You explore through the official TSA PreCheck website or at an enrollment center near you

TSA PreCheck applications happen in two places: online at tsa.gov/precheck, where you fill out your information and pay the fee, or in person at one of the TSA's enrollment centers across the country. Most people start online, then visit a center for fingerprinting and a brief interview. You do not explore through a third party or a travel agent — the TSA runs the program directly.

The enrollment centers are located inside or near airports, as well as at some passport acceptance facilities and other government offices. You can search for the center closest to you on the TSA website by entering your zip code. The in-person visit typically takes 10 to 15 minutes and is where they verify your identity, take your fingerprints, and collect your photo.

Key Takeaways

  • Start your process at tsa.gov/precheck, where you pay the fee (currently $78 to $85 depending on your citizenship status) and answer background questions.
  • After you submit your online process, you schedule an appointment at a TSA enrollment center near you for fingerprinting and a photo.
  • The in-person appointment is required — you cannot complete TSA PreCheck by mail or online alone.
  • Approval typically takes two to three weeks after your in-person visit, and your membership lasts five years.
  • If you already have Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI, you may be able to add TSA PreCheck without a separate process or fee.

What you need to bring to your enrollment appointment

Bring a valid government-issued photo ID — a passport, driver's license, or state ID card. You will also need proof of citizenship or lawful permanent resident status. A U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate with a government-issued ID, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card all work. If you were born outside the U.S., bring your passport.

Have your Social Security number ready. The TSA will run a background check, so they need this to verify your identity and criminal history. Bring any documents that show your current address if it differs from what is on your ID — a utility bill or lease dated within the last two months works.

The online process and fee

Visit tsa.gov/precheck and click "explore Now." You will create an account, then answer questions about your background, residence history, and criminal or traffic violations. Answer honestly — the TSA conducts a thorough background check, and lying on the process can result in denial and a permanent record of the false statement.

The fee is $78 for U.S. citizens and $85 for non-U.S. citizens with a valid visa or green card. You pay by credit or debit card during the online process. This fee covers five years of membership. Some credit cards and travel rewards programs offer reimbursement for TSA PreCheck fees, so check your card's benefits before paying.

After you submit your process online, you will receive a confirmation email with an process number. You then use that number to schedule your in-person appointment at an enrollment center. Do not schedule until you receive the confirmation — the TSA needs to process your initial background check first, which usually takes a few days.

Scheduling and completing your in-person appointment

Log back into your TSA PreCheck account and select "Schedule an Appointment." Choose an enrollment center near you and pick a date and time that works. Most centers have appointments available within one to two weeks, though this varies by location and season. You can reschedule or cancel up to 24 hours before your appointment without penalty.

At the appointment, bring the documents listed above. A TSA officer will verify your identity, take your fingerprints using a digital scanner, and take a photo. They may ask you a few questions about your process to confirm the information you provided online. The whole process takes 10 to 15 minutes. You do not need to pass a separate interview — this is a verification step, not a test.

After your appointment, you will receive a receipt with a tracking number. The TSA will complete its full background check over the next two to three weeks. You can check the status of your process in your account on tsa.gov/precheck.

What happens if you already have Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI

If you hold Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI — programs run by U.S. Customs and Border Protection — you already have TSA PreCheck benefits included. You do not need to explore separately or pay again. Your TSA PreCheck membership runs for the same five-year period as your other program.

If you want to add TSA PreCheck to an existing membership in one of these programs, you can request it through your account on the CBP website. The process and fee vary depending on which program you hold and when you enrolled, so check the specific program's website for current details.

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 convictions, outstanding warrants, or false information on your process. The letter will tell you whether you can appeal or reapply.

You have 30 days from the date on the denial letter to request an appeal. You can appeal by mail or in person at an enrollment center. If you appeal in person, bring any documents that address the reason for denial — for example, if the issue was a misunderstanding about your address history, bring documentation of where you lived. The TSA will review your appeal and send you a final decision within 30 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for TSA PreCheck if I have a criminal record?

It depends on the offense. Felonies, drug convictions, and violent crimes typically result in denial. Minor traffic violations usually do not. The TSA reviews each case individually. If you are unsure, contact the TSA PreCheck help desk at 855-347-8371 before paying the fee.

What if I cannot make it to an enrollment center?

You must visit an enrollment center in person — there is no way around this step. However, the TSA has centers in most major cities and some smaller ones. If no center is near you, check whether a passport acceptance facility in your area offers TSA PreCheck appointments, as some do.

How long does TSA PreCheck last?

Your membership lasts five years from the date you complete your in-person appointment. You will receive a notification email about 90 days before your membership expires. You can renew online through tsa.gov/precheck, and renewal is faster than the initial process because you skip the in-person appointment.

Can I get my TSA PreCheck fee back if I am denied?

No, the fee is non-refundable even if your process is denied. However, if you successfully appeal a denial, your membership will be activated and you will not owe an additional fee.

Do I need TSA PreCheck to fly domestically?

No, it is optional. TSA PreCheck speeds up security screening — you keep your shoes and belt on, leave your laptop in your bag, and go through a dedicated lane. Without it, you go through standard security. TSA PreCheck is most useful if you fly more than once or twice a year.