Learn About TSA PreCheck Programs and Requirements

What TSA PreCheck Is and How It Works

TSA PreCheck is a trusted traveler program run by the Transportation Security Administration that allows certain air passengers to move through airport security checkpoints more quickly. When you enroll in this program, you receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) that you can use when booking flights. This number tells the TSA that you have undergone a background check and have been vetted as a lower-risk traveler.

The program operates at more than 200 U.S. airports, covering approximately 85 percent of all air passengers in the country. When you go through a TSA PreCheck security line, the screening process is streamlined. You can leave your shoes, light jackets, and belts on. Electronics larger than a cell phone and liquids bags stay in your carry-on bag rather than being removed for separate screening. You can also keep your laptop in your bag. These small differences add up to significant time savings, especially at busy airports during peak travel times.

The program costs $78 to $85 for a five-year membership, depending on which TSA PreCheck processing center you visit. Some credit card companies reimburse this fee as a cardholder benefit, so it may be worth checking your card's benefits guide. Members receive a plastic card with their Known Traveler Number printed on it, though you do not need to carry the physical card—you only need the number when booking.

According to TSA statistics from 2023, PreCheck members wait on average 5 minutes or less in security lines, compared to 25 minutes or longer for general screening lines at busy airports. The program has been operating since 2011 and currently has over 10 million active members.

Practical takeaway: TSA PreCheck is a paid membership program, not a free benefit. Before paying the fee, consider how often you fly and whether the time savings justify the cost for your travel patterns.

Who Can Participate in TSA PreCheck

TSA PreCheck is open to U.S. citizens and certain non-citizens who are lawful permanent residents or have a valid visa for the United States. To participate, you must be at least 18 years old, though some people under 18 can be included on a parent's or guardian's application at no additional cost.

The program does not have strict income or employment requirements. People from all occupations and income levels can participate. However, TSA conducts a background check as part of the enrollment process. This check includes criminal history, immigration status, and other security-related factors. The TSA reviews records from the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of State, and other law enforcement databases.

Certain criminal convictions or security concerns may prevent someone from being approved. These include felony convictions, domestic violence convictions, drug-related offenses, and immigration violations. Additionally, individuals with pending criminal cases or those subject to certain court orders may not be approved. The TSA does not publish a complete list of disqualifying factors, but they follow federal security guidelines used across transportation programs.

Non-U.S. citizens can participate if they are lawful permanent residents (green card holders) or have a valid visa. Temporary visa holders, such as those on H-1B or L-1 work visas, are permitted to enroll. Visitors from some countries may also participate if they have a valid passport and visa. However, each case is reviewed individually, and approval is not guaranteed for all non-citizens.

Lawful permanent residents should have their green card number ready when enrolling. Visa holders will need their passport and visa information. The TSA's background check for non-citizens is the same as for U.S. citizens and includes security screening through federal databases that work with immigration authorities.

Practical takeaway: Before paying the enrollment fee, review the general categories that may disqualify applicants. If you have concerns about your background, you may want to contact the TSA PreCheck program directly to discuss your situation before paying the fee.

The Enrollment Process and Required Documents

Enrolling in TSA PreCheck involves several steps spread over a few weeks. The process begins online with a form that collects personal information. You will need to provide your full name, date of birth, citizenship status, and social security number. You will also answer questions about your background, including criminal history, traffic violations, and previous immigration issues. This initial form is free to complete and does not commit you to anything.

After submitting your online form, the TSA will notify you whether you may proceed to the next step. If approved to move forward, you will pay the enrollment fee of $78 to $85. This is a non-refundable payment in most cases. After payment is processed, you will receive an appointment confirmation to visit an enrollment center in person.

TSA PreCheck has approximately 380 enrollment locations across the United States. These locations are typically found at airports, but some are at other facilities like passport acceptance agencies or select Department of Motor Vehicles offices. You will need to schedule an appointment at a location convenient to you. Appointments are usually available within a few days to a few weeks, depending on your location and the time of year.

At your in-person appointment, bring the following documents: a valid government-issued photo ID (such as a driver's license or passport), proof of citizenship or immigration status (passport, birth certificate, or green card), and your social security card or tax return. The appointment takes about 10 to 15 minutes. A TSA officer will verify your identity, scan your fingerprints, and take a photograph. The fingerprints are checked against FBI and DHS databases as part of the background check.

After your appointment, the TSA conducts a more detailed background investigation. This typically takes 3 to 5 business days, though it can occasionally take longer if additional information is needed. You will receive an email notification with your decision. If approved, your Known Traveler Number will be provided in the email. Your membership begins immediately, and you can start using your KTN when booking flights right away. Your physical PreCheck card will arrive by mail within 1 to 2 weeks.

Practical takeaway: Bring all required documents to your in-person appointment. Missing or incorrect documents can delay the process. Check the TSA PreCheck website to locate enrollment centers and book your appointment well in advance, especially if you travel during peak seasons.

How to Use Your TSA PreCheck Membership

Once your membership is approved and you have your Known Traveler Number, using TSA PreCheck is straightforward. When you book a flight, you will enter your KTN in the "Known Traveler Number" field during the booking process. This field appears on virtually all major airline websites during the final stages of booking. The KTN must be associated with the exact name on your ticket for it to work properly. If your name changes during your five-year membership, you should contact the TSA to update your information.

When you arrive at the airport, look for the TSA PreCheck security lane. At most major airports, these lanes are clearly marked with blue signs. During peak travel times, PreCheck lines move significantly faster than standard security lines. You will proceed through the lane with other PreCheck members. Have your boarding pass and ID ready, just as you would in a standard security line.

In the PreCheck line, you can leave your shoes, belt, and light jacket on while moving through the metal detector. Your carry-on bags, personal items, and checked luggage are screened, but the process is less intensive. Your laptop, tablet, and liquids bag stay in your carry-on luggage—you do not need to remove them. This saves several minutes compared to standard screening procedures where these items must be pulled out and screened separately.

Not every flight will place you in a PreCheck line automatically, even if you have a valid KTN. Occasionally, the TSA or airlines may require certain passengers to go through standard screening instead. This can happen due to random security protocols or other factors. Additionally, some smaller airports do not have dedicated PreCheck lanes. In these cases, you will proceed through standard security, though you may still experience some of the benefits of your membership.

International flights departing from the United States are also covered by TSA PreCheck. Your KTN works for outbound international travel. However, TSA PreCheck does not provide benefits for security screening in other countries. When you return to the U.S., you may go through standard U.S. customs and border protection screening unless