Lois Larson
Military members and DOD civilians can benefit from TSA PreCheck expedited screening at over 200 airports and 90 airlines across the country. This benefit is available for both official and personal travel, but it must be enrolled in prior to leaving the military to maintain travel benefits. TSA PreCheck can be applied for online, with an in-person appointment, or by walking into an enrollment center. The application process takes 10 minutes, and requires the collection of biometric data, identity verification, and payment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who is eligible for TSA PreCheck | Members of the U.S. Armed Forces, DOD civilians, veterans, injured service members, and wounded warriors |
| Where to apply | tsa.gov/precheck |
| Application process | Pre-enroll online, make an appointment for an in-person process, or walk into an enrollment center |
| Documents required | Biometric data (fingerprints, photo), identity documents |
| Application fee | Paid in-person at a TSA enrollment center |
| Time taken | Online application takes 5 minutes, in-person visit takes 10 minutes |
| Official TSA PreCheck website | Ends with ".gov" |
| Eligibility requirements | Review DHS trusted traveler programs: TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI |
| Best suited for | Domestic travelers who take less than four international trips a year |
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What You'll Learn
TSA PreCheck eligibility and requirements
TSA PreCheck is a program that provides expedited security screening benefits for flights departing from U.S. airports. It is a trusted traveler program by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It is important to note that TSA PreCheck eligibility does not guarantee expedited screening as the TSA uses unpredictable security measures.
Eligibility
TSA PreCheck is available to members of the U.S. Armed Forces and DOD Federal civilians for both official and personal travel. Military members do not need to be in uniform to take advantage of the program. Children 12 and under may accompany a parent or guardian with TSA PreCheck, and children aged 13-17 may also accompany a parent or guardian if they have the same travel reservation and the TSA PreCheck indicator appears on their boarding pass.
Requirements
To apply for TSA PreCheck, you must provide an original or certified copy of identity and citizenship documentation. The name on your application must match the name on your identification and proof of citizenship/immigration documents. If you have legally changed your name, you must provide an original or certified name change document. You can find a list of accepted documents on the TSA website.
Application Process
First-time applicants must complete their application and pay in person at a TSA enrollment center. You cannot pay the application fee online. The application fee covers operational costs and maintains eligibility for five years. Many credit cards and loyalty programs reimburse TSA PreCheck enrollment fees, so be sure to check if yours does.
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How to apply for TSA PreCheck
TSA PreCheck offers a smoother security screening process at over 200 airports and 90 airlines across the US. Military members and DOD civilians receive TSA PreCheck benefits as a result of their employment and service. However, if you are not a member of the US Armed Forces, you can still apply for TSA PreCheck. Here is how you can do it:
Firstly, review the various DHS trusted traveler programs: TSA PreCheck® Application Program, Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI. This will help you ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements and determine the best program for you. If you travel internationally four or more times a year, consider enrolling in Global Entry.
Next, visit tsa.gov/precheck to select an enrollment provider that suits your needs and has an enrollment location near you. You can pre-enroll online and schedule an appointment for the in-person process, or you can walk into an enrollment center 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 enrollment provider will collect your biometric data (fingerprints and photograph), verify your identity documents, and collect payment. Note that consumers applying for the first time cannot pay the application fee online; they must complete their application and pay in person at a TSA enrollment center.
It is important to remember that any website that claims to allow consumers to register for TSA PreCheck that does not end in “.gov” is not an official TSA PreCheck website.
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Benefits of TSA PreCheck for military members
Military members and DOD civilians receive TSA PreCheck as a benefit of their service and employment. This expedited screening process is available at over 200 airports and 90 airlines across the country. Here are some benefits of TSA PreCheck for military members:
Smoother Screening Process
TSA PreCheck offers a streamlined security screening experience, with dedicated lanes and expedited procedures. Military members can enjoy a faster and more efficient process when travelling, avoiding the longer wait times typically associated with standard screening lanes.
Applicable for Both Official and Personal Travel
The benefits of TSA PreCheck extend to both TDY (official) and R&R (personal) travel. Whether travelling for duty or leisure, military members can take advantage of expedited screening as long as their travel reservations include their Known Traveler Number (KTN) or DOD ID number. This flexibility ensures that military members can enjoy a seamless travel experience regardless of the purpose of their trip.
