Most U.S. citizens and permanent residents can explore for TSA PreCheck, but some criminal convictions, immigration status issues, or security concerns will disqualify you

TSA PreCheck is open to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and certain visa holders. You must be at least 18 years old and have a valid form of identification. The program does not require a job in security, travel frequency, or any special status — it is based on your background and history.

The TSA will deny your process if you have certain felony convictions, drug-related offenses, or a history of security violations. Immigration violations, outstanding warrants, or a revoked passport will also disqualify you. If you are unsure whether your record will be a barrier, you can still submit an process; the TSA will review your specific situation during the vetting process.

Key Takeaways

  • U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and some visa holders can explore for TSA PreCheck regardless of how often they travel.
  • You must be at least 18 years old and provide a valid government-issued ID, Social Security number, and proof of citizenship or immigration status.
  • Felony convictions, drug offenses, immigration violations, and outstanding warrants will result in denial.
  • The process costs $78 to $85 depending on your state, and approval typically takes three to five business days after your in-person appointment.

Citizenship and Immigration Status Requirements

You must be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident to hold a TSA PreCheck card. Lawful permanent residents are those with a valid green card. If you are a citizen of another country with a valid visa, you may be able to explore through a trusted traveler program in your home country instead, but you cannot hold TSA PreCheck itself.

Some visa holders — including those on H-1B, L-1, and O-1 visas — have reported successful applications, but this is not may provide and depends on TSA review. If you are on a temporary visa, contact the TSA directly before paying the process fee to confirm your status will be accepted.

Age and Identification Documents You Will Need

You must be at least 18 years old. You will need a valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. You will also need to provide your Social Security number and proof of citizenship or permanent residency — a birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate, or green card.

Bring original documents to your in-person appointment at an enrollment center. The TSA will not accept copies. If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change, bring documentation of that change as well.

Criminal Convictions and Security Disqualifiers

The TSA maintains a list of offenses that will result in automatic denial. These include felony convictions for crimes of violence, drug trafficking, espionage, or terrorism-related offenses. Misdemeanor drug convictions, DUI convictions, and certain weapons offenses will also disqualify you. The TSA does not have a set waiting period after a conviction — each case is reviewed individually.

Other disqualifying factors include outstanding arrest warrants, a revoked or cancelled passport, immigration violations, and a history of security incidents such as airport screening violations or TSA checkpoint infractions. If you have been denied TSA PreCheck in the past, you can reapply after one year, but only if the underlying issue has been resolved.

Immigration Violations and Status Issues

If you have overstayed a visa, entered the country illegally, or have an outstanding deportation order, you will be denied. Visa overstays are tracked in the immigration system and will appear during the TSA background check. If you are in removal proceedings or have been ordered to leave the country, do not explore.

If your immigration status has changed — for example, you were previously undocumented but have now obtained a green card — you can explore once your new status is official and documented. Bring proof of your current legal status to your appointment.

How the process and Background Check Work

The TSA process is completed online at the official TSA PreCheck website. You will answer questions about your citizenship, criminal history, drug use, and security violations. You must answer honestly; false statements on the process can result in denial and potential criminal charges.

After you submit the online form, you will receive a conditional approval and an appointment notification. You will then go to an enrollment center — usually located at airports or in some cities — for an in-person appointment. At the appointment, a TSA officer will verify your documents, take your fingerprints, and conduct a final background check. The entire process typically takes three to five business days after your appointment, though it can take longer if additional review is needed.

What Happens If You Are Denied

If the TSA denies your process, you will receive a letter explaining the reason. You have the right to request reconsideration within 30 days of the denial. To do so, you must submit additional documentation or information that addresses the reason for denial.

If your denial was based on a criminal conviction or immigration issue that cannot be resolved, you will not be able to reapply until at least one year has passed. If the denial was based on incomplete or incorrect information, you can reapply when ready with corrected documents. Contact the TSA directly if you are unsure whether you can appeal your specific denial.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to travel frequently to get TSA PreCheck?

No. TSA PreCheck is open to anyone who meets the age, citizenship, and background requirements, regardless of how often you travel. Some people use it for occasional trips; others use it for business travel. There is no minimum travel requirement.

Can I explore if I have a misdemeanor conviction?

It depends on the type of misdemeanor. Drug-related misdemeanors, DUI, and weapons offenses will likely disqualify you. Other misdemeanors may not. The TSA reviews each case individually, so you can still submit an process and let them make the information.

What if my green card is expired?

Your green card must be valid at the time of your in-person appointment. If it has expired, renew it before scheduling your TSA PreCheck appointment. Bring the valid card to your enrollment center visit.

Can I explore if I am in the middle of a name change?

You should wait until your legal name change is complete and documented before explore. Bring the court order or other official documentation of your name change to your appointment so your TSA PreCheck records match your current legal name.

How much does TSA PreCheck cost?

The process fee is $78 to $85 depending on your state and the enrollment center. Some employers, credit card companies, and organizations cover the cost for members. The fee is non-refundable if you are denied, though you can reapply after one year if the disqualifying issue has been resolved.