If you’re contemplating getting TSA PreCheck, you’re in good company—especially as travel appears to be rebounding to pre-pandemic levels, and airport security lines seem longer than ever. Passengers with TSA PreCheck often breeze through security much faster than those without it. In February 2023, a remarkable 90% of TSA PreCheck passengers waited less than five minutes to navigate airport security, according to the Transportation Security Administration.
This efficiency is attributed to dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes at over 200 U.S. airports, where PreCheck travelers avoid removing shoes, belts, light jackets, laptops, and 3-1-1 liquids from their bags.
In summary, applying for TSA PreCheck can significantly save time and reduce hassle during airport security checks. Here’s everything you need to know before getting TSA PreCheck.
How to Apply for TSA PreCheck
The process should take you less than five minutes to pre-enroll online and schedule an in-person TSA PreCheck appointment at one of the 500-plus enrollment centers.
Before applying, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria. The program is open to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and lawful permanent residents without criminal records. Enrollees undergo criminal history vetting as part of the approval process.
Children aged 12 and younger do not require a PreCheck number; they can join a parent or guardian in the dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes at the airport. Children aged 13-17 may also accompany their parent or guardian, provided they have the TSA PreCheck indicator on their boarding pass.
1. Initiate Your Online TSA PreCheck Application
Visit the TSA website and click on the “Apply Now” icon. This will redirect you to the TSA’s Universal Enroll website, where you can access the official TSA PreCheck application.
The online application is straightforward and consists of four steps.
In the first step, enter information such as your name, gender, date of birth, email address, and phone number. Continue by confirming your identity and providing details about physical attributes:
- Hair color.
- Eye color.
- Height.
- Weight.
2. Confirm Eligibility
In the second step, confirm your eligibility for the program by answering a series of “Yes” or “No” questions. These questions cover citizenship or residency verification and inquire about any criminal records.
3. Document Preparation
List the photo identification and citizenship/immigration document you plan to bring to your TSA PreCheck appointment. Examples of photo identification include a U.S. driver’s license, while citizenship/immigration documents may include a passport or official birth certificate.
4. Schedule Your In-Person Appointment
In the final step, select a TSA PreCheck enrollment center from the 500-plus locations across the country. The application website will display centers closest to your address based on your ZIP code. Choose an available appointment time and schedule it. While walk-ins are possible, those with appointments receive priority.
The TSA PreCheck Appointment
During your 10-minute in-person appointment, arrive with the listed documents from your online application. Typically, this includes one photo identification and one citizenship/immigration document. Ensure that your legal name matches exactly on all identification documents.
Expect a streamlined process—no lengthy sit-down interviews. Instead, it’s an efficient in-person appointment. During this appointment, you will:
- Hand over your documents for review.
- Go through a background check (and possibly verify some of the information you provided).
- Have your fingerprints taken.
At your TSA PreCheck appointment, you will pay a nonrefundable $78 fee. Payment options include credit card, money order, company check, or certified/cashier’s check.
How long does it take to get TSA PreCheck?
The process duration hinges on appointment availability at your nearest airport and your ability to promptly schedule a TSA interview. Following the interview, you will typically receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) via email within three to five days. However, certain applications may take up to 60 days. Your TSA PreCheck membership remains valid for five years. It’s essential to note that approval for TSA PreCheck is not guaranteed. Applicants can be denied based on disqualifying criminal offenses, and rejected applicants will not receive a refund of the $78 fee.
Once you obtain your KTN, add it to your existing flight reservations and airline loyalty program profiles before check-in. This ensures that the TSA PreCheck icon appears on your digital or printed boarding pass.
Other ways to get TSA PreCheck
Several government programs offer TSA PreCheck without undergoing the standard application process. However, you’ll generally need to complete another application for a federal trusted travelers program:
- Global Entry: Travelers approved for Global Entry automatically qualify for TSA PreCheck. No need to complete both applications. Your PASS ID on the back of your Global Entry card serves as your KTN.
- Nexus and Sentri: U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and foreign nationals approved for Nexus or Sentri are also automatically enrolled in TSA PreCheck. Similar to Global Entry, your PASS ID functions as your KTN.
- Military personnel can access TSA PreCheck benefits by inputting their Department of Defense identification number from their common access card as the KTN. This benefit extends to Reserves, National Guard, and midshipmen and cadets attending a military academy.
Final Thoughts on Getting TSA PreCheck
TSA PreCheck significantly streamlines airport experiences, reducing stress levels. If you’re intrigued by the program and haven’t obtained it through another government initiative, follow our concise application process and secure TSA PreCheck. The short application and appointment yield long-term benefits.
