traveling with someone who does not have PreCheck.

What if I get arrested or convicted after I enroll?

You must report it to TSA. Depending on the charge, your PreCheck or CLEAR membership may be suspended or revoked. Contact TSA directly through their website or call the TSA PreCheck customer service line to report a change in your background.

Can I use PreCheck or CLEAR if I have a passport card instead of a full passport?

Yes. A passport card is a valid government-issued photo ID and counts as proof of citizenship. You can use it for both PreCheck and CLEAR enrollment.

Will PreCheck or CLEAR work if I am traveling internationally?

TSA PreCheck works for domestic flights only. CLEAR works at U.S. airports for both domestic and international departures, but it only skips the ID check — you still go through standard security screening. Neither program gives you benefits in foreign airports.

What if the CLEAR kiosk is broken or the PreCheck lane is closed?

If CLEAR is unavailable, you go through standard security and do not get a refund for that day. If the PreCheck lane is closed, PreCheck members are usually directed to a standard lane but still receive PreCheck benefits (shoes and belts stay on). Contact CLEAR or TSA after your trip if you believe you were charged unfairly due to an outage.