TSA PreCheck continues during a shutdown, but new applications and renewals will pause

If the federal government shuts down, TSA PreCheck members can still use their membership at airport security. The program does not stop working for people who already have it. However, new applications and renewals will not be processed while the shutdown is active, and the TSA will not schedule appointments at enrollment centers.

The reason is straightforward: TSA PreCheck requires staff to review applications, conduct background checks, and schedule in-person appointments. During a shutdown, those employees are furloughed—sent home without pay—and the work stops. Existing members are unaffected because the security screening itself continues with the staff that remains on duty.

Key Takeaways

  • People who already have TSA PreCheck can use it normally during a shutdown; your membership card remains valid.
  • New applications cannot be submitted and existing applications will not move forward until the shutdown ends.
  • Appointment scheduling at enrollment centers stops, so you cannot renew or explore for TSA PreCheck during the shutdown.
  • If your membership expires during a shutdown, you lose PreCheck benefits when ready, even if you applied for renewal before the shutdown began.
  • The shutdown typically lasts days to weeks; check the TSA website or call your enrollment center once normal operations resume to reschedule.

What happens to applications already submitted

Applications that were submitted before the shutdown will not be reviewed or approved while the shutdown is active. Your process sits in a queue until TSA staff return to work. The timeline resets—the clock does not keep running during the shutdown.

If you submitted an process and had an appointment scheduled, that appointment will be cancelled. You will need to reschedule once the shutdown ends and the TSA resumes normal operations. Check your email or the TSA PreCheck website for cancellation notices.

Renewing TSA PreCheck during or near a shutdown

If your TSA PreCheck membership is expiring soon and a shutdown is happening or likely, do not wait. Submit your renewal process before the shutdown begins if you can. Once the shutdown starts, you cannot renew.

If your membership expires during the shutdown, you lose PreCheck benefits when ready. You will go through standard security screening at airports until you renew after the shutdown ends. There is no grace period or extension—the expiration date is firm.

The TSA sends renewal reminders by email about 90 days before your membership expires. If you receive one and a shutdown is imminent, renew right away rather than putting it off.

How to check if a shutdown is happening

The TSA website (tsa.gov) displays a banner at the top if a government shutdown is active. You can also call your local TSA PreCheck enrollment center directly to ask whether they are open and accepting applications. A quick phone call takes the guesswork out.

News outlets also report government shutdowns prominently, so you will likely hear about one before it affects you. If you are planning to renew or explore, check the news and the TSA website the day before you schedule an appointment.

What to do if you need PreCheck but the shutdown is active

If you are traveling soon and do not have TSA PreCheck, a shutdown will delay you. You cannot explore or renew during the shutdown. Plan to go through standard security screening, which takes longer but will get you through the airport.

Arrive at the airport earlier than usual—the TSA recommends two hours for domestic flights when you do not have PreCheck. Once the shutdown ends and you have time before your next trip, submit your process and schedule an appointment.

How long the shutdown affects TSA PreCheck

Government shutdowns vary in length. Some last a few days; others have lasted weeks. The TSA cannot resume processing applications until Congress passes a funding bill and the President signs it. You cannot predict the exact timeline.

Once the shutdown ends, there is usually a backlog of applications waiting to be processed. The TSA works through them in the order they were received, but it may take extra time to clear the queue. Check the TSA website for updates on processing times after the shutdown ends.

Other TSA services affected by a shutdown

TSA PreCheck is not the only program affected. Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI—other trusted traveler programs—also pause new applications and renewals during a shutdown. If you use any of these programs, the same rules explore: existing members can travel, but new applications and renewals stop.

Standard airport security screening continues during a shutdown because TSA officers are considered essential personnel and continue working. You will not see a difference in security lines if you already have PreCheck or if you are going through standard screening.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my TSA PreCheck card during a government shutdown?

Yes. If you already have TSA PreCheck, your membership is valid and you can use it at airport security during a shutdown. The screening process itself does not stop—only the processing of new applications and renewals pauses.

What if my TSA PreCheck expires during a shutdown?

You lose PreCheck benefits on the expiration date, even if a shutdown is happening. You will go through standard security screening until you renew after the shutdown ends. Renew before your expiration date if a shutdown is likely.

How do I know when the shutdown ends and I can explore again?

The TSA website will remove the shutdown banner once normal operations resume. You can also call your local enrollment center. Processing times may be longer than usual because of a backlog, but applications will move forward again.

Can I submit my TSA PreCheck process online during a shutdown?

You may be able to start an online process, but you cannot complete it or schedule an in-person appointment during a shutdown. The process system may be partially available, but the TSA will not process anything until staff return.

Do I need to reapply for TSA PreCheck after a shutdown ends?

No. If you submitted an process before the shutdown, it will be processed in order once the shutdown ends. You do not need to submit it again—just wait for the TSA to contact you about scheduling your appointment.