What Touchless TSA PreCheck Is and How It Works
Touchless TSA PreCheck uses facial recognition instead of a physical ID card at airport security checkpoints. When you enroll in standard TSA PreCheck, you can opt into the touchless program at participating airports. At security, you walk up to a kiosk, look at a camera, and the system matches your face to your enrollment photo — no badge, no document, no contact required.
The touchless option is available at select U.S. airports as part of TSA's broader modernization effort. You do not need a separate enrollment or a different membership. If you already have TSA PreCheck, you can use touchless lanes at airports that offer them. If you are enrolling for the first time, you can choose touchless during your standard PreCheck enrollment process.
The system works alongside your existing PreCheck benefits: shorter security lines, shoes and belt staying on, laptop staying in your bag. Touchless just removes the step of showing your physical card to an officer.
Key Takeaways
- Touchless TSA PreCheck uses facial recognition at airport kiosks and requires you to first enroll in standard TSA PreCheck through an official enrollment center.
- You can opt into touchless during your initial PreCheck enrollment or add it later if you already have an active membership.
- Touchless is only available at certain airports; check the TSA website to see if your home airport or frequent destinations offer it.
- The enrollment process takes about 10 to 15 minutes in person and costs $78 to $85 for a five-year membership, the same as standard PreCheck.
- You will need a valid passport, driver's license, or state ID, plus proof of citizenship or lawful permanent resident status.
Step-by-Step Enrollment at a TSA PreCheck Center
Start by finding an enrollment center near you on the TSA PreCheck website. Centers are located at airports, post offices, and some police departments. Book an appointment online — walk-ins are sometimes accepted but appointments move faster and may provide a time slot.
Bring your valid passport, driver's license, or state ID. You will also need proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers) or proof of lawful permanent resident status (green card). Bring a second form of ID if your primary ID is a passport.
At the appointment, an officer will take your photo, fingerprints, and basic information. The whole process takes 10 to 15 minutes. You will be asked whether you want to enroll in touchless; say yes if your frequent airports support it. Pay the fee — $78 to $85 depending on your state — by credit card, debit card, or check. You will receive a receipt with your TSA PreCheck number when ready.
Your membership becomes active within three to five business days. You can start using your PreCheck number at security lanes right away, even before your physical card arrives in the mail.
Using Touchless at the Airport
When you arrive at security, look for the touchless kiosk or lane. Not all airports have them yet, and not all lanes at an airport may be equipped. TSA officers or signage will direct you to the right spot.
Walk up to the kiosk, position your face in front of the camera, and look straight ahead. The system scans your face and compares it to your enrollment photo. The process takes a few seconds. If the match is successful, you proceed through the standard PreCheck screening — no ID check needed.
If the system does not recognize you, the kiosk will prompt you to try again or direct you to show your physical PreCheck card to an officer instead. This happens occasionally due to lighting, angle, or changes in appearance (new glasses, facial hair, etc.). Having your physical card with you is still a good idea as a backup.
Which Airports Currently Offer Touchless PreCheck
Touchless PreCheck is rolling out gradually. As of early 2024, it is available at major hubs including Denver International, Phoenix Sky Harbor, San Francisco, Las Vegas, and several others. The list expands regularly, but coverage is not yet nationwide.
Check the TSA PreCheck website or call your airport's security office to confirm whether touchless is available at your home airport or destinations you travel to frequently. If your airport does not have it yet, you can still use your standard PreCheck card and benefits in regular PreCheck lanes.
Cost and Membership Timeline
TSA PreCheck membership costs $78 to $85 for five years, depending on your state. Some states charge the full $85; others charge $78. The fee covers both standard PreCheck and the option to use touchless at participating airports — there is no separate touchless fee.
Your membership is valid for five years from the date it becomes active. You will receive a renewal notice by mail about 90 days before expiration. Renewal costs the same as initial enrollment.
If you already have an active PreCheck membership and want to add touchless, you do not need to pay again or renew early. You can straightforward opt in at your next visit to an enrollment center, or in some cases through the TSA PreCheck website, at no additional cost.
Documents You Need Before Your Appointment
| Document Type | Examples | Required or Backup |
|---|---|---|
| Primary ID | Passport, driver's license, state ID | Required |
| Proof of Citizenship | Passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate | Required |
| Proof of Permanent Residency | Green card, I-551 card | Required if not a U.S. citizen |
| Second ID | Credit card, military ID, employee badge | Backup if primary is passport |
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Enrollment
Do not assume your state ID alone is enough. You must bring proof of citizenship or permanent residency in addition to your primary ID. A driver's license by itself will not work.
Do not book an appointment and then skip it without canceling. Enrollment centers have limited slots, and no-shows can delay other applicants. If your plans change, cancel online or call the center.
Do not expect touchless to work at every airport or every lane. Even at airports with touchless kiosks, some lanes may not have them. Always carry your physical PreCheck card as a backup, and be ready to show it if the facial recognition system does not recognize you.
Do not wait until your membership is about to expire to renew. Renewal can take a few weeks, and if your membership lapses, you lose PreCheck benefits until the new one is active. Renew as soon as you receive the notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use touchless PreCheck if I already have a regular PreCheck card?
Yes. If your membership is active and your airport offers touchless, you can use the facial recognition kiosk without any additional steps. Your existing PreCheck number and benefits work with touchless automatically. You do not need to renew or pay extra.
What happens if the facial recognition system does not recognize me?
The kiosk will prompt you to try again or direct you to show your physical PreCheck card to an officer. This is normal and happens occasionally due to lighting, angle, or changes in your appearance. Always carry your physical card as a backup.
Do I need to enroll in touchless separately, or is it automatic?
During your initial PreCheck enrollment, you will be asked whether you want to opt into touchless. If you say yes, you are enrolled. If you already have PreCheck and want to add touchless later, you can visit an enrollment center again at no extra cost, or check the TSA website to see if you can opt in online.
How long does the facial recognition scan take at the airport?
The scan takes just a few seconds. You walk up to the kiosk, look at the camera, and the system matches your face to your enrollment photo. If successful, you move straight into the standard PreCheck screening process.
What if my airport does not have touchless PreCheck yet?
You can still use your standard PreCheck card and benefits in regular PreCheck lanes. Touchless is rolling out gradually, so check back periodically to see when it becomes available at your airport. Your membership works the same way either way.