TSA PreCheck requires you to submit an process, pay a fee, and attend an in-person appointment where TSA takes your fingerprints and verifies your identity

TSA PreCheck is a trusted traveler program that lets you move through airport security faster. You keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on; you can leave your laptop and liquids in your bag; and you go through a dedicated security lane. To get it, you fill out an online form, pay $78 to $85 (the fee lasts five years), and then go to an appointment at a TSA enrollment center or an approved process facility, where an officer takes your fingerprints and checks your background.

The whole process usually takes a few weeks from start to finish, though the wait for an appointment slot can vary depending on how busy your local enrollment center is. You can start the process right now, even if you do not have an appointment scheduled yet.

Key Takeaways

  • You must complete an online process at the official TSA PreCheck website before you can schedule an in-person appointment.
  • The fee is $78 to $85 and covers five years of TSA PreCheck membership; you pay it during your online process or at your appointment.
  • Your in-person appointment takes about 10 to 15 minutes and happens at a TSA enrollment center, an airport, or an approved third-party location like a UPS store.
  • TSA will run a background check and take your fingerprints; you will need a valid passport, driver's license, or state ID.
  • Once approved, you receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) that you enter when you book flights to use TSA PreCheck lanes.

Where to Start: The Online process

Go to the official TSA PreCheck website (tsa.gov/precheck) and click the button to start your process. You will create an account, answer questions about your background, and provide your personal information—name, date of birth, address, and contact details. The form also asks about your criminal history, immigration status, and any security violations. Answer honestly; TSA will verify everything during your background check.

Once you submit the form, you will receive a confirmation number. At this point, you have not paid yet and you do not have an appointment. The next step is to schedule your in-person appointment, which you can do right away or later—there is no rush.

Scheduling Your In-Person Appointment

After you submit your online form, log back into your TSA PreCheck account and look for the option to schedule an appointment. You will see a list of enrollment centers and approved locations near you, along with available time slots. Pick a date and time that works for you. Enrollment centers are run by TSA directly; approved locations include some UPS stores, some Walgreens, some Best Buy locations, and some airports.

The wait time for an appointment varies. In busy cities, you might find slots weeks out. In smaller areas, you may find openings within days. If no slots are available near you, check back in a few days—new slots open regularly. You can also travel to a different city if you have an appointment there sooner.

What to Bring and What Happens at Your Appointment

Bring one valid form of government-issued ID—a passport, driver's license, or state ID. Bring proof of your current address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last month. If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or legal action, bring the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

At your appointment, an officer will verify your identity, take your fingerprints digitally, and ask you to confirm the information on your process. The whole thing takes 10 to 15 minutes. You will pay the fee at this time if you have not paid online already. Once the appointment is done, TSA will run a full background check, which can take a few weeks.

Payment and Fee Details

The TSA PreCheck fee is $78 to $85 depending on where you explore. You can pay online when you submit your process, or you can pay in person at your appointment. The fee covers five years of membership. After five years, you will need to renew and pay the fee again.

Some credit cards and travel insurance plans reimburse TSA PreCheck fees, so check your benefits before you pay. A few employers also cover the cost for employees who travel frequently for work—ask your HR department if yours does.

After Your Appointment: Waiting for Approval

TSA typically approves or denies applications within two to four weeks of your appointment. You will receive an email notification when a decision is made. If you are approved, you will get a Known Traveler Number (KTN)—a nine-character code that you enter in the "Known Traveler Number" field when you book flights. Some airlines also let you add your KTN to your frequent flyer profile so it is automatically included on every booking.

If TSA denies your process, the email will explain why. You have the right to request reconsideration, and TSA will tell you how to do that in the denial letter.

Using Your TSA PreCheck at the Airport

When you arrive at the airport, look for the TSA PreCheck lane—it is usually marked with a blue sign. You will not need to remove your shoes, belt, or light jacket. You can leave your laptop and liquids in your carry-on bag. You still need to remove your ID and boarding pass, and you still go through the metal detector or body scanner like everyone else, but the process is faster because you skip some steps.

TSA PreCheck works at most major U.S. airports. A few smaller regional airports do not have a dedicated PreCheck lane, but you can still use your KTN to move through security faster. TSA PreCheck does not work at international airports outside the United States, though some international airlines offer their own trusted traveler programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use TSA PreCheck if I have a criminal record?

It depends on the offense. TSA denies PreCheck to people with certain felonies, drug convictions, and security-related crimes. Minor offenses may not disqualify you. If you are unsure, you can still submit an process—TSA will review your specific situation. If you are denied, you can request reconsideration and explain your circumstances.

What if I cannot make my scheduled appointment?

Log into your TSA PreCheck account and cancel or reschedule your appointment. You can pick a new date and time right away. There is no penalty for rescheduling, and you do not lose your process or your fee.

Do I need TSA PreCheck if I have Global Entry or another trusted traveler program?

No. Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, and CANPASS all include TSA PreCheck benefits as part of their membership. If you already have one of these programs, you do not need to pay for TSA PreCheck separately—you already have it.

Can my child get TSA PreCheck?

Yes. Children under 18 can be added to a parent's or guardian's TSA PreCheck membership at no extra cost. The child does not need their own KTN; they just travel with the adult who has it. Children 18 and older must explore for their own TSA PreCheck membership.

What happens if my TSA PreCheck expires?

You will receive an email reminder about 90 days before your membership expires. You can renew online through your TSA PreCheck account. Renewal is faster than the initial process—you do not need another in-person appointment unless TSA asks you to come back for additional verification.