Roberta Aguirre
TSA PreCheck® is a program that allows eligible travelers to receive expedited screening at over 200 participating U.S. airports when traveling on more than 81 participating airlines. While you can start the application process online, you must complete your application in person at a TSA enrollment center or airport location. In this article, we will walk you through the steps to apply for TSA PreCheck® at an airport near you.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Application Process | You can pre-enroll online and make an appointment for the in-person process, or walk into an enrollment center without an appointment. |
| Enrollment Center | There are over 400 TSA PreCheck® application centers nationwide, including 350+ off-airport locations. |
| Enrollment Providers | CLEAR, IDEMIA, or Telos. |
| Enrollment Requirements | Biometric data (fingerprints, photo), identity documents, and payment. |
| Application Fee | First-time applicants must complete their application and pay in-person at a TSA enrollment center. |
| Application Time | The online application takes 5 minutes to complete, with the in-person visit taking 10 minutes. |
| Eligibility Requirements | Children 17 and under can join an adult with TSA PreCheck® when TSA PreCheck appears on the child's boarding pass. |
| Known Traveler Number (KTN) | Most applicants receive their KTN in 3-5 days, but some applications can take up to 60 days. |
| Documentation | An original or certified copy of an unexpired U.S. passport, enhanced driver's license, permanent resident card, or foreign passport with an immigrant visa. |
| Notification | You will receive an email or phone notification with instructions on retrieving your KTN online. |
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What You'll Learn
TSA PreCheck® Application Program
The TSA PreCheck® Application Program allows eligible travellers to receive expedited screening at over 200 participating US airports and on more than 81 airlines.
To apply for TSA PreCheck®, you must complete the application process in person at an enrollment centre. There are over 400 TSA PreCheck® application centres nationwide, including 350 off-airport locations. You can pre-enrol online and make an appointment, or walk into an enrolment centre without an appointment. The online application takes five minutes to complete, with the in-person visit taking 10 minutes.
During the in-person process, the enrolment provider will collect your biometric data (fingerprints, photo), verify identity documents, and collect payment. You must bring one of the documents from List A to the application centre. If you do not have a document from List A, you can bring two documents from List B. Examples of accepted documents include an unexpired US passport, unexpired US enhanced driver's license, permanent resident card, or an unexpired foreign passport with an immigrant visa.
Once approved, most applicants receive their Known Traveler Number (KTN) in 3-5 days, though some applications can take up to 60 days. You will receive a notification with instructions on retrieving your KTN online. You must then add the KTN to each participating airline profile or provide it when making air travel reservations.
Children 17 and under can join an adult with TSA PreCheck® when TSA PreCheck appears on the child's boarding pass.
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Online application
Applying for TSA PreCheck online is a convenient and quick way to get started. The online application takes approximately five minutes to complete, and you can pre-enroll on the official website, tsa.gov/precheck.
On the website, you can select an enrollment provider that suits your needs and has a location near you. The enrollment provider will determine the cost, additional benefits, and specific enrollment process. Some providers may offer discounts on other travel products, while others have extended hours and are open seven days a week.
After selecting your preferred provider, you can complete the online application and schedule an in-person appointment, or simply walk into an enrollment center without an appointment. The in-person process typically takes about 10 minutes and includes the collection of your biometric data (fingerprints, photo), verification of identity documents, and payment.
During the online application, you will be asked to provide personal information, and you may need to submit certain documents. It is recommended that you review the eligibility requirements for the TSA PreCheck® Application Program, Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI before applying. If you travel internationally more than four times a year, Global Entry may be a better option.
Once your application is approved, you will receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) within 3-5 days, although some applications may take up to 60 days. You can then add this number to your airline profiles or provide it when making new reservations. When booking a flight, ensure that "TSA PreCheck" appears on your ticket, and you will be able to enjoy a smoother and more predictable security screening process at the airport.
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In-person application
To apply for TSA PreCheck in person, you can visit any of the TSA PreCheck enrollment centres. There are over 400 application centres across the U.S., including 350+ off-airport locations.
You can pre-enrol online and then schedule an appointment for the in-person process, or simply walk into an enrolment centre without an appointment. The online application takes about 5 minutes to complete, and the in-person visit takes 10 minutes.
