TSA PreCheck and CLEAR are two separate programs that work together to speed up security screening
TSA PreCheck lets you keep shoes, belts, and light jackets on, leave laptops and liquids in your bag, and use a dedicated security lane. CLEAR uses biometric scanning (your eyes and fingerprints) to verify your identity, so you skip the ID-check line entirely. You can get either one alone, but together they create the fastest path through airport security — CLEAR gets you to the front, then PreCheck speeds up the actual screening.
Both programs cost money and require you to visit an enrollment center in person. PreCheck takes about 10 minutes and lasts five years. CLEAR takes about 5 minutes and renews yearly. Neither one is free, and neither one is automatic — you have to sign up.
Key Takeaways
- TSA PreCheck costs $78 to $85 for five years and requires an in-person visit to an enrollment center to provide fingerprints and answer security questions.
- CLEAR costs $189 per year (or about $15 per month) and uses your eyes and fingerprints to skip the ID-check line at participating airports.
- You can get PreCheck or CLEAR separately, but using both together gives you the fastest security experience.
- Enrollment centers are located at airports, some post offices, and other locations — you can find the nearest one on the TSA or CLEAR website.
- Both programs are available at most major U.S. airports, but CLEAR is not available at every airport, so check before you sign up.
How to enroll in TSA PreCheck
Visit the official TSA PreCheck website and search for an enrollment center near you. Centers are located at most major airports, many smaller airports, and some post offices and pharmacies. You can book an appointment online or walk in, depending on the location.
Bring a valid passport, driver's license, or state ID, plus proof of your address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last year works). The appointment itself takes about 10 minutes. You will answer questions about your background, provide your fingerprints digitally, and have your photo taken. The TSA will run a background check, which usually takes 3 to 5 business days. Once approved, you receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) by email, which you enter when you book flights.
Your PreCheck membership lasts five years from the date you enroll. You can renew it online for $70 to $85 about six months before it expires, or you can visit an enrollment center again.
How to enroll in CLEAR
Go to the CLEAR website and enter your home airport. CLEAR shows you which airports near you offer the service — it is not available everywhere yet. You can enroll online, but you must visit a CLEAR enrollment kiosk at an airport to complete the process.
Bring a valid passport, driver's license, or state ID. At the kiosk, you will scan your eyes (iris scan) and provide your fingerprints. The whole process takes about 5 minutes. You can start using CLEAR when ready at that airport and any other participating airport.
CLEAR costs $189 per year, though the price varies slightly by airport. Some airports offer monthly plans for about $15 per month if you prefer not to pay annually. Your membership renews on the anniversary of your enrollment date. You can cancel anytime, and CLEAR will refund the unused portion of your membership.
Which airports have CLEAR and PreCheck
TSA PreCheck is available at most major U.S. airports and many smaller ones. You can check the TSA website for a full list by state. PreCheck lanes exist at nearly every airport that has TSA screening, so once you have your KTN, you can use it almost anywhere you fly domestically.
CLEAR is available at fewer airports than PreCheck. Major hubs like Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York (JFK, LaGuardia, Newark), Chicago, Dallas, and Denver all have CLEAR. However, smaller regional airports may not. Before you sign up for CLEAR, check the CLEAR website to confirm it operates at your home airport and the airports where you fly most often.
Using PreCheck and CLEAR together
If you have both programs, the flow works like this: you arrive at the airport and head to the CLEAR kiosk. You scan your eyes and fingerprints, and CLEAR verifies your identity in seconds. CLEAR then directs you to the TSA PreCheck lane. You go through PreCheck screening (shoes and belt stay on, laptop stays in bag) and you are through security faster than standard passengers.
You do not need to do anything special to combine them — just make sure your CLEAR membership is active and your PreCheck KTN is entered in your airline reservation. Some airlines let you add your KTN directly to your frequent flyer account, so it auto-populates on every booking.
Cost comparison and what you get
PreCheck is the better value if you fly a few times a year — it costs less than $20 per year over five years. CLEAR makes sense if you fly frequently (weekly or multiple times per month) and want to avoid the ID-check line. Together, they are the fastest option, but the combined cost is about $270 in the first year and $189 per year after that.
Here is how the programs break down by cost and benefit:
| Program | Cost | Duration | What You Get |
|---|---|---|---|
| TSA PreCheck | $78–$85 | 5 years | Dedicated security lane, shoes and belt stay on, laptop stays in bag |
| CLEAR | $189/year (or ~$15/month) | 1 year | Skip ID-check line using biometric scan |
| Both together | $78–$85 + $189/year | PreCheck 5 years, CLEAR 1 year | Skip ID line, then go through faster screening |
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not assume PreCheck and CLEAR are the same thing — they are not. PreCheck speeds up screening; CLEAR skips the ID line. You need PreCheck to use a PreCheck lane, and you need CLEAR to use the CLEAR kiosk. Many people get only one and wonder why they still wait in a regular security line.
Do not forget to add your PreCheck KTN to your airline reservation. If you do not enter it when you book, the airline will not know you have PreCheck, and you will be sent to a regular lane. You can usually add it after booking by editing your reservation online or calling the airline.
Do not enroll in CLEAR at an airport where it is not available at your home airport. CLEAR works at any participating airport, but if your home airport does not have it, you will not use it on most of your flights. Check the CLEAR website first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get PreCheck or CLEAR if I have a criminal record?
It depends on the offense. Both programs run background checks and deny membership for certain crimes, but minor offenses do not automatically disqualify you. The TSA and CLEAR review each case individually. If you are unsure, contact the TSA or CLEAR directly before you enroll — they can tell you whether your record will be a problem.
What happens if my PreCheck or CLEAR expires while I am traveling?
If PreCheck expires, you can still fly — you just will not have access to PreCheck lanes on that trip. Renew it before your next flight. If CLEAR expires, the same applies. Neither one is required to fly; they just make security faster. You can renew both online before they expire.
Do I need PreCheck or CLEAR for international flights?
PreCheck only works for domestic flights. CLEAR works at U.S. airports for both domestic and international flights, but it only skips the ID-check line — it does not affect international security screening. For international travel, PreCheck does not help, but CLEAR still saves time at the ID checkpoint.
Can I use PreCheck or CLEAR if I am traveling with children?
Yes. If you have PreCheck, your children under 12 can go through the PreCheck lane with you without their own membership. If you have CLEAR, you scan your own biometrics and then proceed to PreCheck screening with your children. Children 12 and older need their own PreCheck or CLEAR membership if they want to use those lanes.
What if I move to a different state or country?
Your PreCheck membership stays valid for five years no matter where you move, as long as you stay in the United States. CLEAR also works nationwide at participating airports. If you move outside the U.S., you can no longer use either program, but you can cancel CLEAR and get a refund for unused time.