TSA PreCheck: Enrollment, Eligibility, Cost and Traveler Rules
TSA PreCheck is a Department of Homeland Security trusted-traveler program for eligible U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals and lawful permanent residents.
Approved members receive a Known Traveler Number, or KTN. When the KTN is correctly attached to a reservation with a participating airline, the TSA PreCheck indicator may appear on the boarding pass and allow access to an expedited screening lane where available.
TSA PreCheck is a traveler program, not an employment program. It does not affect whether someone qualifies for a TSA job, and working for TSA is not the same as enrolling as a traveler.
TSA PreCheck at a Glance
| Topic | Current general rule |
|---|---|
| Eligible applicants | U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals and lawful permanent residents |
| Membership period | Five years |
| Main credential | Known Traveler Number |
| Enrollment | Online application plus in-person identity verification and fingerprints |
| Providers | IDEMIA, CLEAR and Telos under TSA’s current provider model |
| Expedited screening guarantee | No |
| Children | Rules depend on age and whether the child’s boarding pass shows the indicator |
| Employment connection | None; this is not a TSA hiring program |
How Enrollment Works
Begin only through TSA.gov and select an authorized enrollment provider linked from the official TSA site.
A typical application includes:
- choosing a provider;
- completing the online application;
- scheduling or locating an in-person enrollment appointment;
- presenting acceptable identity and citizenship or immigration documents;
- providing fingerprints and a photograph;
- paying the provider’s enrollment fee; and
- waiting for TSA security vetting and status processing.
The online form is usually brief, while the in-person appointment is commonly completed in approximately ten minutes when documents are ready. Processing can take several days, but some applications require substantially longer review.
Use the status system associated with the provider used for enrollment.
Authorized Providers and Fees
TSA currently works with multiple authorized enrollment providers. Each provider sets its own enrollment and renewal fees within the program structure.
The following table preserves the exact prices previously published on this page. They were checked on July 23, 2026 and should be treated as a dated reference rather than a permanent price list.
| Authorized provider | New enrollment | Online renewal | In-person renewal |
|---|---|---|---|
| IDEMIA | $76.75 | $58.75 | $66.75 |
| CLEAR | $79.95 | $69.95 | $79.95 |
| Telos | $85.00 | $69.95 | $58.75 |
Fees may change. Verify the live amount through TSA.gov and the selected authorized provider before paying.
Factors to compare include:
- new-enrollment fee;
- online-renewal fee;
- in-person-renewal fee;
- nearby enrollment locations;
- appointment availability;
- accepted payment methods; and
- provider-specific renewal procedures.
Do not use an enrollment website unless it is linked through TSA’s official PreCheck pages.
Known Traveler Number
After approval, the member receives a Known Traveler Number.
The KTN should be entered in the correct airline loyalty profile or reservation field. The traveler’s reservation name should match the identity information used during enrollment.
A missing TSA PreCheck indicator can result from:
- an incorrect KTN;
- a name mismatch;
- an expired membership;
- a nonparticipating airline;
- a reservation made before the KTN was added;
- a booking-system issue; or
- TSA security procedures for that trip.
Having a valid KTN does not guarantee the indicator on every boarding pass.
Screening Benefits
When the TSA PreCheck indicator appears and an expedited lane is available, members can generally keep on or leave in place:
- shoes;
- belts;
- light jackets;
- compliant 3-1-1 liquids inside the carry-on bag; and
- laptops inside the bag.
Procedures can vary by airport, lane, equipment and security situation. TSA can require standard or additional screening at any time.
Computed-tomography equipment can also change divestment instructions. Follow the officer’s instructions at the checkpoint rather than relying only on a general list.
Children and Family Travel
Children age 12 and younger may generally accompany an eligible parent or guardian through the TSA PreCheck lane when the adult’s boarding pass displays the indicator.
Children ages 13 through 17 may accompany an eligible adult only under TSA’s current family rules, including the requirement that the child’s boarding pass display the TSA PreCheck indicator.
Families should review the current TSA FAQ when:
- children are on a separate reservation;
- surnames differ;
- the child is traveling with another adult;
- the indicator is missing from one boarding pass; or
- the child is traveling alone.
Renewal
Membership is valid for five years. Renewal can usually be completed through an authorized provider, with online and in-person options depending on the provider and applicant.
Before renewing, confirm:
- the provider handling the existing membership;
- the current renewal fee;
- whether online renewal is available;
- whether new identity documents are required; and
- the expiration date.
Renew before an important trip rather than assuming an expired membership will be restored immediately.
TSA PreCheck Does Not Guarantee Expedited Screening
TSA uses unpredictable and risk-based security measures. Membership does not guarantee:
- a TSA PreCheck indicator on every trip;
- an expedited lane at every checkpoint or operating hour;
- exemption from additional screening;
- exemption from identification requirements; or
- the same procedures at every airport.
All travelers remain subject to security screening.
TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and CLEAR Are Not the Same
TSA PreCheck primarily concerns expedited security screening for eligible travelers departing from U.S. airports.
Global Entry is administered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and focuses on expedited processing for eligible travelers arriving in the United States. Global Entry membership generally includes TSA PreCheck eligibility when the membership information is used correctly.
CLEAR is a private identity-verification service available at participating locations. CLEAR can also act as one of TSA’s authorized PreCheck enrollment providers, but CLEAR membership and TSA PreCheck membership remain separate products.
Common Problems
Travelers often:
- enter the KTN in the wrong reservation field;
- use a nickname that does not match enrollment records;
- forget to add the KTN before check-in;
- assume every airline participates;
- assume every airport has an open PreCheck lane;
- confuse CLEAR membership with PreCheck membership;
- rely on an unofficial enrollment website;
- overlook membership expiration; or
- assume membership eliminates all additional screening.
How This Page Fits a Career Website
TSACareer.com primarily covers employment. This page remains useful because TSA PreCheck is one of the agency’s most visible public programs and is frequently confused with TSA screening employment.
For careers, use:
A PreCheck application does not create a TSA employment application, background investigation or hiring preference.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is TSA PreCheck membership valid?
Five years under the current program.
How long does approval take?
Many approved applicants receive a KTN within several days, while some applications can take up to 60 days or longer when additional review is required.
Does PreCheck work on every flight?
No. The indicator must appear on the boarding pass, the airline must participate and an eligible lane must be available.
Can children use the lane?
Yes under TSA’s current age-based family rules. Requirements differ for children age 12 and younger and those ages 13 through 17.
Does working for TSA include PreCheck membership?
Employment and traveler-program eligibility are separate. Employees should follow any agency-specific travel or credential instructions rather than assuming automatic personal membership.
Where should I apply?
Start through TSA.gov and use an authorized provider linked from the official site.
Next steps in your TSA search
Compare Security careers, Mission Support careers and law-enforcement careers. TSO candidates should read the TSA test-prep hub and optional JobTestPrep TSA PrepPack.