Owais Crawford
Getting pre-approved at airports can significantly speed up your security screening process. TSA PreCheck® is a program by the Transportation Security Administration that allows travellers to get expedited security screening at US airports. To get pre-approved, you can apply for the TSA PreCheck® program through authorized providers like CLEAR, IDEMIA, or Telos. The application process involves submitting an application, fingerprinting, document and photo capture, and payment. Once approved, you will receive a Known Traveller Number (KTN) which you can add to your airline reservations. It is important to note that even with TSA PreCheck®, all travellers must have a REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification, such as a passport, to fly once the REAL ID requirement is enforced at airports.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Application Process | Submit an application online or in person at any enrollment location. Enrollment providers include CLEAR, IDEMIA, and Telos. |
| Requirements | U.S. citizens must have a REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification (e.g., passport). |
| Cost | Costs for enrollment vary by provider. |
| Time | The application process can be completed in as little as 5 minutes, with enrollment taking 10 minutes. |
| Renewal | Renewal can be completed online in as little as 5 minutes through providers like CLEAR. |
| Benefits | Expedited airport security screening, with 99% of TSA PreCheck® passengers waiting less than 10 minutes. |
| Known Traveler Number (KTN) | Once approved, individuals receive a KTN, which must be added to airline reservations to receive TSA PreCheck® benefits. |
| Global Entry | TSA PreCheck® members must complete the Global Entry application process before their membership expires to continue receiving benefits. |
| Age Restrictions | Children 17 and under can join an adult with TSA PreCheck® when it appears on the child's boarding pass. Children 12 and under can accompany an enrolled parent or guardian without restriction. |
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What You'll Learn
TSA PreCheck®: How to apply, eligibility, enrollment providers, renewal steps, and airport screening benefits
TSA PreCheck® is a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Trusted Traveler Program that provides expedited security screening benefits for flights departing from U.S. airports. It is a convenient way to fast-track your security screening at the airport. Here is some essential information about TSA PreCheck®:
How to Apply:
To apply for TSA PreCheck®, you can follow these steps:
- Select an enrollment provider: TSA has authorized providers such as CLEAR, IDEMIA, or Telos, which offer varying costs, locations, and additional benefits. Choose one that suits your needs and has enrollment locations near you.
- Submit your application: You can submit your TSA PreCheck® application online through your chosen provider's website. This step should only take about 5 minutes to complete.
- Complete the enrollment: Visit your chosen provider's enrollment center to finish the process. This step typically takes around 10 minutes and includes fingerprinting, document verification, photo capture, and payment.
Eligibility:
To be eligible for TSA PreCheck®, you must be a U.S. citizen, a U.S. lawful permanent resident, or a citizen of a partner country enrolled in specific Trusted Traveler Programs. Partner countries include Canada, and eligible programs include Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI. Children under 13 must be on the same reservation as a TSA PreCheck-eligible parent or guardian to receive the benefits. Additionally, children between 13 and 17 must be on the same reservation and have the TSA PreCheck® logo on their boarding pass to access the expedited screening.
Enrollment Providers:
As mentioned earlier, TSA has authorized enrollment providers, including CLEAR, IDEMIA, and Telos. These providers offer different benefits, so be sure to review their offerings before selecting one.
Renewal Steps:
To renew your TSA PreCheck® membership, which lasts for five years, you can follow similar steps as the initial enrollment:
- Pick an enrollment provider: Choose a provider with convenient locations and services that meet your needs.
- Complete your renewal online: This can often be done in as little as 5 minutes, and you may be able to take advantage of discounts offered by certain providers, such as CLEAR.
Airport Screening Benefits:
With TSA PreCheck®, you can enjoy expedited screening at participating airports. Benefits include not having to remove your shoes, belts, 3-1-1 liquids, laptops, or light jackets during security checks. Additionally, about 99% of TSA PreCheck® passengers experience wait times of less than 10 minutes.
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TSA PreCheck® for children
TSA PreCheck® is a convenient program for travellers, allowing them to save time at the airport with faster screening. It is not mandatory for children to enrol in the TSA PreCheck® program. However, there are specific guidelines for children who wish to avail of the benefits of the program.
Children aged 12 and under can accompany a parent or guardian with TSA PreCheck® without any restrictions. They can use the TSA PreCheck® lane and do not need the logo on their boarding pass.
For children aged 13-17, the process is slightly different. To access the TSA PreCheck® lane, these children must have the TSA PreCheck® logo on their boarding pass. This logo will only appear if they are on the same airline reservation as a TSA PreCheck®-eligible parent or guardian. If the child is on a separate reservation or does not have the logo, they will need to undergo standard security screening.
Children aged 17 and under can join an adult with TSA PreCheck® when it appears on their boarding pass. If a child aged 13-17 is travelling alone or without a TSA PreCheck®-eligible adult, they must apply for TSA PreCheck® to access expedited screening. They can do this by submitting an application through an authorized provider such as CLEAR, IDEMIA, or Telos. The application process is quick and can be completed online in minutes. After approval, the child will receive a Known Traveller Number (KTN) to add to their airline reservations.
