What TSA PreCheck with Touchless ID is and how to start

TSA PreCheck with Touchless ID lets you go through airport security without removing your shoes, belt, light jacket, or laptop. Instead of scanning your fingerprints or iris at the checkpoint, you use your enrolled biometric data — your face or fingerprints — that you registered during your initial TSA PreCheck appointment. The touchless part means the scanner reads your biometric information from a distance, so you do not have to touch anything or stand in a specific spot.

To sign up, you first enroll in standard TSA PreCheck through the TSA's official enrollment website or at an enrollment center near you. During that appointment, you provide your fingerprints and a facial scan. Once approved, you receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN). When you book a flight, you add that KTN to your reservation. At the airport, you walk up to a touchless ID kiosk at a PreCheck lane, and the system recognizes you without you handing over a passport or ID card.

Not every airport has touchless ID kiosks yet. The technology is rolling out gradually, so check the TSA website before your trip to see if your departure airport has them. If it does not, you can still use your PreCheck benefits the traditional way — by showing your ID and boarding pass to an officer.

Key Takeaways

  • You must enroll in TSA PreCheck first through the official TSA enrollment system or at an in-person enrollment center; touchless ID is a feature you unlock after approval, not a separate program.
  • During your TSA PreCheck appointment, you provide fingerprints and a facial scan that the system stores and uses to recognize you at touchless kiosks.
  • Touchless ID kiosks are available at select airports only, so confirm your departure airport has them before your trip by checking the TSA website.
  • You add your Known Traveler Number (KTN) to your flight reservation to use PreCheck benefits, including touchless ID when available.
  • TSA PreCheck costs $78 to $85 depending on your state and enrollment method, and the membership lasts five years.

How to enroll in TSA PreCheck online

Go to universalenroll.dhs.gov, the official TSA PreCheck enrollment portal. Create an account using your email address and a password. Fill out the process form with your personal information, passport details, and travel history. The form asks whether you have ever been arrested, convicted of a crime, or denied entry to the United States — answer honestly, because the TSA verifies this information.

After you submit the online form, you pay the enrollment fee (typically $78 to $85, though some states charge slightly different amounts). You then receive a confirmation email with instructions to schedule an in-person appointment at an enrollment center. This appointment is where you provide your fingerprints and facial scan. You cannot complete touchless ID enrollment without showing up in person.

The appointment itself takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Bring your valid passport or state ID, proof of citizenship or lawful permanent resident status, and proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease works). The enrollment center staff will take your fingerprints digitally and scan your face using a camera. They do not hurt, and the process is straightforward.

What happens at your in-person enrollment appointment

When you arrive at the enrollment center, check in at the desk and provide your confirmation email and ID. A staff member will verify your process information and ask you a few background questions to confirm what you wrote online. They may ask about your travel history, employment, or any flags that came up during the initial review.

Next, they take your fingerprints using a digital scanner — you place each finger on a small glass surface, and the machine captures the print electronically. This is the same process used for background checks and takes less than a minute. Then they take a facial photograph using a camera mounted on a stand. You stand in front of it, look straight ahead, and they capture your image. This scan is what the touchless kiosks will use to recognize you at the airport.

After the appointment, the TSA conducts a background check, which typically takes three to five business days. You receive an email when your process is approved. The email includes your Known Traveler Number (KTN), a nine-digit code you use when booking flights. Some people receive approval in as little as one day; others wait up to two weeks depending on the TSA's workload.

Where to find an enrollment center near you

The TSA maintains a searchable list of enrollment centers on its official website at tsa.gov/precheck. Click "Find an Enrollment Center" and enter your city or zip code. The search shows you every center within a reasonable distance, along with their hours and whether they are currently accepting appointments.

Enrollment centers are run by third-party contractors, not the TSA directly. Common locations include airports, passport acceptance facilities, and some UPS stores. Hours vary widely — some are open evenings and weekends, while others operate only during business hours. You must schedule an appointment in advance; walk-ins are not accepted at most locations.

If no center is near you, some airports offer enrollment as part of their PreCheck program. You can also look for mobile enrollment events, which the TSA occasionally holds in underserved areas. Check the TSA website for upcoming events in your region.

