Roberta Aguirre
TSA PreCheck® is a program that expedites the security screening process for eligible travelers at over 200 participating U.S. airports and on more than 81 airlines. It offers a more convenient and efficient experience, with most PreCheck passengers waiting less than 10 minutes. Applicants can enroll online and then complete the process in person at one of the many enrollment centers, some of which are located in airports.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sign-up 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 Locations | Over 400 TSA PreCheck application centers nationwide, including airport locations. |
| Enrollment Center Opening Hours | Select locations are open 7 days a week with extended hours. |
| Enrollment Fee | $85 non-refundable fee to cover the cost of background checks. |
| Eligibility | U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, Canadian citizens with NEXUS membership, and citizens of partner countries enrolled in Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI. |
| Documents Required | Original or certified copy of identity/citizenship status documentation (e.g., unexpired U.S. passport, unexpired U.S. Enhanced Driver's License). If you have legally changed your name, you must provide an original or certified name change document. |
| Biometric Data | Fingerprints and photos are collected during the in-person enrollment process. |
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What You'll Learn
TSA PreCheck® eligibility
TSA PreCheck® is a program that expedites the security screening process for eligible travellers at over 200 participating US airports and on more than 81 airlines. It is a convenient and efficient process that allows low-risk travellers to keep their shoes, belts, and light jackets on, while electronics and liquids can remain in their bags.
To be eligible for TSA PreCheck®, individuals must be US citizens, US lawful permanent residents, or citizens of partner countries enrolled in specific trusted traveller programs. Specifically, this includes Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI, as well as Canadian citizens who are NEXUS members. Those with an active TWIC® or Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with an HME are also eligible.
For US citizens and permanent residents, the application process involves selecting an enrolment provider based on cost, location, and additional benefits. There are over 400 TSA PreCheck® application centres across the country, including airport locations. Applicants can pre-enrol online and schedule an appointment or simply walk into an enrolment centre without an appointment.
During the in-person process, applicants must provide biometric data, including fingerprints and photos, as well as verify their identity documents and pay a fee to cover background check costs. The application fee cannot be paid online and must be completed in person at a TSA enrolment centre. After approval, applicants typically receive their Known Traveller Number (KTN) within 3-5 days, although processing times can vary.
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Application process
The TSA PreCheck® Application Program allows eligible travellers to receive expedited screening at over 200 participating US airports. The application process is straightforward and can be completed in a few simple steps.
Firstly, applicants must select an enrolment provider based on cost, locations, and additional benefits. TSA has several partners that help enrol travellers in TSA PreCheck, including Telos, which may offer travel deals to its customers.
Secondly, applicants can pre-enrol online and make an appointment for the in-person process, or they can walk into an enrolment centre without an appointment. There are over 400 TSA PreCheck application centres nationwide, including over 350 off-airport locations. Select locations are open seven days a week with extended hours.
Thirdly, during the in-person visit, applicants must provide biometric data (fingerprints, photo), verify identity documents, and collect payment. The application fee is $85 and covers the cost of background checks. Applicants must bring an original or certified copy of identity/citizenship status documentation, and the names on all documents must match exactly with the name provided on the application. If the applicant has legally changed their name, they must provide an original or certified name change document (e.g., marriage certificate, divorce decree) in addition to the required documentation.
Finally, if approved, applicants will receive their Known Traveller Number (KTN) in 3-5 days, although some applications can take up to 60 days. With TSA PreCheck, travellers can keep their shoes, belts, and light jackets on during screening, and electronics and liquids can remain in their bags.
It is important to note that TSA PreCheck is best suited for domestic travellers who take less than four international trips per year. If you travel internationally four or more times a year, consider enrolling in Global Entry instead.
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Required documents
To enrol in TSA PreCheck, you must provide specific identity/citizenship status documentation. The names on all documents must match the name provided on the application exactly. If you have legally changed your name, you must also provide an original or certified name change document (e.g., marriage certificate, divorce decree) in addition to the required documentation.
You can bring one of the documents from List A or, if you do not have a document from List A, you can bring one from List B. Here is a breakdown of the documents required for each list:
List A Documents:
- Unexpired US passport (book or card)
- Unexpired US-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Unexpired Enhanced Identification Card (EID)
- Permanent Resident Card (I-551), often referred to as a "Green Card"
List B Documents:
Unfortunately, I cannot find the documents listed under List B. However, the TSA website states that if you do not have a document from List A, you can bring one of the documents from List B.
To apply for TSA PreCheck, you can pre-enrol online and make an appointment for the in-person process or walk into an enrolment centre without an appointment. The in-person process typically takes 10 minutes, during which the enrolment provider will collect your biometric data (fingerprints and photo), verify your identity documents, and collect payment.
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Enrollment centers
TSA PreCheck® enrollment centers are located across the US, with 516 enrollment centers and local enrollment events daily. To enroll, you can walk into any enrollment location, and no appointment is needed. Some locations are open 7 days a week with extended hours.
To find your nearest enrollment center, enter your zip code on the TSA website, then visit the corresponding enrollment provider's website to validate location specifics and hours of operation.
When selecting an enrollment provider, you can choose based on cost, locations, and additional benefits. Costs for enrollment vary by provider.
To enroll, you will need to submit your TSA PreCheck application online, which can be completed in as little as 5 minutes.
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Benefits of the program
The TSA PreCheck program offers several benefits to travellers:
Firstly, it provides faster airport screening and expedited traveller screening at participating TSA security checkpoints. This means that PreCheck travellers can expect to spend less time waiting in line and can instead relax in the airport lounge or cafe. Indeed, approximately 99% of TSA PreCheck passengers wait less than 10 minutes.
Secondly, the program eliminates the need to remove certain items during security screening. PreCheck travellers can keep their shoes, belts, light jackets, and electronics in their bags. Liquids in 3-1-1 containers can also remain in the bag, which is particularly convenient for travellers with multiple electronic devices and liquids.
Thirdly, the program simplifies the security process for children under 17. When travelling with an adult who has TSA PreCheck, children can join the adult lane and benefit from the expedited screening process, making travel more efficient and enjoyable for families.
Lastly, TSA PreCheck is widely accepted, with over 200 airports and 90 airlines accommodating PreCheck travellers. This extensive coverage ensures that the benefits of the program can be utilised across a large number of domestic travel routes.
Overall, the TSA PreCheck program offers significant advantages for frequent travellers, providing a more seamless and efficient airport experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can sign up for TSA PreCheck at the airport. You can pre-enrol online and make an appointment for the in-person process, or walk into an enrollment centre without an appointment.
The cost varies by provider. Consumers applying for the first time cannot pay the application fee online and must complete their application and pay in-person at a TSA enrollment centre.
No, you do not need to get TSA PreCheck if you already have Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI. If you travel internationally four or more times a year, consider enrolling in Global Entry.
TSA PreCheck expedites traveller screening through participating TSA security checkpoints. Low-risk travellers will have a smoother experience at the airport security checkpoint.
TSA PreCheck is a great choice for domestic travellers who take less than four international trips a year. U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and citizens of partner countries enrolled in Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI are eligible to participate.
