TSA PreCheck enrollment centers are run by the TSA and private companies under contract, and you can find one by entering your zip code on the official TSA website or calling the enrollment center hotline.

The TSA PreCheck program requires an in-person appointment at an enrollment center to complete your background check and biometric collection. You cannot complete the full process online or by mail — you must show up with documents and have your fingerprints taken. The fastest way to find a center near you is to visit the TSA PreCheck enrollment locator at tsa.gov/precheck, which shows all active locations within your area and their current appointment availability.

Enrollment centers operate in all 50 states, but availability varies by location. Some cities have multiple centers run by different operators — the TSA runs some directly, while private companies like Idemia, Telos, and Clear operate others under government contract. Each center maintains its own appointment calendar, so a center 10 miles away might have an opening next week while one closer to you is booked for two months.

Key Takeaways

  • The TSA PreCheck locator at tsa.gov/precheck shows every enrollment center near you and which ones have open appointments.
  • You can book an appointment online through the locator or call the enrollment center directly if you prefer to speak to someone.
  • Enrollment centers are staffed during business hours, typically Monday through Friday, with some locations offering Saturday appointments.
  • Bring your valid passport, driver's license, and Social Security number to your appointment, along with proof of citizenship or lawful permanent resident status.
  • The appointment itself takes 10 to 15 minutes, and approval usually comes within two to three weeks after your visit.

How to search the TSA PreCheck locator

Go to tsa.gov/precheck and look for the "Find an Enrollment Center" button on the homepage. Enter your zip code or city name, and the map will display all centers within a set radius. Each listing shows the center's address, phone number, hours of operation, and a link to book an appointment online.

The locator updates in real time, so if a center shows no appointments available, check back the next day — cancellations open up regularly. You can also call the enrollment center directly to ask about waitlists or to request an appointment if the online system is full. Some centers keep a small number of same-day or next-day slots available for phone bookings.

Types of enrollment centers near you

The TSA operates some enrollment centers directly, usually in federal buildings or airports. Private contractors like Idemia, Telos, and Clear run others in shopping centers, pharmacies, and standalone offices. All centers follow the same TSA standards and process — the difference is mainly in location and hours. A pharmacy-based center might be open until 7 p.m. on weekdays, while a federal building center closes at 5 p.m.

Some enrollment centers are co-located with other trusted traveler programs like Global Entry or NEXUS, which means you can complete multiple applications in one visit if you are pursuing more than one program. The locator will note which centers offer these combined services.

What to bring to your appointment

You will need a valid government-issued photo ID (passport, driver's license, or military ID), your Social Security number, and proof of citizenship or lawful permanent resident status. Acceptable proof includes a U.S. passport, birth certificate with a government-issued ID, naturalization certificate, or a permanent resident card. Bring originals, not copies — the enrollment officer must see the documents in person.

If your name has changed since your documents were issued, bring documentation of the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The enrollment officer will note any discrepancies and may ask for additional documents before you can proceed.

Appointment availability and wait times

Appointment availability depends on your location and the time of year. Urban areas with multiple centers usually have openings within one to two weeks, while rural areas or smaller cities may require a wait of four to eight weeks. Holiday periods and summer months tend to fill up faster because more people travel then.

If no appointments are available at your nearest center, check centers in neighboring cities — you do not have to use the closest one. A 30-minute drive to an available appointment is often faster than waiting two months for your local center. The locator shows you all centers within your search radius, so you can compare wait times across your region.

Hours and scheduling options

Most enrollment centers operate Monday through Friday during standard business hours, typically 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Some locations offer extended hours on certain weekdays or Saturday appointments. A few major airports and urban centers operate seven days a week, though these are less common.

When you book online, the system shows only available time slots at that center. If none of those times work for you, call the center directly — staff can sometimes accommodate requests outside the standard booking window or place you on a cancellation list. Appointments are usually 10 to 15 minutes long, so you do not need to block out your entire afternoon.

What happens after your appointment

After your in-person visit, the enrollment center submits your information to the TSA for a background check. This process takes two to three weeks in most cases, though it can take longer if the TSA needs additional information. You will receive an email or letter with your Known Traveler Number (KTN) once you are approved.

Your TSA PreCheck membership is valid for five years from the date of approval. You can add your KTN to airline reservations and use expedited security lanes at participating airports when ready after approval, even before your physical card arrives in the mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book an appointment without using the online locator?

Yes. Call the enrollment center directly using the phone number listed on the TSA website. Staff can book appointments over the phone and may have access to cancellation slots not shown online. Some centers also accept walk-ins, though wait times can be long — call ahead to ask.

What if I cannot find an enrollment center near me?

Expand your search radius in the locator or check centers in the nearest larger city. Some people drive 45 minutes to an hour to reach a center with faster availability. You can also check whether a nearby airport has an enrollment center, as these tend to have more frequent appointments.

Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?

Most centers require an appointment booked in advance. Walk-ins are turned away if the center is full. A few high-traffic locations accept walk-ins during specific hours, but you should call first to confirm. Booking online or by phone guarantees your spot and saves you a wasted trip.

Can someone else go to the appointment for me?

No. You must attend the appointment in person. The enrollment officer needs to verify your identity, collect your fingerprints, and take your photograph. No proxy or representative can complete this for you.

What if my appointment gets cancelled?

If the enrollment center cancels your appointment, they will notify you by email or phone and offer to reschedule you. If you need to cancel, do so through the online system or by calling the center — this frees up the slot for someone else and may help you avoid a cancellation fee if your center charges one.