TSA PreCheck membership requirements

TSA PreCheck is open to U.S. citizens, nationals, and lawful permanent residents. You must be at least 18 years old to hold your own membership (children can be added to a parent's account). The program does not have income limits, work requirements, or restrictions based on employment status — a student, retiree, or self-employed person can join on the same terms as anyone else.

The main barrier is your background. TSA will deny membership if you have certain criminal convictions, outstanding warrants, or a history of security violations. The agency reviews your fingerprints against FBI and Department of Homeland Security databases. You do not need a spotless record — many people with misdemeanors or old felonies are approved — but serious crimes, drug trafficking convictions, or recent violent offenses typically result in denial.

You must also pass a personal interview at a TSA enrollment center. This is not a test you can fail in the traditional sense; it is a chance for TSA to verify your identity, confirm the information on your process, and ask about your background. Most people pass this step without issue.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be a U.S. citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident who is at least 18 years old to hold your own TSA PreCheck membership.
  • TSA will review your criminal history, outstanding warrants, and security violations through fingerprint checks against federal databases.
  • You must complete an in-person interview at a TSA enrollment center to verify your identity and answer questions about your background.
  • The membership costs $78 to $85 depending on your state and lasts five years, with no income or employment restrictions.
  • Military members, federal employees, and some frequent flyers may be able to join through expedited or discounted pathways.

Criminal history and background checks

TSA uses fingerprint-based background checks to screen applicants. Your prints are checked against the FBI's criminal database and DHS records. TSA looks for felony convictions, misdemeanors involving violence or dishonesty, drug-related offenses, and immigration violations. The agency also checks for outstanding warrants and active court cases.

Having a criminal record does not automatically disqualify you. TSA considers the nature of the offense, how long ago it occurred, and whether you have a pattern of violations. A single misdemeanor from ten years ago is treated very differently from a recent felony. If you have questions about your specific history, you can contact a TSA enrollment center before paying the fee — staff can sometimes give you a sense of whether your background will be a problem.

You must also disclose any arrests, even if charges were dropped or you were acquitted. Lying on your process is grounds for when ready denial and can result in criminal charges for making false statements to a federal agency. If you are unsure whether something counts as an arrest, err on the side of disclosure.

The in-person interview and identity verification

After you submit your process online and pay the fee, you schedule an appointment at a TSA enrollment center. These are located at major airports and some other facilities across the country. The interview typically takes 10 to 15 minutes.

Bring a valid government-issued photo ID (passport, driver's license, or military ID) and proof of citizenship or lawful permanent resident status. If you are a permanent resident, bring your green card. If you are a citizen, your passport or birth certificate works. TSA will take your fingerprints digitally during this visit, which is why the in-person step cannot be skipped.

The interviewer will ask you to confirm the information on your process, ask basic questions about your travel history, and may ask about any items you disclosed on your background section. This is not an interrogation — TSA is straightforward verifying that you are who you say you are and that your process is truthful. Most people are approved on the spot or within a few days.

Special pathways for military, federal employees, and frequent flyers

Active-duty military members, certain federal employees, and some frequent flyer program members may have faster or cheaper routes to TSA PreCheck. Military members can sometimes join through a military-sponsored program with reduced fees. Federal employees in certain agencies may be enrolled automatically or at a discount.

Some airline frequent flyer programs offer TSA PreCheck reimbursement or discounted membership as a benefit. Check with your airline or frequent flyer program to see if this applies to you. These pathways still require the same background check and interview, but they can lower your out-of-pocket cost or speed up the process.

Cost and renewal

TSA PreCheck membership costs between $78 and $85, depending on your state. The fee covers five years of membership. After five years, you must renew by submitting a new process and paying the renewal fee again. Some people renew online without an in-person interview, though TSA may require you to come back to an enrollment center depending on your circumstances.

The fee is non-refundable if your process is denied. However, you can request a refund if you cancel before your membership is activated — this window is typically 30 days from the date you paid.

What happens if you are denied

If TSA denies your process, you will receive a letter explaining the reason. Common reasons include criminal convictions, outstanding warrants, or inconsistencies in your process. You have the right to request reconsideration by submitting additional documentation or clarification to TSA.

If your denial was based on a background check error — for example, a conviction that was expunged or a warrant that was resolved — you can provide court documents proving this. TSA will review your request, though the process can take several weeks. If you believe the denial was unfair, you can also file a complaint with TSA's Office of Civil Rights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get TSA PreCheck if I have a misdemeanor?

It depends on the type of misdemeanor and when it occurred. TSA does not automatically deny applicants with misdemeanor convictions. Violent crimes, theft, or dishonesty-related offenses are more likely to result in denial, while older or minor misdemeanors may not. Contact a TSA enrollment center with details about your conviction if you are unsure.

What if I was arrested but the charges were dropped?

You must still disclose the arrest on your process, even if charges were dropped or you were acquitted. TSA reviews arrest records, not just convictions. Failing to disclose an arrest is grounds for denial and can result in federal charges for making false statements.

How long does it take to get approved?

Most applicants are approved within a few days to two weeks after their in-person interview. TSA will send you a Known Traveler Number (KTN) by email once you are approved. You can use this number when ready when booking flights, even before your physical PreCheck card arrives in the mail.

Do I need TSA PreCheck if I have a passport?

No. A passport is a travel document; TSA PreCheck is a security screening program. They serve different purposes. You can travel internationally with a passport without TSA PreCheck, and you can use TSA PreCheck domestically without a passport. Some people have both.

Can my child get TSA PreCheck?

Children under 18 cannot hold their own membership, but they can be added to a parent's or guardian's account at no extra cost. Children traveling with a PreCheck member may receive expedited screening, though policies vary by airport.