Complete guide to enrolling in TSA PreCheck, the expedited airport security screening program that lets pre-approved travelers keep shoes, belts, and laptops in bags through dedicated lanes.
Confirm U.S. citizenship, U.S. nationality, or U.S. lawful permanent resident status
TSA PreCheck is only available to U.S. citizens, nationals, and lawful permanent residents. Foreign nationals should consider Global Entry instead, which includes PreCheck benefits.
Verify no disqualifying criminal offenses in your background
Certain convictions including espionage, sedition, treason, terrorism-related crimes, and transportation security incidents permanently disqualify applicants. A full list is in 49 CFR 1572.103.
Confirm you have not been denied or had a previous TSA application revoked
If you were previously denied, you may request a waiver or reapply after resolving the disqualifying issue. There is no mandatory waiting period for reapplication.
Online Application
Visit the TSA PreCheck application portal and create an account
The official application is at tsaenrollmentbyidemia.tsa.dhs.gov. The enrollment provider is IDEMIA, the only TSA-authorized vendor. Avoid third-party sites that charge extra fees.
Fill out the application with personal details, address, and citizenship information
The online portion takes about 5 minutes. You will need your full legal name exactly as it appears on your government-issued ID. Mismatches between your ID and application cause delays.
Enter full legal name matching your ID
Provide date of birth and citizenship details
Enter current mailing address
Pay the $78 application fee (covers 5 years of membership)
The fee dropped from $85 to $78 in 2024. Payment is by credit or debit card. Some credit cards and employer programs reimburse the TSA PreCheck fee — check before paying.
Enrollment Center Visit
Schedule an appointment at a nearby enrollment center
There are over 500 enrollment centers nationwide, including locations at airports, shopping malls, and office buildings. Walk-ins are accepted at most locations but appointments reduce wait time to under 10 minutes.
Bring acceptable identity and citizenship documents to the appointment
You need one document proving identity and citizenship, such as a U.S. passport or a combination of driver's license plus birth certificate. REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses work as standalone proof.
U.S. passport or passport card
Or: driver's license plus birth certificate or naturalization certificate
Permanent resident card (if applicable)
Provide fingerprints at the enrollment center
A 10-print digital fingerprint scan is captured during the visit. The entire in-person appointment takes about 10 minutes. Results are typically available within 3-5 days.
Receiving Your KTN
Check your email and the TSA PreCheck dashboard for approval notification
Most applicants receive approval within 3-5 days. Your Known Traveler Number (KTN) will be displayed in your online account and sent via email.
Add your KTN to airline loyalty profiles and booking systems
Enter your KTN in the 'Known Traveler Number' field on each airline's profile page. If booking through a travel agent or corporate system, provide the KTN for each reservation. It takes 72 hours for the KTN to propagate across airline systems.
Update each airline frequent flyer profile with KTN
Add KTN when making new flight reservations
Verify TSA PreCheck indicator appears on your boarding pass before first flight
Look for the TSA PreCheck logo or the text 'TSA PRE' on your boarding pass. If it does not appear, verify your KTN is correctly entered in your airline profile and matches your legal name exactly.
Using TSA PreCheck at the Airport
Locate the TSA PreCheck lane at the security checkpoint
TSA PreCheck lanes are available at over 200 airports and 80+ participating airlines. Lanes are typically marked with blue signage near standard security checkpoints.
Keep shoes, belt, and light jacket on through screening
PreCheck travelers also keep laptops and 3-1-1 liquids inside their bags. The average PreCheck screening time is under 5 minutes versus 20+ minutes for standard lanes during peak hours.
Be aware that PreCheck is not guaranteed on every boarding pass
TSA uses random and unpredictable security measures, so occasionally PreCheck travelers are directed to standard screening. Children 17 and under can use the PreCheck lane when traveling with an approved adult.
Renewal
Renew online starting 6 months before your membership expiration
Online renewal costs $78 and does not require an in-person visit. TSA sends a reminder email 18 months, 6 months, and 6 weeks before expiration.
Complete the renewal application and pay the fee
Renewal processing takes about 5 days for online submissions. Your KTN remains the same after renewal. If you miss the renewal window, you must submit a new application and visit an enrollment center.
Verify renewed status appears on your next boarding pass
After renewal approval, no changes to your airline profiles are needed since your KTN stays the same. Allow 72 hours for the renewed status to propagate across booking systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does TSA PreCheck cost?
TSA PreCheck costs $78 for a 5-year membership as of 2026, which works out to about $15.60 per year. Many airlines and credit cards offer promotions that cover or reduce this fee. Renewal costs the same $78 and can be done online without another in-person appointment if you apply before your membership expires. Children 17 and under can use TSA PreCheck lanes when traveling with an enrolled parent or guardian.
How long does TSA PreCheck enrollment take?
The online application takes about 5 minutes. After submitting, you need to schedule an in-person appointment at one of 600+ enrollment centers for fingerprinting and identity verification, which takes approximately 10 minutes. Most applicants receive their Known Traveler Number (KTN) within 3-5 days after the in-person visit, though it can take up to 2 weeks. Add your KTN to your airline frequent flyer profiles so it automatically appears on boarding passes.
Is TSA PreCheck available at all US airports?
TSA PreCheck is available at 200+ airports across the United States and is supported by 80+ airlines. However, TSA PreCheck lanes are not open at all hours at every airport. Smaller regional airports may have limited TSA PreCheck lane hours. Even with PreCheck status, TSA may randomly select you for standard screening on any given trip. Check the TSA website for participating airports and airlines.
What is the difference between TSA PreCheck and Global Entry?
TSA PreCheck ($78/5 years) provides expedited security screening at US airports for domestic and international flights. Global Entry ($120/5 years) includes all TSA PreCheck benefits plus expedited US customs and immigration clearance when returning from international trips. If you travel internationally at least once a year, Global Entry is the better value since it includes PreCheck. Both programs require a background check and in-person enrollment.