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REAL ID requirements
To get pre-approved at airports, you can apply for the TSA PreCheck® program. This allows for expedited airport security screening. To apply, you can use an authorized provider such as CLEAR, IDEMIA, or Telos. The enrollment process includes fingerprinting, document and photo capture, and payment.
Now, onto the REAL ID requirements. Starting on May 7, 2025, a state-issued driver's license or ID that is not REAL ID-compliant will no longer be accepted as a valid form of identification at airports. REAL ID-compliant documents are required for domestic flights within the U.S. and when visiting federal facilities. Passengers who do not have a REAL ID or another acceptable form of ID can expect delays, additional screening, and the possibility of not being allowed into the security checkpoint.
- REAL ID-compliant documents are issued by state DMV offices. Each state may have specific requirements, so it is recommended to check with your state DMV.
- For the photograph, the face should be visible from the hairline to the chin and forward of the ears, and be free of shadows. The exposure of the hairline or the ears is not required.
- Name traceability: There should be a connection between the name on the source document and the name requested on the issued document. States may choose the kinds of documentation for this.
- For non-U.S. citizens: Noncitizens lawfully admitted for permanent or temporary residence, noncitizens with conditional permanent resident status, noncitizens with an approved application for asylum, and noncitizens who have entered as refugees are eligible for a full-term REAL ID license or identification card.
- Freely Associated States citizens: Citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Palau, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands, who have been admitted as nonimmigrants, are eligible for full-term REAL ID-compliant licenses or identification cards.
- Validity period: The validity period of the REAL ID-compliant document will be consistent with the state's regular expiration period for such documents.
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Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI cards
To get pre-approved at airports, you can apply for the Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI cards, which are part of the Trusted Traveler Program. These programs allow pre-screened travellers expedited processing when entering certain countries.
Global Entry
Global Entry is a program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travellers upon arrival in the United States. Global Entry members can use designated kiosks when entering the United States via Canadian Preclearance airports. Global Entry cards are issued to members who are U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and Mexican nationals.
NEXUS
The NEXUS program allows pre-screened travellers expedited processing when entering the United States and Canada. NEXUS members use dedicated processing lanes at designated northern border ports of entry, NEXUS kiosks when entering Canada by air, and Global Entry kiosks when entering the United States via Canadian Preclearance airports. Members also receive expedited processing at marine reporting locations.
SENTRI
The SENTRI program provides expedited entry at the Mexico-US land border for pre-approved, low-risk travellers. SENTRI members can use dedicated lanes at the southern border ports of entry.
TSA PreCheck®
TSA PreCheck® is another option for expedited screening at airports. It is available through authorised providers like CLEAR, IDEMIA, or Telos. To enrol, you can submit an application online or walk into any enrolment location. The process includes fingerprinting, document and photo capture, and payment. Once approved, you will receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) to add to your airline reservations.
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TSA security measures
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has implemented a range of security measures to ensure the safety of passengers and staff at airports. These measures are designed to be unpredictable, with both seen and unseen measures in place, and they begin long before passengers arrive at the airport. TSA works closely with intelligence and law enforcement agencies to share information and maintain the highest levels of security.
One key measure is the TSA PreCheck® program, which offers expedited screening for enrolled travellers. Applicants can enrol through authorised providers like CLEAR, IDEMIA, or Telos, and the process involves fingerprinting, document and photo capture, and payment. Children under 17 can join an adult with TSA PreCheck® when it appears on their boarding pass. However, it's important to note that all travellers will be screened, and no individual is guaranteed expedited screening.
At the airport, passengers are typically required to undergo screening procedures, including carry-on baggage checks and personal electronic device inspections. Large electronic devices must be removed from carry-on bags and placed in separate bins for X-ray screening. TSA also employs pat-down procedures to detect prohibited items or threats, and these may be conducted on any passenger, including those with expedited screening privileges.
Additionally, TSA has implemented measures to minimise contact between agents and passengers during the pandemic, such as encouraging physical distancing with floor markers and reminders. Passengers are advised to wear shoes without laces to facilitate easier removal during security checks. TSA also accepts expired driver's licenses or state-issued IDs for those who couldn't renew them during the pandemic.
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Frequently asked questions
To get pre-approved at airports, you need to enrol in a Trusted Traveler Program such as TSA PreCheck®. You can enrol by submitting an application online or in person at an enrolment centre.
Getting pre-approved at airports through a program like TSA PreCheck® allows you to enjoy faster airport screening and expedited security screening benefits for flights departing from U.S. airports. About 99% of TSA PreCheck® passengers wait less than 10 minutes.
The costs for enrolment vary by provider.
To enrol in TSA PreCheck®, you will need to provide fingerprints, documents, photos, and payment.
Yes, all travellers, including TSA PreCheck® enrollees, must have a REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification (e.g. passport) to fly once the TSA enforces the REAL ID requirement at airports.
