Ruth Haines
TSA PreCheck® is a program that allows eligible travelers to speed up their screening process at most airports, especially in the U.S. With TSA PreCheck, travelers do not need to remove their shoes, belts, jackets, or electronics from their bags. To enroll in TSA PreCheck, travelers can start the application online and complete it in person at an enrollment center. Applicants can select an enrollment provider based on cost, locations, and additional benefits. During the in-person process, the enrollment provider will collect biometric data, verify identity documents, and collect payment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Registration Process | Apply online or in-person at an enrollment center |
| Application Time | 5 minutes online; 10 minutes in-person |
| Requirements | Biometric data (fingerprints, photo), identity documents |
| Payment | Required; cannot be paid online for first-time applicants |
| Eligibility | U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, citizens of partner countries |
| Benefits | Expedited security screening, no need to remove shoes/jackets/belts |
| Membership Number | Known as Known Traveler Number (KTN) or PASS ID |
| Validity | Valid for TSA PreCheck® airports and most international trips |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
TSA PreCheck® eligibility and requirements
TSA PreCheck® is a program that expedites the traveller screening process at participating airports. It is only available to low-risk travellers. To participate, you must apply and get approval from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and citizens of partner countries enrolled in Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI are eligible to participate in TSA PreCheck®. Canadian citizens who are members of NEXUS are also eligible. If you already have Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, or hold an active TWIC® or Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with an HME, you do not need to get TSA PreCheck®.
Children aged 13-17 may access the TSA PreCheck® lane if they have the indicator logo on their boarding pass. The child must be on the same airline reservation as a TSA PreCheck-eligible parent or guardian to be eligible to receive the logo. Children under 13 can join an adult with TSA PreCheck® when the TSA PreCheck® indicator appears on their boarding pass.
To apply, you must first review the DHS trusted traveller programs to ensure you meet the eligibility requirements. The fastest and easiest way to enrol in TSA PreCheck® is to start the application online. You will need to provide identification and proof of citizenship/immigration documents. The name on your application must be an exact match for the name on these documents and the name used when making your airline travel reservations. The fee covers operational costs and maintains your eligibility for five years.
Zanzibar Airport: Travel Hub for Exotic Getaways
You may want to see also
Explore related products
How to complete the online application
To complete the online application for TSA PreCheck®, first visit tsa.gov/precheck. Here, you can select an enrollment provider that meets your needs and has an enrollment location near you. The TSA has selected several partners to help enroll travelers in TSA PreCheck, and applicants can choose any enrollment provider based on cost, locations, and additional benefits. Select locations are open seven days a week with extended hours, and you can enroll in minutes without an appointment.
Once you have selected an enrollment provider, you can pre-enroll online. The online application takes about five minutes to complete, and you can schedule an appointment for the in-person process, which also takes about 10 minutes. During the in-person process, the enrollment provider will collect your biometric data (fingerprints and a photo), verify your identity documents, and collect payment. Note that if you are applying for TSA PreCheck® for the first time, you must complete your application and pay in person at a TSA enrollment center.
If you apply directly through the TSA, you will receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN). If you are registered with a CBP program, you will receive a 9-digit PASS ID, which is the same number for all CBP programs. If you are eligible for TSA PreCheck, your boarding pass will show TSA PreCheck, and you can enjoy expedited security screening at most airports.
St. John's Airport: Does It Exist?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
What to expect during the in-person appointment
When you arrive for your in-person appointment, you will be required to provide documentation to verify your identity. This can include a valid passport, driver's license, or other acceptable forms of ID as outlined by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). It is important to ensure that your documentation is up-to-date and not expired.
During the appointment, a TSA representative will review your application and supporting documents. They will ask you to provide personal information, such as your full name, date of birth, address, and other relevant details. You may also be asked about your travel plans, including the frequency and purpose of your trips. It is important to answer all questions honestly and accurately.
The TSA representative will take your fingerprints during the appointment. This is a standard part of the background check process and is required for all PreCheck applicants. Your fingerprints will be compared against criminal databases to ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements for the PreCheck program.
