Everything You Need to Know About TSA Precheck

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Learn how to skip the lines and speed past security

Co-authored by Amy Tan and Cheyenne Main

Last Updated: December 5, 2024 Fact Checked

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Applying for the TSA PreCheck Benefits

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Flying with TSA PreCheck

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Expert Advice

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Tips

Whether you’ve applied for the TSA PreCheck program or got randomly selected for a TSA PreCheck experience, TSA PreCheck allows you to use a special lane while going through airport security. In this lane, you’ll generally have a shorter wait time, be allowed to keep your shoes and outerwear on, and be permitted to keep liquids and electronics stored safely in your bag. To apply for TSA PreCheck, you’ll need to apply online and schedule an in-person interview to get approval. Let’s dive into the process.

Things You Should Know

To apply for TSA PreCheck, fill out the online application and go to an enrollment center for an in-person interview once you’ve been approved.
Get your Known Traveler Number from TSA via email. Enter the KTN on your reservation, and your boarding pass will show a “TSA PreCheck” indicator on it.
At the airport, enter the TSA PreCheck line. You may not be required to remove light jackets, belts, shoes, liquids, or electronic devices.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Applying for the TSA PreCheck Benefits

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1
Verify that you are a US citizen or resident. The TSA PreCheck program is only offered to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and lawful permanent residents.^{[1]
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U.S. Transportation Security Administration
U.S. government agency responsible for ensuring safety by setting and enforcing travel protocols

Go to source} You must be able to provide valid citizenship documentation during the application process.^{[2]
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U.S. Transportation Security Administration
U.S. government agency responsible for ensuring safety by setting and enforcing travel protocols

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- Canadian citizens who have enrolled in the NEXUS program are also eligible for TSA PreCheck benefits.^{[3]
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- Citizens of a few select countries may also be eligible for TSA PreCheck benefits by signing up for the Global Entry program. This program is open to citizens of India, Colombia, the United Kingdom, Germany, Panama, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, and Mexican nationals.^{[4]
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Fill out the online application. To begin the application process, visit the TSA’s PreCheck application webpage. Click on “New Enrollment” and fill out the form. You will be asked to provide some personal details – like your name, address, birth date, recent employment history, and any recent countries you have visited.
- Make sure that the name you enter on the application matches the name on your passport exactly. If the two differ in any way, you won’t be able to use the TSA PreCheck option.^{[5]
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- When applying, you can self-identify as “Male,” “Female,” or “Another Gender.” The gender on your ID documents does not have to match the gender you select on your application.^{[6]
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- If your gender does not match the gender you originally selected on your application, you can request a data update from the enrollment provider you applied with.^{[7]
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Schedule an in-person interview at an enrollment center. You can make an appointment online during the initial application process or walk into an enrollment center without making an appointment. Visit TSA’s online Enrollment Center Locator and enter your zip code to find a location near you.^{[8]
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- At the appointment, bring an original or certified copy of your identity/citizenship status documentation. This may include your passport or a valid photo ID and a document that meets citizenship requirements. See the entire list here.^{[9]
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- The TSA agent will perform a background check, fingerprint you, and ask you a few straightforward questions about your personal details during the interview.
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Pay the application fee at the interview appointment. To cover the cost of the background check, you’ll be asked to pay a non-refundable $85 fee.^{[10]
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Go to source} This fee also maintains your eligibility for TSA PreCheck for 5 years.^{[11]
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Go to source} TSA doesn’t offer assistance with the fee, but if you have any participating credit cards, you may qualify to have some or the entire application fee covered.^{[12]
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- To renew your TSA PreCheck for another 5 years after it expires, you’ll be asked to pay a non-refundable $70-78 fee.^{[13]
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Recieve your Known Traveler Number 3-5 days after the interview. Once you’ve been approved for TSA PreCheck, you’ll get an email or phone notification with instructions on retrieving your Known Traveler Number (KTN) online. This number functions as your TSA PreCheck identifier, and you can look up your KTN at any time on the TSA website.^{[14]
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- Some applicants may wait up to 60 days to receive their KTN. Check your application status online.
- TSA may deny your application if you provide incomplete or incorrect information, you violate transportation security rules, or you have committed a disqualifying criminal offense.^{[15]
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- Want to hear what wikiHow users are saying about the TSA PreCheck process? Check out our What's the process to get TSA precheck? How long does it take? forum.

