Most U.S. citizens and nationals can get TSA PreCheck if you have a valid passport or state ID, pass a background check, and pay the fee

TSA PreCheck is open to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and lawful permanent residents (green card holders). You must be at least 18 years old, though minors can be included on a parent's or guardian's process. The main barriers are a criminal history, certain immigration violations, or an outstanding warrant — not your job, income, or travel frequency.

The process process takes about 10 to 15 minutes online, followed by an in-person appointment at an enrollment center where an officer verifies your identity and takes your fingerprints. The entire process usually takes 4 to 6 weeks from start to approval, though some people are cleared faster.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be a U.S. citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident with a valid government-issued ID to be considered for TSA PreCheck.
  • A felony conviction, certain misdemeanors, or an outstanding warrant will disqualify you, but minor traffic violations do not.
  • The process costs $78 to $85 depending on your state, and the approval lasts five years before you must renew.
  • You do not need to travel frequently or have a specific job to get TSA PreCheck — any U.S. resident can explore.
  • Minors can be added to a parent's process at no extra cost, but they cannot hold their own TSA PreCheck account.

Citizenship and Immigration Status Requirements

TSA PreCheck is limited to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and lawful permanent residents. If you hold a green card, you are may be able to access. If you are on a visa — including H-1B, L-1, or student visas — you cannot get TSA PreCheck, even if you have lived in the U.S. for years.

Naturalized citizens are treated the same as native-born citizens. If you became a U.S. citizen through the naturalization process, you meet the citizenship requirement. You will need to provide your Certificate of Naturalization or a passport showing your citizenship status.

If you are a U.S. national (a status held by people born in American Samoa or Swains Island), you are also may be able to access. This is a separate status from citizenship but carries the same TSA PreCheck rights.

Age and Dependent Requirements

You must be at least 18 years old to hold your own TSA PreCheck account. Minors cannot explore independently, but children as young as infants can be added to a parent's or legal guardian's process at no additional cost.

When you add a minor to your account, they receive their own Known Traveler Number (KTN) and can use TSA PreCheck benefits when traveling with you. The minor's may be able to access is tied to your account — if your PreCheck is revoked, theirs is too. You do not need to renew the minor's status separately; they are covered under your five-year renewal cycle.

Once a child turns 18, they can explore for their own independent TSA PreCheck account if they wish, but they are not automatically transferred to an adult account.

Background Check Disqualifiers

TSA conducts a background check that includes criminal history, immigration violations, and outstanding warrants. A felony conviction — regardless of how long ago — will disqualify you. Certain misdemeanors also trigger denial, particularly those involving violence, dishonesty, or controlled substances.

Specific disqualifying offenses include felony drug convictions, crimes of violence, human trafficking, and immigration fraud. Some misdemeanors that involve weapons, DUI, or fraud can also result in denial. Minor traffic violations like speeding or parking tickets do not affect your may be able to access.

If you have been denied TSA PreCheck, you can request reconsideration through the TSA's administrative appeal process. You will need to provide documentation showing why the denial was in error or why your circumstances have changed. The appeal process takes several weeks.

Valid Identification Documents You Will Need

To explore for TSA PreCheck, you must bring a valid government-issued photo ID to your in-person appointment. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, passport card, state driver's license, or state ID card. Your ID must not be expired at the time of your appointment.

You will also need to provide proof of citizenship or immigration status. If you are a U.S. citizen, a valid passport or Certificate of Naturalization works. If you are a lawful permanent resident, bring your green card (Permanent Resident Card). If you are a U.S. national, bring your passport or birth certificate from American Samoa or Swains Island.

Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, such as a Social Security card or tax return. The TSA uses this to run background checks. If you do not have a Social Security number, you cannot get TSA PreCheck.

Cost and Renewal Timeline

TSA PreCheck costs between $78 and $85 depending on your state and the enrollment center you use. This fee covers the five-year membership period. Some employers, credit card companies, and travel programs reimburse the cost, so check your benefits before paying out of pocket.

Your TSA PreCheck membership lasts exactly five years from the date you are approved. You will receive a notification by mail about 6 months before expiration reminding you to renew. Renewal costs the same as the initial process and requires a new in-person appointment.

If you renew before your current membership expires, your new five-year period begins on the expiration date of your old membership — you do not lose time. If you wait until after expiration, your new membership starts on the date you are re-approved.

How to Start the process Process

Begin by visiting the official TSA PreCheck website and creating an online account. You will answer questions about your citizenship, criminal history, and travel patterns. This part takes about 10 to 15 minutes and does not commit you to anything — you can save your progress and return later.

After you submit your online form, you will receive an email with instructions to schedule an in-person appointment at a TSA enrollment center near you. Enrollment centers are located at airports, some government offices, and private security companies. You choose the date and time that works for you.

At your appointment, bring the documents listed above, answer additional questions, and have your fingerprints taken. The officer will verify your identity and run a final background check. Most people are notified of approval within 4 to 6 weeks, though some receive conditional approval within days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get TSA PreCheck if I have a criminal record?

It depends on the offense. Felonies almost always disqualify you, and many misdemeanors do too — especially those involving violence, drugs, or dishonesty. Minor offenses like traffic violations do not count. If you are unsure, contact the TSA or ask during your appointment; you can request reconsideration if denied.

What if I am on an H-1B or student visa?

You cannot get TSA PreCheck on a visa. Only U.S. citizens, nationals, and lawful permanent residents are may be able to access. If you become a permanent resident or citizen later, you can explore then.

Do I have to renew TSA PreCheck, or does it last forever?

TSA PreCheck lasts five years, then you must renew. The TSA will mail you a reminder about six months before expiration. Renewal costs the same as the initial process and requires a new in-person appointment and background check.

Can my child use my TSA PreCheck number?

No. If you add your child to your account, they receive their own separate Known Traveler Number. They use that number, not yours. Once they turn 18, they can explore for their own independent account.

What happens if I am denied TSA PreCheck?

You will receive a letter explaining the reason. You can request reconsideration by submitting additional documentation or evidence that the decision was wrong. The TSA has an administrative appeal process that takes several weeks.