Additionally, you will need to provide payment for the PreCheck application fee. This fee typically covers the cost of the background check and your participation in the program for a period of five years. You may be able to pay by credit card, debit card, or other accepted methods.
Finally, the TSA representative will provide you with information about the next steps in the process, including details about the background check and the expected timeline for receiving your Known Traveler Number (KTN). They will also instruct you on how to use the PreCheck lanes at the airport. It is important to follow any instructions provided and to keep your KTN secure once you have received it.
Airports' Intriguing Lane Names: A Traveler's Guide to the Tarmac
You may want to see also
Documents to bring to the enrollment center
To complete your TSA PreCheck® enrollment in person at an enrollment center, you will need to bring documents that verify your identity. This includes a valid photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport, as well as proof of citizenship or immigration status. If you are a U.S. citizen, you can bring your U.S. passport, birth certificate, or certificate of citizenship. If you are a lawful permanent resident, you will need to provide your permanent resident card or foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa. For those enrolled in a CBP Trusted Traveler program, such as Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI, you will also need to provide your membership number (PASS ID) or Known Traveler Number (KTN). This number can be found by logging into your Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account. It is important to note that only official TSA PreCheck® websites will end in “.gov”.
In addition to the required identity verification documents, you may also want to bring other forms of identification or supporting documentation. This could include additional photo IDs, such as an employee ID or student ID, as well as any relevant travel documents or membership cards. It is always a good idea to bring more than one form of identification to ensure a smooth enrollment process.
If you are applying for TSA PreCheck® for the first time, it is important to note that you must complete your application and pay the application fee in person at a TSA enrollment center. The cost of enrollment may vary by provider, and you cannot pay the application fee online. Therefore, be prepared to pay the enrollment fee during your visit.
During the in-person enrollment process, your biometric data will also be collected. This includes fingerprints and a photo, which will be taken at the enrollment center. This information, along with your identity documents, will be used to verify your identity and complete your TSA PreCheck® enrollment.
Hertz Car Rental at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
You may want to see also
How to find your Known Traveler Number (KTN)
If you are a member of the TSA PreCheck® Application Program, you can look up your Known Traveler Number (KTN) on the TSA website. If you enrolled through IDEMIA, Telos, or CLEAR, your KTN will typically begin with TT, TE, or AC, respectively.
If you are a member of another trusted traveler program, such as Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI, you can obtain your PASSID, which serves as your KTN, by logging on to the Trusted Traveler Program website. Your PASSID can also be found on the back of your membership card, usually beginning with 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 50, 70, 80, 95, 98, or 99.
If you are unsure why your boarding pass does not display the TSA PreCheck® indicator, you should first check that your membership is still active by looking up your KTN. If your KTN is valid, confirm with your airline that your KTN, name, and date of birth are correct and that they participate in the TSA PreCheck® program.
Most applicants receive their KTN within 3-5 days, although some applications may take up to 60 days. You can receive updates on your enrollment application status via email, phone, text, or by checking online through your chosen enrollment provider.
Airport Crimes: Post-2001 Trends and Insights
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
TSA PreCheck is an expedited security program that allows eligible travelers to speed up their screening process at participating U.S. airports and for most international trips.
You can register for TSA PreCheck by visiting tsa.gov/precheck to select an enrollment provider that meets your needs and has an enrollment location near you. You can pre-enroll online and schedule an in-person appointment, or walk into an enrollment center without an appointment.
TSA PreCheck allows travelers to expedite the security screening process at most airports. With TSA PreCheck, you don't need to remove your shoes, belt, light jacket, or electronics and 3-1-1 liquids from your bag. About 99% of TSA PreCheck passengers wait less than 10 minutes.
The cost of enrollment varies by provider. First-time applicants must complete their application and pay in person at a TSA enrollment center.
Children 17 and under can join an adult with TSA PreCheck when TSA PreCheck appears on the child's boarding pass.
