TSA PreCheck lets you go through security without removing shoes, belts, or light jackets, and some airports now offer touchless screening where officers scan your ID and boarding pass without physical contact

To use touchless screening, you first need a TSA PreCheck membership, which costs $78 to $85 for five years depending on your state. Once enrolled, you receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) that you add to your airline reservation. At participating airports, TSA officers will scan your documents instead of handling them, and you move through a dedicated PreCheck lane with fewer restrictions on what you remove from your bag or body.

Touchless screening is not a separate program—it is how some airports now process PreCheck members during certain hours. Not every airport offers it yet, and availability changes by location and time of day. The process of enrolling in PreCheck itself takes four to six weeks from process to receiving your card.

Key Takeaways

  • You must enroll in TSA PreCheck first; touchless screening is available only to PreCheck members at participating airports.
  • The PreCheck process requires you to visit an enrollment center in person with a valid passport or driver's license and proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residency.
  • After approval, you receive a Known Traveler Number that you enter into your airline booking so the TSA knows you are PreCheck-may be able to access.
  • Touchless screening scans your ID and boarding pass instead of handling them, but you still go through the same metal detector and bag screening as other PreCheck members.
  • Not all airports offer touchless screening, and it may only run during peak travel hours; check your airport's website before your flight.

Step 1: Find an Enrollment Center Near You

Visit the official TSA PreCheck website and use the enrollment center locator tool. Enter your zip code to see which centers are open in your area. Most enrollment centers are located inside airports, but some operate at separate facilities run by the TSA or approved vendors like Idemia or Travelpass.

Call ahead or check the center's hours online before you go. Many centers require you to book an appointment, though some accept walk-ins during off-peak times. Appointment slots fill up quickly during summer and holiday travel seasons, so plan at least two to three weeks ahead if you have a specific travel date in mind.

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

Bring a valid government-issued photo ID—a passport, driver's license, or state ID card. You also need proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residency. U.S. citizens can bring a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or passport. Lawful permanent residents should bring their green card or passport with an I-551 stamp.

Bring your Social Security number or a document that shows it, such as a tax return or W-2. The enrollment officer will verify your identity and background during your appointment, so having everything ready prevents delays or rescheduling.

Step 3: Complete Your process at the Enrollment Center

At your appointment, an officer will ask you questions about your background, residence history, and criminal record. Answer honestly—the TSA conducts a background check that includes FBI and Department of Homeland Security databases. The entire process takes 10 to 15 minutes.

You will pay the enrollment fee at this time, either in cash or by card depending on the center's payment methods. The officer will take your fingerprints digitally and photograph you for your PreCheck card. You do not need to do anything else at this point—the TSA will mail your card to the address you provided.

Step 4: Receive Your Known Traveler Number

After your background check clears, the TSA will email you a temporary Known Traveler Number (KTN) within one to two weeks. You can start using this number on airline reservations when ready, even before your physical card arrives. Write down your KTN or save it in your phone—you will need it every time you book a flight.

Your permanent PreCheck card will arrive in the mail four to six weeks after your enrollment appointment. The card is valid for five years. Once it arrives, you can use either the KTN or show the physical card at the airport; the TSA recognizes both.

Step 5: Add Your KTN to Your Airline Reservation

When you book a flight, look for a field labeled "Known Traveler Number," "PreCheck," or "TSA PreCheck" during checkout. Enter your KTN exactly as it appears in your approval email. Different airlines place this field in different locations—some ask for it during seat selection, others during payment.

If you forget to add it during booking, call your airline before you check in and ask them to add it to your reservation. Without the KTN in your booking, the TSA will not know you are PreCheck-may be able to access, and you will go through standard security screening instead of the PreCheck lane.

Step 6: Use Touchless Screening at Participating Airports

At the airport, look for the TSA PreCheck lane, which is usually marked with blue signage. When you reach the security officer, they will scan your ID and boarding pass using a handheld device instead of handling them directly. This is the touchless part of the process.

After scanning, you proceed through the PreCheck lane normally—place your bag on the conveyor belt and walk through the metal detector. You do not need to remove shoes, belts, light jackets, or laptops from your bag. Touchless screening does not change what you can bring or what you remove; it only changes how the officer verifies your documents.

Touchless screening is not available at every airport or during every hour. Major hubs like Atlanta, Dallas, Los Angeles, and New York sometimes offer it, but smaller airports may not. Check your specific airport's TSA website or ask at the PreCheck lane when you arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does TSA PreCheck cost?

TSA PreCheck costs $78 to $85 for a five-year membership, depending on your state and the enrollment center. Some credit cards and travel insurance plans reimburse the fee, so check your benefits before paying out of pocket.

Can I use my KTN before my physical card arrives?

Yes. Once the TSA emails you your temporary KTN, you can add it to airline reservations and use PreCheck lanes when ready. The physical card is not required—the TSA checks your KTN in their system at the airport.

What if I do not see touchless screening at my airport?

Touchless screening is still rolling out and is not available everywhere. You will still use the PreCheck lane with all its benefits—no shoe or belt removal, laptops stay in bags—even if the officer handles your documents. Check your airport's website to see if touchless screening is available on your travel date.

Do I need to renew my PreCheck before it expires?

Yes. Your PreCheck membership is valid for five years from the date of your enrollment appointment. You can renew starting 180 days before expiration. If your membership lapses, you will need to enroll again and pay the full fee.

Can I add my KTN to a reservation after I have already checked in?

No. You must add your KTN before you check in, either online or by calling your airline. If you check in without the KTN, the TSA will not see it in their system, and you cannot use the PreCheck lane for that flight.