Accommodations for Injured Military Members and Veterans
TSA Cares provides assistance to injured military members, veterans, and wounded warriors at security screenings. By contacting TSA at least 72 hours before travel, they can receive the necessary assistance and ensure their specific needs are met at the security checkpoint. This includes providing travel information and type of assistance required to departing and arriving airports.
Children Can Accompany Parents with TSA PreCheck
Children aged 12 and under can accompany a parent or guardian with TSA PreCheck without any restrictions. This allows military members with young children to expedite their security screening process as a family. For children aged 13 to 17, they can also accompany the parent or guardian with TSA PreCheck when travelling on the same reservation and if the TSA PreCheck indicator appears on their boarding pass.
Enrollment Options for Transitioning Military Members
Military members transitioning out of service are encouraged to enroll in TSA PreCheck before leaving to maintain their travel benefits for another 5 years. By enrolling, they can continue to enjoy the convenience of expedited screening even after their active service has ended.
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TSA PreCheck for injured service members
TSA PreCheck is available for injured service members, veterans, and wounded warriors. This service allows them to request assistance at security screenings through TSA Cares. It is important to contact TSA at least 72 hours before travel to ask any questions about screening policies, procedures, and what to expect at security checkpoints.
TSA PreCheck is a benefit of employment and service for military members and DOD civilians, applicable to both official and personal travel. It is important to note that TSA PreCheck benefits do not extend to non-DOD-affiliated military adult dependents aged 18 and over. To receive TSA PreCheck benefits, travel reservations must include a Known Traveler Number (KTN) or DOD ID number. This number can be added when booking reservations online via a participating airline website, by phone with an airline reservation agent, or with the travel management company making the reservations.
To ensure that the TSA PreCheck indicator appears on the boarding pass, military members should update their Defense Travel System profile and their airline frequent flyer profiles with their DOD ID number in the Known Traveler Number (KTN) field. This number can be found on the back of their common access card (CAC). Additionally, when booking travel, it is essential to confirm that the DOD ID number is in the KTN field, and that the full name is correct.
For those transitioning out of the military or a DOD Civilian role, it is recommended to enrol in TSA PreCheck before leaving to maintain travel benefits for another 5 years. Many credit cards and loyalty programs reimburse TSA PreCheck enrollment fees, so it is worth checking if this applies to your credit card or loyalty program.
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TSA PreCheck for children of military members
TSA PreCheck offers a smoother security screening process at over 200 airports and 90 airlines across the country. Military members and DOD civilians receive TSA PreCheck as a benefit of their service. This benefit extends to both official and personal travel when travel reservations include a Known Traveler Number (KTN) or the member's DOD ID number.
Children 12 and under can accompany a parent or guardian with TSA PreCheck without restriction. Children aged 13-17 can also use expedited screening with their military parent or guardian, but the TSA PreCheck indicator must appear on their boarding pass. The child must also be on the same reservation as the parent or guardian.
Military spouses and other adult dependents aged 18 and over do not receive TSA PreCheck benefits and must apply separately. However, many credit cards and loyalty programs reimburse TSA PreCheck enrollment fees, so it is worth checking if this is an option for your family.
To ensure that the TSA PreCheck indicator appears on your child's boarding pass, follow these steps:
- Update your Defense Travel System profile with your DOD ID number in the Known Traveler Number (KTN) field.
- Update your airline frequent flyer profiles with your DOD ID number in the KTN field.
- When booking travel, confirm that your DOD ID number is listed in the KTN field.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can apply for TSA PreCheck at an enrollment center located in certain airports. You can pre-enroll online and make an appointment or walk in without one.
The online application takes five minutes to complete, and the in-person enrollment takes about 10 minutes.
You will need to bring identity documents, and you will also need to provide your biometric data (fingerprints and a photo) and payment.
Yes, there is a fee to apply for TSA PreCheck. Many credit cards and loyalty programs reimburse TSA PreCheck enrollment fees, so check with your provider to see if this is an option.
