How to Sign Up for TSA PreCheck With Touchless ID

TSA PreCheck enrollment now includes Touchless ID, a facial recognition option that lets you complete your identity verification online instead of at an enrollment center

You can start your TSA PreCheck process at the official TSA website (tsa.gov/precheck) and choose Touchless ID as your verification method. This option uses your phone's camera to capture your face and compare it against your driver's license or passport photo. You do not need to visit an enrollment center in person — the entire process happens on your device. The process fee remains $78 to $85 depending on your state, and approval typically takes two to three weeks after you complete the identity verification step.

Touchless ID is available in all 50 states and works on both iPhone and Android devices. You will need a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or passport card), a smartphone with a working camera, and internet access. The system guides you through taking a selfie and photographing your ID document, then compares them automatically. If the system cannot verify your identity through Touchless ID, you can still schedule an in-person appointment at a TSA enrollment center to complete the process manually.

Key Takeaways

Touchless ID lets you verify your identity for TSA PreCheck using your phone's camera instead of visiting an enrollment center in person.
You start at tsa.gov/precheck, create an account, pay the $78 to $85 fee, and then select Touchless ID as your verification method.
The system takes a selfie and a photo of your government ID, compares them automatically, and tells you within minutes whether verification succeeded.
If Touchless ID does not work for you, you can book an in-person appointment at any TSA enrollment center to complete the process instead.

What you need before you start

Gather your documents and check your device before beginning. You will need one of these government-issued IDs: a valid driver's license, a U.S. passport, or a U.S. passport card. The ID must not be expired, though TSA will accept IDs that expired within the last five years in some cases — check the TSA website for your state's specific rules. Your ID photo must be clear and match your current appearance reasonably well; if you have changed significantly since the photo was taken (major weight loss, different hair color, facial hair), Touchless ID may reject the match and direct you to an enrollment center instead.

Your smartphone must have a working front-facing camera and a stable internet connection. The TSA PreCheck app or the web browser version both work, though the app is faster on most devices. Make sure your phone's camera lens is clean and you are in a well-lit space — poor lighting or glare on your screen causes the system to reject photos. You do not need to read anything special; the TSA website handles the verification directly in your browser or through the official TSA PreCheck app.

Step-by-step enrollment process

Go to tsa.gov/precheck and click "Enroll Now" or "explore" at the top of the page. You will land on a page asking whether you are a new applicant or returning to an existing process. Select "New Applicant" if this is your first time. Create an account using your email address and a password, then log in.

Fill out the TSA PreCheck process form with your personal information: full name, date of birth, citizenship status, contact details, and emergency contact. The form asks about your travel history, criminal history, and any disqualifying factors. Answer honestly — TSA conducts background checks and will discover discrepancies. Once you submit the form, you will see a summary and a payment screen. Pay the $78 to $85 fee using a credit or debit card. Some states charge slightly different amounts; the exact fee appears on screen before you confirm payment.

After payment, you will see a page titled "Verify Your Identity" or similar. Select "Touchless ID" from the verification options shown. The system will ask you to take a selfie — hold your phone at arm's length, face the camera directly, and make sure your face fills most of the frame. Take the photo in good lighting and avoid shadows across your face. Next, photograph your government ID: place it flat on a surface, position your phone directly above it, and capture the entire front of the card or page. The system will process both images and tell you within a few minutes whether verification succeeded.

What happens if Touchless ID does not work

If the system cannot match your face to your ID photo, you will see a message explaining the mismatch. Common reasons include poor lighting, a photo that is too blurry, significant changes to your appearance since the ID was issued, or an ID photo that is itself low quality. You can try Touchless ID again when ready — the system allows multiple attempts. Make sure you are in brighter light, hold your phone steady, and position your face clearly in the frame.

If Touchless ID fails after several attempts, you will have the option to schedule an in-person appointment at a TSA enrollment center instead. The system will show you available times at centers near your address. At the appointment, a TSA officer will verify your identity in person using the same documents, and the process takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Your process fee covers both the online attempt and the in-person backup, so you do not pay again.

Timeline and what to expect after verification

Once Touchless ID confirms your identity, your process moves to the background check stage. This typically takes two to three weeks, though it can take longer if TSA needs additional information. You will receive an email when your background check is complete. If approved, you will get a second email with instructions to schedule your in-person appointment to receive your TSA PreCheck card and have your fingerprints taken. This final appointment is quick — usually 10 minutes — and happens at an enrollment center near you.

Your TSA PreCheck membership lasts five years from the date you receive your card. You can check the status of your process at any time by logging into your account at tsa.gov/precheck. If you do not hear anything after four weeks, contact the TSA PreCheck customer service line at 1-855-347-8371 to confirm your process is moving forward.

Touchless ID versus in-person enrollment

Touchless ID saves you a trip to an enrollment center but requires a clear photo match between your face and your ID. In-person enrollment guarantees verification on the spot — a TSA officer can use judgment if your appearance has changed or your ID photo is unclear. If you are uncomfortable with facial recognition technology or have concerns about how your biometric data is used, you can skip Touchless ID and book an in-person appointment directly from tsa.gov/precheck. Both routes cost the same and result in the same TSA PreCheck card.

The main trade-off is time versus convenience. Touchless ID can be completed in 15 to 30 minutes from your home, while scheduling and attending an in-person appointment may take several weeks depending on enrollment center availability in your area. If you live far from an enrollment center or have a busy schedule, Touchless ID is faster. If you prefer human verification or have had trouble with facial recognition systems in the past, in-person enrollment is a reliable alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Touchless ID if my driver's license is expired?

TSA accepts expired IDs in some cases, but the rules vary by state. Check tsa.gov/precheck for your specific state's policy before you start. If your ID is too old or expired beyond the allowed window, you will need to use a valid passport or passport card instead, or schedule an in-person appointment where an officer can review your documents.

What if the Touchless ID system keeps rejecting my photos?

Try again in better lighting, make sure your face is clearly visible and fills most of the frame, and may support your ID photo is flat and fully visible. If rejection continues, you can schedule an in-person appointment at an enrollment center — your process fee covers both attempts, and an officer can verify you manually without the facial recognition step.

Is my facial data stored after Touchless ID verification?

TSA uses your facial image only to verify your identity against your government ID during enrollment. The TSA PreCheck program does not store your biometric data in a searchable database. For details on how your information is handled, review the TSA's privacy notice at tsa.gov or contact TSA customer service at 1-855-347-8371.

How long does the entire TSA PreCheck process take with Touchless ID?

Touchless ID itself takes 15 to 30 minutes. After that, the background check takes two to three weeks, and then you schedule a final in-person appointment (10 to 15 minutes) to receive your card and provide fingerprints. Total time from start to card in hand is typically four to six weeks.

Can I use Touchless ID on a tablet instead of a phone?

Touchless ID works best on phones with front-facing cameras. Some tablets may work, but the system is optimized for smartphone cameras. If you do not have a smartphone available, you can complete the process and pay the fee online, then schedule an in-person appointment to finish the identity verification step instead.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.