TSA PreCheck and CLEAR are two separate programs that speed up airport security

TSA PreCheck lets you go through a faster security line at U.S. airports. You keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on, leave your laptop and liquids in your bag, and move through a dedicated lane. It costs $78 to $85 for five years, depending on which airport or enrollment center you use.

CLEAR is a separate service that uses biometric scanning — your eyes and fingerprints — to verify your identity at airport security. It costs about $189 per year for one person, though prices vary by airport. CLEAR gets you to the front of the security line, but you still go through standard screening unless you also have TSA PreCheck. Many people buy both because they work together: CLEAR gets you to the front, then TSA PreCheck gets you through the faster screening process.

You do not need one to get the other. You can have PreCheck alone, CLEAR alone, or both. The choice depends on how often you fly and what matters most to you — saving time at security or saving money.

Key Takeaways

  • TSA PreCheck costs $78 to $85 for five years and gives you a faster security line at most U.S. airports.
  • CLEAR costs around $189 per year and uses your fingerprints and eyes to move you to the front of the security line, but you still go through standard screening unless you also have PreCheck.
  • You explore for each program separately, and approval for PreCheck takes about two weeks after your in-person appointment.
  • CLEAR approval is usually when ready or within a few days once you complete your biometric scan at an enrollment location.
  • Some credit cards and memberships cover the cost of PreCheck or CLEAR, so check your benefits before paying out of pocket.

How to get TSA PreCheck

Start at the TSA's official enrollment website, tsa.gov/precheck. You will fill out an online form with your personal information, passport details, and travel history. The form takes about 10 minutes. You pay the fee online — $78 to $85 depending on your location — and you get a conditional approval number.

Next, you schedule an in-person appointment at an enrollment center near you. The TSA website shows all locations by zip code. Bring your passport or Real ID driver's license, a second form of ID (like a credit card or military ID), and proof of your address (a utility bill or lease works). The appointment itself takes about 10 minutes. A staff member will take your fingerprints and a photo, verify your information, and you will walk out with your Known Traveler Number (KTN).

Your approval is final once you receive your KTN, which usually happens within two weeks of your appointment. You do not get a physical card — you just enter your KTN when you book flights. Airlines will see it and print it on your boarding pass, which tells TSA agents you are PreCheck-approved.

How to get CLEAR

Go to the CLEAR website (clear.tsa.gov) and enter your email and a password. You will answer questions about your identity and background. The online part takes about 5 minutes.

Then you schedule a biometric enrollment appointment at a CLEAR kiosk, usually located inside the airport itself or at a dedicated enrollment center. Bring your passport or Real ID driver's license. At the appointment, a CLEAR staff member will scan your eyes (iris scan) and take your fingerprints. The scan takes less than five minutes. You get your CLEAR membership number on the spot, and you can often use CLEAR at that airport when ready.

If you enroll at an airport kiosk, you can use CLEAR at that airport right away. If you enroll at a standalone center, your membership activates within a few days and works at all participating airports nationwide. CLEAR works at about 50 U.S. airports, so check the website to confirm your home airport is included before you buy.

What documents and information you need

For both programs, bring a valid passport or Real ID driver's license. A Real ID license has a gold or silver star in the upper right corner. If your driver's license does not have a star, a passport works instead.

For PreCheck, bring a second form of ID — a credit card, military ID, or employee badge. You also need proof of your address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

For CLEAR, you only need your passport or Real ID. No address proof is required. If you are enrolling at an airport kiosk, bring your boarding pass as well so the staff can confirm you are traveling that day.

How much it costs and whether your insurance or credit card covers it

TSA PreCheck costs $78 to $85 for five years. Some airports charge slightly more or less, so the exact price depends on where you enroll. The fee is non-refundable, but you can renew for the same price when your membership expires.

CLEAR costs around $189 per year for a single membership. Some airports charge a bit more or less. Family plans that cover up to four people cost around $299 per year at most airports.

Many credit cards cover the cost of PreCheck or CLEAR as a cardholder benefit. The Chase Sapphire Reserve and American Express Platinum both cover PreCheck. Some airline credit cards cover CLEAR. Check your card's benefits guide or call the issuer to confirm. If your card covers it, you can often submit a receipt for reimbursement, or the card may pay the vendor directly.

Some employers and professional memberships also cover PreCheck or CLEAR. Military members, federal employees, and frequent business travelers sometimes have access through their organization. Ask your HR department or membership administrator whether your plan includes either program.

Timeline from enrollment to first use

For TSA PreCheck, the online process takes 10 minutes. Your in-person appointment takes another 10 minutes. After that, your Known Traveler Number arrives within two weeks, and you can use it on your next flight. Total time from start to first use is usually two to three weeks.

For CLEAR, the online part takes 5 minutes, and your biometric appointment takes less than 5 minutes. If you enroll at an airport kiosk, you can use CLEAR at that airport the same day. If you enroll at a standalone center, your membership activates within a few days. Total time is usually one to three days.

What happens at airport security with PreCheck and CLEAR

If you have CLEAR only, you scan your eyes and fingerprints at a CLEAR kiosk near the security entrance. A staff member verifies your identity and you move to the front of the security line. You then go through standard TSA screening — shoes off, laptop out, liquids in a separate bag.

If you have PreCheck only, you skip the CLEAR kiosk and go straight to the PreCheck security line, which is usually shorter and moves faster. You keep your shoes on, leave your laptop and liquids in your bag, and go through the metal detector or body scanner.

If you have both, you use the CLEAR kiosk first to get to the front of the line, then you go through the PreCheck screening process. This combination is the fastest option.

Your boarding pass must show your PreCheck status for the PreCheck line to work. When you book your flight, enter your Known Traveler Number in your airline profile. The airline prints it on your boarding pass as "TSA PreCheck" or a TSA logo. If it does not appear, ask the airline to add it before you reach security.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use PreCheck or CLEAR if I do not have a Real ID driver's license?

Yes. A valid passport works for both programs. You do not need a Real ID license. However, starting May 2025, you will need either a Real ID license or a passport to board domestic flights anyway, so getting a Real ID is worth doing regardless of PreCheck or CLEAR.

What if I lose my PreCheck number or CLEAR membership?

For PreCheck, log into your TSA account at tsa.gov/precheck and your Known Traveler Number is there. You can also call the TSA PreCheck customer service line. For CLEAR, log into your CLEAR account and your membership number is displayed. If you lose your CLEAR membership card, you can print a new one from your account or show your membership number at the kiosk.

Do PreCheck and CLEAR work internationally?

TSA PreCheck only works at U.S. airports. For international travel, you may want to look into Global Entry, which covers PreCheck plus expedited customs screening when you return to the U.S. Global Entry costs $100 for five years. CLEAR only works at U.S. airports as well.

Can I get PreCheck or CLEAR if I have a criminal record?

It depends on the offense. Both programs run background checks and disqualify people with certain felonies, drug convictions, or immigration violations. If you have a record, you can still explore — the TSA will review your case. Some people with older or minor convictions are approved. Contact the TSA directly to discuss your situation before you pay the fee.

What if I move or change my address after I enroll?

For PreCheck, log into your TSA account and update your address. For CLEAR, log into your account and update your information there. Neither program requires you to re-enroll or pay again if you move.