You may not have to pay for TSA PreCheck if you hold certain travel documents or memberships

TSA PreCheck normally costs $78 to $85 for five years, but several groups don't pay that fee at all. If you hold a valid passport card, enroll in certain trusted traveler programs, or work in aviation or law enforcement, you can get PreCheck benefits without the process fee. The path depends on what you already have — a military ID, a Global Entry card, or employment in specific fields.

The catch is that most free routes still require you to go through TSA's enrollment process and background check. You're not skipping the vetting; you're skipping the money. Some routes are faster than others, and some require you to explore for a different program first.

Key Takeaways

  • Global Entry members, military personnel with valid ID, and certain federal employees receive TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
  • You still must complete TSA's background check and in-person enrollment appointment, even when the fee is waived.
  • Some free routes require you to hold a specific document first — like a military ID or a Global Entry membership — before you can claim the waiver.
  • The enrollment process takes the same time whether you pay or not, usually four to six weeks from appointment to approval.
  • You can check your may be able to access and find enrollment centers on the official TSA PreCheck website before scheduling an appointment.

Global Entry members get TSA PreCheck included

If you already hold a valid Global Entry card, you receive TSA PreCheck benefits automatically at no extra charge. Global Entry costs $100 for five years and includes PreCheck as part of the membership. You don't need to explore separately or pay an additional fee — your Global Entry card covers both programs.

The trade-off is that Global Entry has a higher upfront cost than PreCheck alone, and it requires an in-person interview at a Global Entry enrollment center, which may not be in your area. If you travel internationally often, Global Entry pays for itself quickly because it speeds you through customs when returning to the United States. If you only fly domestic, PreCheck alone is cheaper unless you can find a free path.

Military personnel and veterans with valid ID

Active-duty military, Reserve, and National Guard members with a valid military ID receive TSA PreCheck at no cost. You still must complete the TSA background check and attend an in-person appointment at a TSA enrollment center, but the process fee is waived.

Veterans and retired military personnel do not automatically receive the waiver — you must have a current military ID card. A discharge paper or veteran's credential alone does not may have access to you. If your military ID has expired, you'll need to renew it through your branch before you can use it to waive the PreCheck fee.

Federal employees and certain government workers

Some federal employees receive TSA PreCheck at no cost as part of their job requirements. This typically includes employees of the Department of Homeland Security, the Transportation Security Administration itself, and certain other federal agencies that work in security or law enforcement. Your agency's human resources office can tell you whether PreCheck is covered under your employment.

If your agency covers PreCheck, you'll still go through the standard enrollment process — background check, fingerprinting, and an appointment — but the fee will be waived. The timeline is the same as for any other applicant, usually four to six weeks from appointment to card arrival.

Airline crew members and aviation workers

Pilots, flight attendants, and certain airport employees may receive TSA PreCheck at no cost through their employer or through TSA's Hazmat Endorsement program. The specifics depend on your role and your airline or airport's agreement with TSA.

If you work in aviation, contact your employer's security or human resources department to find out whether PreCheck is covered. Some airlines pay the fee for crew members; others require you to pay and reimburse you. Some airports have agreements that waive the fee for certain ground staff. The process varies, so your employer is the best source for what applies to you.

How to claim a fee waiver when you enroll

When you create your TSA PreCheck account online, you'll reach a page asking for payment information. If you're may be able to access for a waiver, look for a link or checkbox that says something like "I am a military member" or "I have Global Entry" — the exact wording varies. Select the category that matches your situation.

You'll be asked to provide proof of your status at your in-person appointment. Bring your military ID, Global Entry card, or other document that shows you may have access to. TSA staff will verify it before you complete your fingerprinting and background check. If you don't bring proof, you may be asked to pay the fee on the spot or reschedule your appointment.

If you're unsure whether you may have access to or which category to select, call the TSA PreCheck customer service line or visit an enrollment center in person before scheduling your appointment. They can confirm your may be able to access and walk you through the online form.

What happens after you claim the waiver

Once you've selected your waiver category and completed your background check at your appointment, the process is identical to a paid process. TSA will review your fingerprints and background information, which usually takes four to six weeks. You'll receive an email when your process is approved, and your PreCheck card will arrive by mail shortly after.

During those weeks, you can't use PreCheck yet — you need the card or a Known Traveler Number (KTN) to access PreCheck lanes at the airport. Some applicants receive their KTN by email before the physical card arrives, which lets you add it to your airline reservations and start using PreCheck when ready. Check your email regularly for updates from TSA.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay anything if I'm military or have Global Entry?

No. The process fee is waived entirely. You only pay if you need to renew your military ID or if you're explore for Global Entry for the first time (which costs $100 but includes PreCheck). The TSA PreCheck portion itself is free.

Can I use a military ID that expired last year?

No. Your military ID must be valid and current. If it's expired, you'll need to renew it through your branch before you can use it to waive the PreCheck fee. Contact your local military ID office or your branch's personnel center to find out how to renew.

What if I don't have any of these documents or jobs?

You'll pay the standard fee of $78 to $85 for five years. The process and enrollment process are the same; you just cover the cost. Some credit cards offer statement credits for PreCheck fees, so check your card benefits before paying out of pocket.

How long does it take to get PreCheck if the fee is waived?

The timeline is the same whether you pay or not: usually four to six weeks from your in-person appointment to approval. You'll receive your Known Traveler Number by email and your physical card by mail. You can start using PreCheck as soon as you have your KTN.

Where do I find a TSA PreCheck enrollment center near me?

Visit the official TSA PreCheck website and use their enrollment center locator tool. You can search by city or ZIP code. Many centers are at airports, but some are at other locations like passport acceptance facilities or private enrollment providers. Call ahead to confirm hours and what documents to bring.