During the in-person process, you will be required to submit your biometric data, including fingerprints and a photo, and provide identity documents. You can refer to List A and List B documents to know which documents to bring. At least two documents are required if you do not have a document from List A.
Additionally, you must provide an original or certified copy of a document issued by a Federal, State, Tribal, county, municipal authority, or outlying possession bearing an official seal. Short-form birth certificates and notarized copies of documents are not accepted.
The cost of enrollment varies by provider, and first-time applicants must pay in person at a TSA enrollment centre.
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Required documents
To apply for TSA PreCheck, you must submit your application online or in person at an enrollment center. You can pre-enroll online and then schedule an in-person appointment, or you can walk into an enrollment center without an appointment. During the in-person process, you will be required to submit certain documents, provide your biometric data (fingerprints and photo), and pay the application fee.
An original or certified copy of one of the following identity/citizenship status documents is required during the application process, and the name on the document must match the name provided on the application exactly:
- Unexpired U.S. passport (book or card)
- Unexpired U.S. Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Unexpired Enhanced Identification Card (EID)
- Permanent Resident Card (I-551), often referred to as a "Green Card"
- Unexpired Foreign Passport and Immigrant Visa with I-551 annotation "Upon Endorsement Serves as Temporary I-551 Evidencing Permanent Residence for 1 Year"
If you have legally changed your name, you must provide an original or certified name change document (e.g., marriage certificate, divorce decree) in addition to the required documentation.
If you do not have any of the above documents, you must provide at least two documents from the following list:
- Unexpired, REAL ID-compliant driver's license issued by a State or outlying possession of the U.S.
- Unexpired, REAL ID-compliant state photo identity card issued by a State or outlying possession of the U.S.
- Unexpired U.S. military ID card
- Unexpired U.S. retired military ID card
- Unexpired U.S. military dependent's card
- Unexpired Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
Please note that an expired U.S. passport cannot be used as a primary document but can be used as proof of citizenship if it has expired within the past 12 months. In this case, it must be presented with at least one other supporting document.
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Membership benefits
TSA PreCheck® is a trusted traveller programme that allows low-risk travellers to speed through airport security. The membership comes with several benefits that make air travel faster and more convenient.
One of the key advantages of TSA PreCheck® is expedited security screening. Members can typically sail through security in under 10 minutes, avoiding long queues. They also enjoy a smoother screening process, as they don't need to remove their shoes, belts, or light jackets. Liquids and electronics can remain in their bags, simplifying the security routine.
The TSA PreCheck® membership provides access to over 540 enrolment centres and local enrolment events across the country. Enrolling is a quick and straightforward process, which can be initiated online in just 5 minutes. After submitting the application, members complete their enrolment in person, providing biometric data (fingerprints and photos) and verifying identity documents. The in-person enrolment process is equally efficient, taking approximately 10 minutes.
TSA PreCheck® offers flexibility in terms of enrolment providers, allowing members to choose based on cost, location, and additional benefits. Providers like CLEAR, IDEMIA, and Telos have select locations open 7 days a week with extended hours, ensuring convenient access for busy travellers.
Additionally, TSA PreCheck® provides exclusive travel deals and discounts. For instance, enrolling with Telos may grant access to upcoming travel promotions. Bundling TSA PreCheck® with CLEAR+ membership unlocks special pricing, offering significant savings on the first year of CLEAR+ membership.
TSA PreCheck® is a valuable investment for frequent travellers, offering a seamless and efficient airport experience. The combination of time savings, simplified security procedures, and exclusive benefits makes it a compelling choice for those seeking a more relaxed journey through airport security.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can apply for TSA PreCheck at an airport. There are over 400 TSA PreCheck application centers nationwide, including 350 off-airport locations. You can pre-enroll online and make an appointment for the in-person process, or walk into an enrollment center without an appointment.
The fastest and easiest way to enroll in TSA PreCheck is to start the application online. You can also apply in person at an enrollment center.
You will need to provide documentation and fingerprints. You will also need to pay an application fee in person.
If approved, most applicants receive their Known Traveler Number (KTN) in 3-5 days, though some applications can take up to 60 days.
TSA PreCheck allows eligible travelers to receive expedited screening at more than 200 participating U.S. airports and on more than 81 participating airlines. About 99% of TSA PreCheck passengers wait less than 10 minutes.
