What Touchless TSA Programs Do

TSA PreCheck is the main touchless security program at U.S. airports. It lets you go through a faster security lane where you keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on, leave your laptop and liquids in your bag, and walk through a standard metal detector instead of a body scanner. You do not remove as much, and the line moves faster.

There are also other programs like Global Entry (for international travel) and NEXUS (for Canada and the Caribbean), but TSA PreCheck is the one that works at domestic airport security checkpoints. You can add TSA PreCheck to Global Entry if you want both.

The program costs $78 to $85 for five years, depending on which program you choose. You pay once during signup, and the benefit covers all your trips during that five-year window.

Key Takeaways

  • TSA PreCheck costs $78 to $85 for five years and requires an in-person appointment at an enrollment center to verify your identity and take your fingerprints.
  • You start by creating an account on the official TSA PreCheck website, paying the fee, and scheduling your appointment — the whole process takes about 10 minutes online.
  • Enrollment centers are located at airports, some post offices, and private security companies; you can find your nearest location and book a time slot on the TSA website.
  • Your in-person appointment lasts 10 to 15 minutes and involves showing a valid passport or driver's license, answering background questions, and having your fingerprints scanned.
  • You receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) after approval, which you enter when booking flights so the TSA knows to route you to the PreCheck lane.

Create Your Account on the TSA PreCheck Website

Go to tsa.gov/precheck and click the button to start a new process. You will create a login with an email address and password. This account is where you will track your process status and schedule your appointment.

Fill in your basic information: full name, date of birth, citizenship status, and contact details. The form takes about five minutes. You do not need documents yet — just your personal information. Once you submit, you will see a confirmation page with an process number. Save this number or write it down.

Pay the TSA PreCheck Fee

After you create your account, the website will ask you to pay the fee. TSA PreCheck alone costs $78 for five years. If you want to add Global Entry (which includes TSA PreCheck and covers international travel), the cost is $100 for five years. You can also choose NEXUS for $120 if you travel frequently to Canada or the Caribbean.

Pay by credit card, debit card, or money order. If you pay online with a card, the payment goes through when ready and you move to the next step. If you choose money order, you will mail it to an address the website provides, and your process will not move forward until they receive it — this adds one to two weeks.

Find an Enrollment Center and Schedule Your Appointment

On the TSA PreCheck website, use the enrollment center locator tool. Enter your city or zip code and it will show you all nearby locations. Most major airports have enrollment centers. Many post offices and some UPS stores also offer TSA PreCheck appointments. Private security companies like Idemia run enrollment centers in some cities as well.

Click on a location and you will see available appointment times. Book a slot that works for your schedule. Appointments fill up quickly in busy cities, so if nothing is available in the next week or two, check back in a few days — new slots open regularly. The appointment itself takes 10 to 15 minutes, so you do not need to block out your whole afternoon.

Attend Your In-Person Appointment

Bring a valid government-issued photo ID — a passport, driver's license, or state ID card. Bring proof of your current address if your ID does not show where you live now (a recent utility bill or lease works). Arrive five to ten minutes early.

At the appointment, an officer will ask you to confirm the information you entered online. They will ask basic background questions about your citizenship, criminal history, and travel patterns — nothing invasive, just standard security screening. You will have your fingerprints scanned digitally. The whole process takes 10 to 15 minutes. You do not need to undress or remove anything except your hands from your pockets.

After the appointment, you will receive a receipt. Your process then goes to the TSA for final review, which usually takes one to two weeks. You can check your process status on the TSA PreCheck website using your login.

Receive Your Known Traveler Number and Use It When Booking

Once you are approved, the TSA will email you a Known Traveler Number (KTN) — a nine-character code that identifies you as a TSA PreCheck member. This is the key to using your benefit. Write it down or save it somewhere you can find it quickly.

When you book a flight, enter your KTN in the "Known Traveler Number" field on the airline's website or app. If you book through a travel agent or a third-party site like Kayak or Expedia, look for a field labeled "TSA PreCheck" or "Frequent Traveler Number." If you forget to enter it when booking, you can usually add it to your reservation up to 24 hours before your flight by logging into the airline's website.

At the airport, look for the TSA PreCheck lane — it is usually marked with a blue sign and is separate from the standard security line. Show your boarding pass and ID, and you will go through the faster screening process.

What Happens If Your process Is Denied

The TSA will email you if your process is denied and will explain why. Common reasons include criminal history, immigration violations, or inconsistencies in your background information. If you are denied, you have the right to request reconsideration.

To request reconsideration, log into your TSA PreCheck account and follow the instructions for appeals. You can also contact the TSA directly through their website. The reconsideration process takes additional time — usually several weeks — and you may be asked to provide documents or clarification about the issue that led to the denial.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use TSA PreCheck at every airport?

TSA PreCheck is available at most major U.S. airports, but not all. Before you travel, check the TSA website to confirm that your departure airport offers PreCheck lanes. If it does not, you will go through standard security even though you have the benefit. Your membership is still valid for your next trip to an airport that does offer it.

What if I lose my Known Traveler Number?

Log into your TSA PreCheck account on tsa.gov/precheck and your KTN will be displayed there. You can also call the TSA at 1-855-347-8371 and they will provide it over the phone. Write it down in a safe place so you have it for future bookings.

Do I need to renew TSA PreCheck before it expires?

Yes. Your membership lasts five years from the date you were approved. About six months before it expires, you can start a renewal process on the TSA website. Renewal is faster than the initial signup — you do not need a new in-person appointment in most cases, though some applicants are asked to come in again. The renewal fee is the same as the original fee.

Can my children use my TSA PreCheck number?

No. Each person, including children, needs their own TSA PreCheck membership and KTN. Children under 18 can sign up, but a parent or guardian must complete the process and attend the appointment with them. The fee is the same for all ages.

What if I book a flight and forget to add my KTN?

You can add it to your reservation up to 24 hours before your flight by logging into the airline's website or app. If you realize at the airport that you forgot, tell the TSA officer at security and they can look up your membership in their system, though this takes extra time. It is easier to add it online before you travel.