TSA PreCheck is the U.S. government’s trusted traveler program that lets pre-approved passengers move through airport security faster. Here’s everything you need to know to apply and get approved.
The Basics
What is TSA PreCheck?
TSA PreCheck is a program run by the Transportation Security Administration that allows low-risk travelers to use expedited security screening lanes at U.S. airports.
What PreCheck gets you
In a TSA PreCheck lane you do not need to remove your shoes, belt, or light jacket. Your laptop and liquids stay inside your bag. The lanes are dedicated and almost always shorter than standard security. At most airports, PreCheck lanes move significantly faster than standard lanes — often 5 minutes or less, even during busy periods.
Where PreCheck works
TSA PreCheck is available at 200+ U.S. airports and with 85+ airlines including all major U.S. carriers — American, Delta, United, Southwest, Alaska, JetBlue, and more. It applies only to domestic flights and select international departures from U.S. airports. It does not apply to security screening at foreign airports.
In 2023, 99% of TSA PreCheck passengers waited less than 10 minutes in security — compared to an average of 20–30 minutes in standard lanes during peak times at major airports.
How to Apply
Step-by-Step: Getting TSA PreCheck
Apply online at the TSA website
Go to tsa.gov/precheck and complete the online application. You’ll provide basic personal information — name, date of birth, address, and citizenship status. The online portion takes about 10 minutes.
Schedule an in-person appointment
After completing the online application, schedule an appointment at a TSA PreCheck enrollment center. There are 400+ enrollment locations across the U.S. — often at airports, UPS stores, and other partner locations. Appointments are typically available within a few days.
Bring required documents to your appointment
You must bring one of the following: a U.S. passport, a passport card, a permanent resident card, or a state-issued driver’s license or ID plus proof of citizenship (birth certificate or naturalization certificate). Check the TSA website for the complete accepted documents list before your appointment.
Complete fingerprinting at the enrollment center
At your appointment, a TSA agent will verify your documents and collect your fingerprints. The in-person appointment takes about 10 minutes. You’ll pay the application fee at this time — $78 for a 5-year membership.
Receive your Known Traveler Number (KTN)
Most applicants receive their Known Traveler Number within 3–5 days, though it can take up to 60 days. You’ll get an email or letter with your KTN. Add it to your frequent flyer profiles and credit card travel accounts so it auto-populates on every booking.
Add your KTN to all future bookings
Enter your Known Traveler Number when booking flights, or add it to your airline frequent flyer profile so it’s applied automatically. Your boarding pass will show “TSA PRE✓” in the lower left corner when it’s active for that flight.
Cost & Renewal
Pricing & Membership Details
Application fee — $78 for 5 years
The standard TSA PreCheck application fee is $78, paid at your in-person enrollment appointment. This covers 5 years of membership. That works out to about $15.60 per year — less than the cost of one airport meal. It’s one of the best value travel investments available.
Renewal — $70 for another 5 years
Renewals cost slightly less at $70. You can renew online without another in-person appointment as long as your information hasn’t changed significantly. TSA will send renewal reminders before your membership expires.
Free with many travel credit cards
Many premium travel credit cards reimburse the TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee as an annual benefit. Cards that typically include this credit: Chase Sapphire Reserve, Amex Platinum, Capital One Venture X, Citi Prestige, and others. Check your card benefits — you may already have this covered. See our travel credit card guide for details.
Global Entry includes PreCheck
Global Entry is a Customs and Border Protection program for international travelers that costs $100 for 5 years — just $22 more than PreCheck alone. It includes TSA PreCheck plus expedited U.S. customs clearance when returning from international trips. If you travel internationally at all, Global Entry is the better value.
Common Questions
TSA PreCheck FAQs
Will PreCheck show on every boarding pass?
Not always. TSA PreCheck appears on your boarding pass based on risk assessment — it’s not guaranteed on every flight even with a valid KTN. This is normal and happens occasionally. Make sure your KTN is correctly saved in your airline profile, and always check before heading to security.
Can I use PreCheck on international flights?
TSA PreCheck applies to the departure security screening at U.S. airports, including for international flights departing the U.S. It does not apply to security at foreign airports. For expedited customs re-entry to the U.S., you need Global Entry — not PreCheck.
Does PreCheck work for my whole family?
Children 12 and under can use the PreCheck lane with a parent or guardian who has PreCheck — no separate enrollment needed. Children 13 and older need their own PreCheck membership to use the lane.
What’s the difference between PreCheck and Global Entry?
TSA PreCheck ($78/5 years) covers expedited security at U.S. airport departures. Global Entry ($100/5 years) covers expedited customs clearance when returning to the U.S. from international travel — and also includes TSA PreCheck. If you travel internationally even occasionally, Global Entry gives you more for just $22 extra.
Always add your Known Traveler Number to your airline frequent flyer profile, not just individual bookings. That way it’s applied automatically every time you book. Also add it to any travel credit card accounts that auto-fill travel details.
Disclaimer
TSA PreCheck fees, enrollment procedures, and program requirements are set by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration and may change at any time. Always verify current application requirements and fees at tsa.gov before applying. Information on this page is for general reference only and does not constitute official TSA guidance.