Roberta Aguirre
TSA PreCheck® is an expedited security screening program that allows travellers to move through airport security without waiting in line or removing shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, or light jackets. The program is available to US citizens, US nationals, and lawful permanent residents. Applicants must submit an online application and complete their registration at an enrolment location, providing required documentation and payment. Children 12 and under can accompany a parent or guardian with TSA PreCheck® without restriction. While it expedites the process, no individual is guaranteed expedited screening, as the TSA uses unpredictable security measures throughout the airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| TSA PreCheck® Application Program open to | U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and lawful permanent residents |
| Application fee payment methods | In-person at a TSA enrollment center |
| Application fee payment online | Not available |
| Application fee covered by some credit cards | Yes |
| Application requirements | All names used (current and past), date of birth, and other personal information |
| Enrollment locations | CLEAR, IDEMIA, or Telos |
| Enrollment duration | 10 minutes |
| Enrollment requirements | Fingerprinting, document and photo capture |
| TSA PreCheck® indicator missing on boarding pass | Contact TSA via Twitter, Facebook Messenger, Apple Business Chat, or text |
| TSA security measures | Unpredictable |
| Screening | All travelers will be screened |
| Screening guaranteed | No |
| Discounts | Available through CLEAR |
| Known Traveler Number (KTN) | Required for renewal or update of an existing airline reservation |
| REAL ID | Required to fly once enforced by TSA |
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What You'll Learn
TSA PreCheck® application process
The TSA PreCheck® Application Program allows eligible travellers to receive expedited screening at over 200 participating US airports and on over 80 airlines. The application process is as follows:
- Visit tsa.gov/precheck to select an enrolment provider that meets your needs and has a location near you. Authorized providers include CLEAR, IDEMIA, and Telos.
- Pre-enrol online and make an appointment for the in-person process, or walk into an enrolment centre without an appointment. The online application takes about five minutes to complete, and the in-person visit takes about 10 minutes.
- During the in-person process, the enrolment provider will collect your biometric data (fingerprints and photo), verify your identity documents, and collect payment. The application fee is $85, and several credit cards and loyalty programs offer assistance with this cost. The name on your application must be an exact match to the name on the identification and proof of citizenship/immigration documents you provide at enrolment. If you have legally changed your name, you must provide an original or certified name change document.
- Most applicants receive approval notification in 3-5 days, though some applications can take up to 60 days. If approved, you will receive your Known Traveler Number (KTN), which is 9 or 10 digits long and begins with TT, TE, or AC.
Members may renew their TSA PreCheck® membership online up to six months before their expiration date, or in person at an enrolment centre. The new membership period begins as the current one ends, so there is no disadvantage to renewing early.
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TSA PreCheck® renewal process
The TSA PreCheck® renewal process is straightforward and can be completed online or in person. Here is a step-by-step guide to renewing your TSA PreCheck® membership:
Timing:
You can renew your TSA PreCheck® membership up to six months before its expiration date. It is recommended to renew early, as there is no disadvantage to doing so. The new membership period will begin as the current one ends. However, keep in mind that name changes may take up to 45 days to process, so renewing at least 60 days before expiry is advisable.
Online Renewal:
You can renew your membership online in just a few minutes. Here are the steps:
- Pick an enrollment provider from the authorized options, such as CLEAR, IDEMIA, or Telos.
- Complete your renewal application online, providing the required information.
- Note that you will keep the same Known Traveler Number (KTN) during the renewal process.
- Some providers may offer discounts or promotions, so check for pricing options.
In-Person Renewal:
Alternatively, you can choose to renew your membership in person at an enrollment center. This option is particularly relevant if you have changed your name since enrollment. Here are the steps for in-person renewal:
- Locate an enrollment center near you.
- Visit the enrollment center to complete the renewal process, including providing fingerprints, documents, and photos, and making payment.
- You can also update your name change by contacting your chosen enrollment provider up to six months before your membership expires.
Renewal Fees:
Consider checking if your credit card or loyalty program covers renewal fees.
Disqualification and Redress:
If your membership was suspended or revoked, you may be eligible for the return of lost time under certain conditions. If you believe you have been incorrectly disqualified from TSA PreCheck®, you can seek redress. Reconsideration is also an option if you seek a review of the length of disqualification due to a regulatory violation.
