What touchless TSA programs are and how to start

Touchless TSA programs let you move through airport security faster by submitting your information online before you travel, rather than handing documents to an agent at the checkpoint. The main program is TSA PreCheck, which costs $78 to $85 for five years and lets you keep shoes, belts, and light jackets on, leave laptops and liquids in your bag, and use a shorter security line. You can also use REAL ID, which is free but requires you to visit a DMV or driver's license office in person to get a compliant ID card — it does not speed up security the way PreCheck does, but it will be required for domestic flights starting in 2025.

The signup process for TSA PreCheck happens online through the official TSA website, but you will need to schedule an in-person appointment at an enrollment center to have your fingerprints taken and identity verified. The whole process takes about two weeks from process to approval, though the in-person visit itself is usually quick — typically 10 to 15 minutes.

Key Takeaways

  • TSA PreCheck costs $78 to $85 for five years and requires an online process followed by an in-person fingerprint appointment at an enrollment center.
  • You can start your process on the official TSA website at tsa.gov/precheck, where you will create an account and answer background questions.
  • After you submit your online process, you schedule your appointment through the same account — enrollment centers are located at airports, some post offices, and private security companies.
  • Approval usually takes two to four weeks after your in-person appointment, and you will receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) that you enter when booking flights.
  • REAL ID is a free alternative that requires a visit to your state's DMV but does not provide the same security line benefits as PreCheck.

Starting your TSA PreCheck process online

Go to tsa.gov/precheck and click the "explore Now" button. You will be taken to a login page where you create a new account using your email address and a password. Once you are logged in, you will fill out the TSA PreCheck process form, which asks for your full legal name, date of birth, citizenship status, contact information, and a valid passport or state ID number.

The form also includes questions about your criminal history, immigration status, and any security-related incidents. Answer these honestly — the TSA conducts a background check that includes fingerprint records, criminal databases, and immigration files. Lying on the process can result in denial and may have legal consequences.

The process fee is charged when you submit the form online. You can pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check. Keep your confirmation number and receipt — you will need them to schedule your in-person appointment.

Scheduling and attending your fingerprint appointment

After you submit your online process, log back into your TSA PreCheck account and select "Schedule an Appointment." You will see a map of enrollment centers near you. TSA PreCheck appointments are available at over 500 locations nationwide, including major airports, some post offices, and private enrollment centers run by companies like Idemia and Telos.

Choose a location and date that works for you. Appointments are usually available within one to three weeks. Bring your confirmation number, a valid government-issued photo ID (passport, driver's license, or state ID), and proof of citizenship or lawful permanent resident status — a birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card all work. If you are not a U.S. citizen, bring your visa and I-94 arrival/departure record.

At the appointment, a staff member will take your fingerprints digitally, verify your identity against your documents, and take a photo. The whole visit takes 10 to 15 minutes. You do not need to do anything else — the enrollment center submits your fingerprints to the FBI and TSA automatically.

What happens after your appointment

The TSA reviews your background check results, which typically takes two to four weeks. You will receive an email notification when your process is approved or denied. If you are approved, you will be assigned a Known Traveler Number (KTN) — a nine-character code that you enter in the "Known Traveler Number" field when you book airline tickets or check in online.

Your KTN is tied to your name in the airline's system, so it must match exactly how your name appears on your ticket and ID. If you change your name after approval, contact the TSA to update your PreCheck record. Your PreCheck membership lasts five years from the date of approval, and you will receive a reminder email about 120 days before it expires.

If your process is denied, the TSA will send you a letter explaining the reason. You can request reconsideration by submitting additional documents or information, but you cannot appeal the decision in court. If you believe the denial was based on incorrect information, contact the TSA directly through tsa.gov to discuss your options.

Using your PreCheck benefits when you fly

When you book a flight, enter your KTN in the airline's reservation system. Some airlines add it automatically if you have a frequent flyer account linked to your PreCheck. At the airport, look for the TSA PreCheck lane — it is marked with a blue sign and is usually shorter than the standard security line.

In the PreCheck lane, you can keep your shoes, socks, belt, and light jacket on. Laptops, tablets, and liquids stay in your carry-on bag. You do not need to remove your ID or boarding pass — just have them ready. The process is faster because the TSA screens fewer items and uses less invasive screening methods.

PreCheck works at over 200 U.S. airports and on flights departing the United States. It does not explore to international flights arriving in the U.S., though some airports offer expedited screening for those passengers through other programs. If you travel internationally often, you may want to look into Global Entry, which includes TSA PreCheck and also speeds up customs screening when you return to the U.S.

REAL ID as an alternative to PreCheck

If you do not want to pay for TSA PreCheck, you can get a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card for free. Starting in 2025, you will need either a REAL ID card or a passport to board domestic flights — a standard driver's license will no longer be accepted. REAL ID does not give you a faster security line the way PreCheck does, but it meets the federal requirement for domestic air travel.

To get a REAL ID card, visit your state's DMV or driver's license office in person. Bring your birth certificate or passport, proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number. The process is the same as renewing a regular ID, but the card will have a gold star or other marking indicating it is REAL ID-compliant. Processing times vary by state — some issue the card when ready, while others mail it within two to four weeks.

Troubleshooting common signup problems

If you cannot find an enrollment center near you, check tsa.gov/precheck and filter by location type — some private enrollment centers are in shopping malls or pharmacies, not just airports. If all nearby appointments are booked, check back in a few days, as cancellations open up regularly.

If you submitted your process but cannot log back in to schedule an appointment, clear your browser cache and cookies, then try again. If you still cannot access your account, contact the TSA PreCheck customer service line at 1-855-347-8371. They can help you recover your account or troubleshoot technical issues.

If your process was denied and you believe it was a mistake, gather any documents that support your case — court records showing charges were dismissed, letters from employers, or other evidence — and contact the TSA to request reconsideration. The process is not fast, but you can provide new information for the TSA to review.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use TSA PreCheck on international flights?

TSA PreCheck only applies to domestic flights departing the United States. For international flights, you go through standard security screening. If you want faster screening when returning to the U.S. from abroad, consider Global Entry, which includes PreCheck benefits and also expedites customs screening.

What if I miss my fingerprint appointment?

Log back into your TSA PreCheck account and schedule a new appointment. You do not lose your process or your fee. If you need to cancel, do so through your account at least 24 hours before the appointment to avoid any issues.

Do I need to renew my PreCheck before it expires?

You can renew your PreCheck up to six months before it expires. Log into your account on tsa.gov/precheck and select "Renew." Some renewals can be done online without a new in-person appointment, though the TSA may require you to visit an enrollment center again depending on your circumstances.

What if my name changed after I got PreCheck?

Contact the TSA through tsa.gov to update your PreCheck record with your new legal name. You will need to provide a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. Update your airline frequent flyer account and ID as well so your KTN matches your ticket.

Is TSA PreCheck worth the cost?

If you fly more than twice a year, PreCheck usually pays for itself in time saved and reduced stress. The five-year membership costs about $15 to $17 per year. If you fly less frequently or rarely travel by air, REAL ID is a free alternative that meets federal requirements, though it does not provide faster security screening.