How to add your Known Traveler Number to your flight booking

Once you receive your KTN by email, add it to your airline account or to each individual flight reservation. When you book a flight online, look for a field labeled "Known Traveler Number," "KTN," or "TSA PreCheck Number" — the exact wording varies by airline. Enter your nine-digit KTN in that field. Some airlines let you save it to your frequent flyer profile so it auto-fills on future bookings.

If you book through a travel website like Expedia or Kayak, you may not see a KTN field during checkout. In that case, log into your airline account after booking and add the KTN there. The airline needs to see it before you check in for your flight, so do this as soon as possible after booking.

When you check in at the airport, your boarding pass should show a TSA PreCheck indicator — usually a small "TSA PreCheck" logo or the letters "PP" in the corner. This tells the security officer and the touchless kiosk that you are enrolled. If it does not appear, contact the airline before you get to security.

Using touchless ID at the airport security checkpoint

When you arrive at security, look for the PreCheck lane — it is usually marked with a sign and is separate from the standard security line. Walk toward the touchless ID kiosk, which looks like a tall machine with a camera and a screen. You do not need to do anything special; the kiosk scans your face automatically as you approach or stand in front of it.

The system compares your live facial scan to the scan you provided during enrollment. If it matches, the kiosk displays a green checkmark or "Approved" message and you proceed through the metal detector. You do not remove your shoes, belt, light jacket, or electronics. If the scan does not match — perhaps the lighting is poor or you are wearing sunglasses — the kiosk will ask you to remove your sunglasses or reposition yourself, or it may direct you to show your ID to an officer instead.

The entire touchless process takes about 5 to 10 seconds. If the kiosk is not working or your airport does not have one, you can still use your PreCheck benefits by showing your ID and boarding pass to a security officer at a PreCheck lane. Your KTN entitles you to the same expedited screening either way.

What to do if touchless ID does not recognize you

If the kiosk fails to recognize your face, stay calm — this happens occasionally and does not disqualify you from PreCheck. The kiosk will either ask you to try again or direct you to show your ID to an officer. Remove your sunglasses, hat, or anything covering your face and try again if prompted. Make sure you are standing directly in front of the camera and looking straight ahead.

If it still does not work, an officer will verify your identity using your passport or state ID and your boarding pass. You will still go through the PreCheck lane and keep your shoes and belt on. This is not a problem and does not affect your PreCheck status. The touchless system is a convenience, not a requirement.

If you consistently have trouble with facial recognition — for example, if you have had facial surgery or your appearance has changed significantly since your enrollment — you can request a new facial scan at any TSA PreCheck enrollment center. Bring your ID and your KTN, and staff will update your biometric data at no additional cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use touchless ID, or can I still show my ID at PreCheck?

You can do either. Touchless ID is optional and available only at airports that have the kiosks. If your airport does not have them or if the kiosk does not recognize you, you can show your ID and boarding pass to a PreCheck officer and go through the expedited lane. Your PreCheck benefits work the same way either way.

How long does TSA PreCheck approval take?

Most people receive approval within three to five business days of their in-person appointment. Some are approved within one day; others wait up to two weeks. You will receive an email with your Known Traveler Number when you are approved. You can use PreCheck as soon as you receive that email, even if you have not received your physical card yet.

What if I move or change my appearance after enrollment?

You do not need to re-enroll. Your PreCheck membership is valid for five years regardless of where you live. If your appearance changes significantly — for example, after surgery or a major weight change — you can request a new facial scan at an enrollment center at no extra cost. Bring your ID and KTN.

Can I use touchless ID if I wear glasses or contacts?

Yes. The facial recognition system works with glasses and contacts. If you wear glasses during your enrollment appointment, wear them when you use the touchless kiosk as well. If you do not wear them during enrollment but wear them at the airport, the kiosk may not recognize you. Consistency helps the system work better.

What if I lose my Known Traveler Number?

Log into your account on universalenroll.dhs.gov and view your process status — your KTN is displayed there. You can also call the TSA PreCheck customer service line at 855-347-8371. Have your ID and date of birth ready. Your KTN never changes, so you only need to find it once and can save it for future bookings.