Touchless TSA PreCheck uses facial recognition instead of a physical ID card

Touchless TSA PreCheck is a version of the standard TSA PreCheck program that lets you move through airport security using your face instead of showing an ID document. You enroll in person at a participating airport, provide biometric data (a facial scan and fingerprints), and then at security checkpoints, you look at a camera and walk through — no card to carry or show.

The program costs the same as regular TSA PreCheck: $78 to $85 depending on your state, and covers five years. You get the same benefits as the standard version: shorter security lines, keeping shoes and light jackets on, and leaving laptops and liquids in your bag. The main difference is convenience — you cannot lose a card you do not have, and you do not need to remember to bring it.

Touchless PreCheck is available at a growing number of airports, but not all. Before you enroll, check whether your home airport or the airports you use most often have touchless lanes. If they do not, standard PreCheck with a physical card may be more useful to you right now.

Key Takeaways

  • Touchless TSA PreCheck uses facial recognition at security, so you show your face instead of a physical ID card.
  • You enroll in person at a participating airport, provide a facial scan and fingerprints, and pay $78 to $85 for five years of coverage.
  • Touchless lanes are available at some major airports but not all, so confirm your airport has them before you enroll.
  • You can still use a regular TSA PreCheck card at airports without touchless lanes, or you can enroll in standard PreCheck if touchless is not available where you travel.

Find a participating airport near you

Touchless PreCheck enrollment is offered at specific airports only. The TSA website lists which airports have the program, and the list grows periodically. Check the TSA PreCheck enrollment page and search for your state or city to see if an airport near you offers it.

Major airports with touchless enrollment include Denver International, Los Angeles International, San Francisco International, and several others, but coverage is not nationwide yet. If your closest airport does not have it, you can travel to a participating airport to enroll, or you can sign up for standard TSA PreCheck at most airports and many other locations like post offices and driver's license facilities.

Schedule your in-person appointment

You cannot enroll in touchless PreCheck online. You must book an appointment at the airport where you want to enroll. Go to the TSA PreCheck website, select the airport, and choose an available time slot. Appointments typically fill up weeks in advance at busy airports, so plan ahead if you are traveling soon.

Bring your valid passport, driver's license, or state ID. If you are not a U.S. citizen, bring your passport and visa or travel document. You will also need to provide your Social Security number, so have that information ready when you book.

Complete the enrollment process at the airport

On the day of your appointment, arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. An enrollment agent will verify your identity using your ID document and Social Security number. They will take a digital photograph of your face and scan both of your index fingers for fingerprints. The whole process takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

You will also fill out an process form with your personal information, travel history, and background details. Answer all questions truthfully — the TSA conducts a background check as part of the approval process. If you have a criminal record or immigration issues, you may be denied, but most people are approved within two to three weeks.

Pay the enrollment fee

The fee for touchless TSA PreCheck is $78 in most states, though a few states charge up to $85. You pay at the enrollment appointment, and the TSA accepts credit cards, debit cards, and checks. The fee covers five years of membership.

Some employers, credit card companies, and organizations reimburse TSA PreCheck fees. Check with your employer's human resources department or your credit card issuer to see if you are covered. A few premium travel credit cards include TSA PreCheck reimbursement as a cardholder benefit.

Receive approval and start using touchless PreCheck

After your appointment, the TSA will conduct a background check. Most people receive approval within two to three weeks, though it can take longer if additional review is needed. You will receive an email notification when you are approved.

Once approved, your biometric data is stored in the TSA system. At touchless-enabled security lanes, you will see a camera and a sign directing you to look at it. Stand in front of the camera, look straight ahead, and the system will match your face to your enrollment data. If it matches, you proceed through security without showing a physical ID.

At airports without touchless lanes, you can still use standard TSA PreCheck by showing your driver's license or ID at the regular PreCheck line. Your membership covers both touchless and standard PreCheck benefits.

What to do if your process is denied

If the TSA denies your process, you will receive a letter explaining the reason. Common reasons include criminal history, immigration violations, or security concerns. You can request reconsideration by submitting additional documentation or clarification within 30 days of the denial letter.

If reconsideration is denied, you can appeal to the TSA's Office of Security and Hazmat Safety. The appeal process takes several months. Alternatively, you can enroll in standard TSA PreCheck at a different location, though you may face the same denial if the issue is a background check result.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use touchless PreCheck at every airport?

No. Touchless lanes are available only at participating airports, and the list is still growing. At airports without touchless capability, you can show your driver's license at a regular TSA PreCheck line to get the same benefits. Check the TSA website to see which airports near you have touchless enrollment and touchless security lanes.

What happens if the facial recognition does not recognize me?

If the camera does not match your face, you will be directed to a standard security lane and asked to show your ID. This can happen if you have changed your appearance significantly since enrollment, if the lighting is poor, or if you are wearing heavy makeup or sunglasses. You can still proceed through security normally.

Do I still need to carry my driver's license if I have touchless PreCheck?

Yes. You must carry a valid ID at all times when traveling. Touchless PreCheck uses your face to verify your identity at security, but you still need your ID for check-in, boarding, and other airport processes. The touchless benefit is that you do not have to show your ID at the security checkpoint itself.

Can I enroll in touchless PreCheck if I already have regular TSA PreCheck?

Yes. If your regular PreCheck membership is still active, you can upgrade to touchless by scheduling an enrollment appointment at a participating airport and paying the full fee again. Your old membership will remain valid until it expires, and you can use either touchless or standard PreCheck depending on which airport you are at.

How long does the approval process take?

Most applicants receive approval within two to three weeks of their enrollment appointment. The TSA conducts a background check during this time. In some cases, additional review may extend the timeline to four to six weeks. You will receive an email when your membership is approved and ready to use.