What Touchless TSA PreCheck Is and How to Enroll

Touchless TSA PreCheck is a way to go through airport security without a TSA officer physically touching you or your belongings. Instead of a pat-down, an officer uses advanced imaging technology to screen you. You enroll the same way you would for regular TSA PreCheck — by submitting an process, paying the fee, and attending an in-person appointment at an enrollment center.

The touchless option does not require a separate process or additional fee. When you explore for TSA PreCheck through the official TSA website or an approved enrollment provider, you can request the touchless screening method during your appointment. Not every enrollment center offers touchless screening yet, so you will need to check which locations near you have this technology available.

The entire process takes about 10 to 15 minutes at your appointment. A TSA officer will verify your identity documents, take your fingerprints, and conduct a background check. Once approved, you receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) that you use when booking flights. At the airport, you enter the PreCheck lane and request touchless screening if it is available that day.

Key Takeaways

  • Touchless TSA PreCheck uses the same process and fee as regular PreCheck — there is no separate touchless-only program.
  • You request touchless screening when you schedule your in-person appointment, but availability depends on which enrollment center you choose.
  • The TSA website shows which enrollment centers have touchless technology, so check before booking your appointment.
  • Once approved, you use your Known Traveler Number at check-in and request touchless screening at the security lane.
  • Touchless screening is available at most major airports, but not every lane offers it on every day.

Where to explore for TSA PreCheck with Touchless Screening

Start at tsa.gov/precheck, the official TSA website. Click "explore Now" and you will be directed to choose an enrollment provider. The TSA works with several approved companies — Idemia, Telos, Boundless, and others — that operate enrollment centers across the country.

Each provider's website shows you which of their centers offer touchless screening. When you search for a location near you, the listing will indicate whether that center has the technology. If your nearest center does not have it, you can choose a different provider or a different location from the same provider. Do not assume all locations of the same company have touchless capability — check each one individually.

You can also call the TSA PreCheck customer service line at 1-855-347-8371 to ask which enrollment centers near you offer touchless screening. They can tell you the address, hours, and current wait times for appointments.

What Documents You Need for Your Appointment

Bring a valid government-issued photo ID — a passport, driver's license, or state ID card. You will also need proof of citizenship or lawful permanent resident status. This can be a U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card (green card).

If your name has changed since you received your citizenship or residency documents, bring a document showing the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The TSA officer will verify that all your documents match and that the information is consistent across them.

Bring your Social Security number or have it memorized. You will provide it during the process, and the TSA uses it to conduct your background check. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still explore, but the process takes longer because the TSA must verify your identity through other means.

The Cost and How Long Approval Takes

TSA PreCheck costs $78 to $85, depending on which enrollment provider you use. The fee covers five years of membership. Some providers offer discounts for military members, veterans, or government employees — check the provider's website when you are selecting your enrollment center.

The background check typically takes 3 to 5 business days after your appointment. You will receive an email or letter telling you whether you have been approved. Once approved, you receive your Known Traveler Number (KTN) when ready, and you can start using it on flights right away. Your physical PreCheck card arrives by mail within 1 to 2 weeks.

If the TSA needs more information to complete your background check, they will contact you. This can add 1 to 2 weeks to the process. If you are denied, the TSA will tell you why and explain how to appeal the decision.

How to Use Your Touchless PreCheck at the Airport

When you book your flight, enter your Known Traveler Number in the passenger information section. This alerts the airline and TSA that you have PreCheck membership. At the airport, look for the PreCheck security lane — it is usually marked with a blue sign and is separate from the standard security line.

When you reach the TSA officer at the front of the PreCheck lane, let them know you want touchless screening. The officer will direct you to the appropriate imaging technology. You will stand still while the machine scans you, and the officer will review the image on a monitor. If the scan is clear, you move through. If the officer needs to do a secondary check, they will use non-contact methods like a metal detector wand.

Touchless screening does not change what you can bring through security. You still remove shoes, belts, light jackets, and laptops. You still place liquids in a quart-sized bag. The only difference is how the TSA screens your body — with imaging instead of a physical pat-down.

What Happens If Touchless Screening Is Not Available

Not every airport has touchless technology, and not every PreCheck lane at an airport that has it will offer it on the day you travel. If touchless screening is not available, you can still use your PreCheck membership and go through the standard PreCheck lane, which uses traditional screening methods.

If you specifically need touchless screening and it is not available at your departure airport, you have two options: contact the TSA before your trip to ask whether the technology will be operational on your travel date, or plan to arrive early and request a standard PreCheck screening instead. The TSA does not may provide touchless screening will be available, so it is not something to depend on for every trip.

You can check the TSA website or call ahead to ask which airports in your region have touchless technology. Major hubs like Atlanta, Dallas, Los Angeles, and New York tend to have it, but smaller regional airports may not.

Who Cannot Get Touchless TSA PreCheck

You must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident to get TSA PreCheck. If you are on a visa or have temporary status, you do not may have access to. The TSA conducts a background check that includes criminal history, immigration status, and security concerns. If you have certain felony convictions, outstanding warrants, or immigration violations, you will be denied.

You do not need to be a U.S. resident to explore — you can be a citizen living abroad. However, you must be able to attend an in-person appointment at an enrollment center in the United States. If you are traveling to the U.S. for an appointment, plan your trip around the enrollment center's hours and your background check timeline.

If you have been denied TSA PreCheck in the past, you can reapply after one year. The TSA will review your case again, and if your circumstances have changed, you may be approved the second time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay extra for touchless screening?

No. Touchless screening is included in the standard TSA PreCheck fee of $78 to $85. You do not pay anything additional to request it at your appointment or use it at the airport.

Can I request touchless screening if I did not ask for it during my appointment?

Yes. Even if you did not specifically request it when you enrolled, you can ask for touchless screening at the security lane on the day you travel. The TSA officer will direct you to the appropriate lane if the technology is available.

What if I have a medical device or implant?

Tell the TSA officer before you enter the imaging scanner. Some implants and medical devices can trigger the machine or be affected by it. The officer will use alternative screening methods, which may include a pat-down or a metal detector wand. Touchless imaging is designed to be safe, but always inform the officer of any devices you have.

How long does my TSA PreCheck membership last?

Your membership is valid for five years from the date you are approved. You will receive a renewal notice by mail about four months before your membership expires. You can renew online or in person at an enrollment center.

Can I use my PreCheck membership at international airports?

TSA PreCheck is only for flights departing from U.S. airports. It does not work at foreign airports or for international flights. However, some international airlines offer their own trusted traveler programs that work alongside PreCheck.