Part 2

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Flying with TSA PreCheck

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1
Add your Known Traveler Number to your airline reservation. Include your KTN in the appropriate field of each reservation you make with a participating airline, whether you’re booking a flight online or by phone with an airline agent or travel management company. You can also add it to any frequent flyer profiles, employer booking systems, or online travel websites that you use. Once you add your KTN, you will receive a TSA PreCheck indicator on your boarding pass.^{[16]
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- If you don’t include your TSA PreCheck number when you book an airline ticket, you won’t be able to use TSA PreCheck benefits at the airport.
- The TSA PreCheck program was initially available at just 4 U.S. airports but has expanded to more than 200 airports nationwide. To see the airports that offer PreCheck, visit the TSA’s Airports and Airlines interactive map.
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Enter the security line marked for TSA PreCheck passengers. Once you get to the security line at the airport, look for the lane labeled “TSA Pre✓®” or "Expedited Screening". This line should have fewer people and shorter waits as you move through security.^{[17]
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- You will be required to show your boarding pass with the "TSA Precheck" indicator printed on it. This will allow you to use the expedited screening lane when boarding your flight.
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Keep your light jacket, belt, and shoes on. When you’re TSA PreCheck approved, you’re not required to remove your light jackets, belts, or shoes as you pass through security.^{[18]
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- If your shoes or belt have large metal pieces on them, you may be asked to remove them.
- You will be asked to remove heavy jackets, but you can keep light jackets and sweaters on.
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Keep liquids, gels, aerosols, and laptops in your bag. In the TSA PreCheck line, you’re not required to remove liquids from your bag or to take out electronic devices, like laptops. Instead, keep all of these items in your luggage and simply send your bag through the X-ray machine as-is.^{[19]
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- However, you still are required to follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule. Carry liquids, gels, and aerosols in travel-size 3.4 ounces (100 milliliter) containers. Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, gels, and aerosols.^{[20]
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Cooperate with any additional screenings or requirements. Remember that even TSA PreCheck-approved passengers are still subject to additional screening if deemed necessary by TSA personnel. Follow any instructions given to you by TSA employees, even if you have TSA PreCheck status.^{[21]
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- You may be asked to submit to additional X-ray screening of your luggage, body scans, or even physical pat-downs.

Join the Discussion...

What's the process to get TSA precheck? How long does it take?

44

WikiCheetahTamer414

I travel pretty frequently and feel like it'd be worth it for me to get TSA precheck to save myself time at the airport and also save myself the... Read More

1

WikiKangarooReader782

Check if there's a TSA PreCheck enrollement center in your area, and start pre-enrolling online before you make an in-person appointment. Make su... Read More

1

WikiCapybaraWhisperer764

The enrollment process is pretty straightforward, I did it last summer. They just ask a few questions about where you're going and fingerprint yo... Read More

See all 5 Replies and

Read Discussion

Expert Advice

Follow these steps to properly use TSA PreCheck at an airport:

Apply for TSA PreCheck through their website or via Global Entry. Be aware that not all airlines participate in the TSA program.
Add your TSA PreCheck number to your flight reservation.
Check whether TSA PreCheck is noted on your boarding pass when you get your boarding pass.
Use the TSA PreCheck security line if it's available and TSA PreCheck shows on your boarding pass. When you're going through the security line, there's no need to remove your shoes, coat, or laptop.

From Amy Tan

Travel Planner & Founder, Planet Hoppers

Community Q&A

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Question

I am flying to Disney, and my tickets were booked by them. I didn't have a TSA PreCheck number at the time of the booking. Can I add it now?

Community Answer

You should be able to add your number on the website of whatever airline you're flying (provided that airline supports TSA precheck).

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What do I do when my TSA Precheck does not appear on my boarding pass?

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Unfortunately, not all airlines support TSA Precheck. You might be flying with one of those, so you'll have to go through the normal security line.

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Do I pay now or after I'm approved?

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You pay at the time of application. Not sure if the money would be refunded if you were rejected, you might want to look into that first.

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Tips

Passengers who are at least 13 years old are eligible to apply for TSA PreCheck benefits on their own. However, applicants under 18 years of age must get prior permission from their parent or guardian and submit proof of this permission during the application process.

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Passengers under 12 years of age are automatically allowed to accompany a parent or guardian through the TSA PreCheck lane if the adult has been approved for the TSA PreCheck program.

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Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

If you have an active TSA KTN and it does not show up on your boarding pass, contact your airline to confirm you entered it at booking. If you can confirm that you entered it at booking and the airline cannot adjust your boarding pass, contact TSA directly. They may be able to assist you.
Some airports will have you go through the same machines as normal passengers, but the agents will give you a card to display so you don't have to remove your shoes.

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