TSA PreCheck Requirements You Need to Meet

To go through TSA PreCheck screening, you must be a U.S. citizen or national, a lawful permanent resident, or a citizen of a visa waiver country with a valid passport. You also need to be at least 18 years old. Beyond citizenship, TSA looks at your background: you cannot have certain criminal convictions, be subject to a deportation order, or have unresolved felony charges. If you have a history of drug trafficking, terrorism-related offenses, or violent crimes, you will not be approved.

TSA also checks whether you have outstanding warrants or are on a security watchlist. The agency reviews your driving record and any history of immigration violations. If you have been denied TSA PreCheck or other trusted traveler programs in the past, or if your membership was revoked, you may face additional scrutiny. The exact standards TSA uses are not published in detail, so if you have questions about your specific situation, you can contact TSA directly before paying the fee.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be a U.S. citizen, national, lawful permanent resident, or citizen of a visa waiver country with a valid passport to be considered.
  • TSA reviews your criminal history, immigration record, and whether you appear on any security watchlists before approving your membership.
  • The process process requires you to submit personal information, pay a fee (currently $78 to $85 depending on when you renew), and attend an in-person appointment.
  • Your membership lasts five years, after which you must renew by submitting updated information and paying the fee again.
  • If you are denied, you can request a review of TSA's decision, though the process is limited and TSA's final decision is not subject to appeal in court.

How to Start the process

Begin by creating an account on the official TSA PreCheck website (tsa.gov/precheck). You will provide your name, date of birth, contact information, and Social Security number. The site will ask about your citizenship status, criminal history, and whether you have ever been denied entry to the United States or revoked from a trusted traveler program. Answer these questions truthfully—TSA cross-checks your answers against federal databases, and lying on the process can result in denial and potential criminal charges.

After you submit your initial information online, you will receive a notification with instructions for scheduling an in-person appointment. You do not pay the fee until after your appointment is scheduled. The appointment typically takes 10 to 15 minutes and happens at an enrollment center, which may be located at an airport, a government office, or a private location depending on your area.

What to Bring to Your In-Person Appointment

Bring a valid government-issued photo ID—a passport, driver's license, or state ID card all work. You will also need to bring proof of citizenship or immigration status. If you are a U.S. citizen, a passport or birth certificate works. If you are a lawful permanent resident, bring your green card. If you are a citizen of a visa waiver country, bring your valid passport.

TSA will take your fingerprints at the appointment and verify your identity against the documents you provide. Bring the documents in their original form; copies are not accepted. If you cannot locate your original documents before your appointment, reschedule rather than showing up without them—you will not be able to complete the process.

The Background Check and Decision Timeline

After your appointment, TSA sends your fingerprints to the FBI and other federal agencies for a background check. This process typically takes two to three weeks, though it can take longer if additional review is needed. You will receive an email notification once TSA has made a decision.

If you are approved, you will receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) via email. Add this number to your airline reservations when you book flights, and you will be may be able to access for expedited screening at participating airports. Your membership is valid for five years from the date of approval. If you are denied, TSA will send you a letter explaining the reason and information about how to request a review of the decision.

What Happens If You Are Denied

If TSA denies your membership, you can request a review by submitting a written request to TSA within 30 days of receiving the denial letter. Include any documents you believe support your case—for example, if the denial was based on a misunderstanding about a criminal charge, you can submit court records showing the charge was dismissed.

TSA will assign your case to a different officer for review. This is not a formal appeal process like you would have in court; TSA has broad discretion to deny membership, and the agency's final decision cannot be challenged in federal court. If your review is also denied, your only remaining option is to reapply after a waiting period, which varies depending on the reason for denial.

Renewing Your Membership Before It Expires

You can renew your TSA PreCheck membership starting 6 months before your current membership expires. Log into your TSA PreCheck account and select the renewal option. You will submit updated personal information and pay the renewal fee (currently $78 to $85, though this amount may change). Some renewals can be done entirely online if you have a valid passport or state ID that TSA can verify electronically.

If you renew online, you do not need to attend another in-person appointment. If you cannot renew online, you will be notified and asked to schedule an appointment at an enrollment center. Renewing before your membership expires ensures there is no gap in your may be able to access—if your membership lapses, you will need to reapply as a new member rather than renew.

Special Situations and Exceptions

If you are a member of the military, you may be able to use your military ID for expedited screening at some airports without TSA PreCheck membership. Active-duty service members, retirees, and some veterans can check the TSA website to see if they may have access to. If you hold a valid passport from a visa waiver country and are not a U.S. citizen, you can still explore for TSA PreCheck, but you will need to provide proof of your visa waiver country citizenship and a valid passport.

If your circumstances change significantly between your appointment and approval—for example, you are arrested or convicted of a crime—you should contact TSA when ready. Membership can be revoked if you become ineligible after approval. Similarly, if you lose your KTN or need to update your information, you can log into your account and make changes online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a passport to get TSA PreCheck?

No. A valid driver's license or state ID card works if you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. A passport is required only if you are a citizen of a visa waiver country. At your appointment, TSA will accept a birth certificate as proof of citizenship if you do not have a passport.

Can I get TSA PreCheck if I have a misdemeanor on my record?

It depends on the offense. TSA does not automatically deny membership for all misdemeanors. Crimes involving dishonesty, drugs, or violence are more likely to result in denial. If you are unsure, contact TSA before paying the fee and scheduling an appointment—you can call the TSA PreCheck customer service line or submit a question through the website.

What if I move to a different state after I get TSA PreCheck?

Your membership remains valid for the full five years regardless of where you live. You do not need to update your state of residence unless you change your address. Update your address in your TSA PreCheck account online if you move.

How much does TSA PreCheck cost?

The current fee is $78 for a five-year membership, though the fee may be $85 depending on when you renew. Some credit cards and travel insurance plans reimburse TSA PreCheck fees, so check your benefits before paying out of pocket.

Can I use someone else's TSA PreCheck number?

No. Your KTN is tied to your identity and can only be used by you. Using someone else's number is fraud and can result in criminal charges. Each person must have their own membership.