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TSA PreCheck® eligibility
TSA PreCheck® is only available to US citizens, US nationals, and lawful permanent residents. Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI allow some foreign citizens to apply. Children 12 and under can accompany an enrolled parent or guardian in the TSA PreCheck lanes without restriction. Children 13-17 may access the TSA PreCheck lanes if they have a TSA PreCheck logo on their boarding pass. To be eligible to receive the TSA PreCheck logo on their boarding pass, the passenger between the ages of 13 and 17 must be on the same airline reservation with a TSA PreCheck-eligible parent or guardian.
To enroll in TSA PreCheck, you can follow these three steps or walk into any enrollment location:
- Submit your TSA PreCheck application online in as little as 5 minutes.
- Select an enrollment provider with enrollment locations near you.
- Complete enrollment in 10 minutes at your chosen provider, which includes fingerprinting, document and photo capture, and payment.
The fee maintains your eligibility for a period of 5 years and covers the operational costs associated with the TSA PreCheck® Application Program. The name on your application must be an exact match to the name on the identification and proof of citizenship/immigration documents you provide at enrollment. The name provided must be the name used when making your airline travel reservations.
Most applicants receive their Known Traveler Number (KTN) in 3-5 days, though some applications can take up to 60 days. Applicants can receive updates on their enrollment application status by email, phone, text, or by checking online through the enrollment provider they applied with.
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TSA PreCheck® for children
TSA PreCheck® is a service that allows eligible travellers to undergo faster airport security screening. While it is not guaranteed that individuals with TSA PreCheck® will be expedited through security, about 99% of passengers wait less than 10 minutes.
Children 12 and under can use the TSA PreCheck® lane with an enrolled parent or guardian without restriction. They do not need to have the TSA PreCheck® logo on their boarding pass.
Children aged 13-17 must have the TSA PreCheck® logo on their boarding pass to access the lane. To be eligible for this, they must be on the same airline reservation as a TSA PreCheck-eligible parent or guardian. If they are on a separate reservation or do not have the logo on their boarding pass, they will need to go through the standard security screening. In this case, or if a child is travelling alone, they may want to enrol in the program.
To enrol in TSA PreCheck®, an individual must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident. They must also provide all names used, including birth or former names, and have a REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification, such as a passport.
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TSA PreCheck® customer support
TSA PreCheck® is a service that allows eligible travellers to undergo faster airport security screening. The program is available to US citizens, US nationals, and lawful permanent residents. Applicants with incomplete or false application information, certain violations of federal security regulations, or disqualifying criminal offences may be deemed ineligible.
To enrol in TSA PreCheck®, you can apply through an authorised provider such as CLEAR, IDEMIA, or Telos. You can pre-enrol online and complete your registration at a participating CLEAR location. You must bring all the required documentation, including an original or certified copy of an acceptable form of identification. The name on your application must match the name on your identification and proof of citizenship/immigration documents.
If you are an existing TSA PreCheck® member, you can renew your membership through CLEAR. Renewal can be initiated as early as six months before expiration. Additionally, certain credit cards cover the TSA PreCheck® application fee as a member benefit.
If you have questions or concerns about your TSA PreCheck® status or need assistance with your Known Traveller Number (KTN), you can reach out to TSA customer support through various channels:
- Twitter: @AskTSA
- Facebook Messenger: http://www.fb.com/AskTSA
- Apple Business Chat
- Text "Travel" to AskTSA (275-872)
- TSA Contact Centre: (866) 289-9673
- Online form on the TSA website
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can enrol in TSA PreCheck® at an airport enrolment location. You can also enrol online or through an authorized provider like CLEAR, IDEMIA or Telos.
You need to provide an original or certified copy of one of the following forms of identification:
- Unexpired US Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/ Transportation Security Administration (TSA)- Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
- US Birth Certificate
- US Certificate of Citizenship (N-560 or N-561)
- US Certificate of Naturalization (N-550 or N-570)
- US Citizen Identification Card (I-179 or I-197)
- Unexpired US passport
No, first-time applicants must complete their application and pay in person at a TSA enrolment centre.
