How to get TSA PreCheck®
Quick insights
- TSA PreCheck is a government-run Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) designed to help expedite airport security screenings.
- Travelers can apply for TSA PreCheck and pay the application fee online.
- Those applying for the first time must complete their application and pay in person at a TSA enrollment center.
Airports can be busy and unpredictable, and it isn’t always convenient to arrive hours ahead of time to wait in long lines. TSA PreCheck can help streamline your airport experience by allowing you to access expedited security screening lanes. Additionally, you may not need to remove items like light jackets, belts, shoes, laptops and liquids if you’re a TSA PreCheck member.
Read on to learn how to apply for TSA PreCheck to potentially improve your airport experience.
How do you get TSA PreCheck?
To initially apply for TSA PreCheck, you must complete an application, visit an enrollment center and pay an application fee. Applications are typically processed within a few weeks. That timeline, however, depends mainly on your availability for an in-person appointment and your proximity to a TSA PreCheck enrollment center.
Apply for TSA PreCheck
You can begin an online application at TSA.gov/PreCheck.Opens overlay After entering some identifying information, you will be asked to verify that you're eligible for the program by answering several questions about your citizenship, residency and any criminal records.
Completing an online application helps to set you up for the following step: the in-person appointment.
Schedule an appointment to visit an enrollment center
When you complete an online application, you can schedule an in-person appointment. You can choose the enrollment center you're able to visit and an available time.
At your appointment, a professional will collect payment, verify the physical copies of your documents and take your fingerprints. This completes the application process and begins the application review period.
You can also apply for TSA PreCheck in person at an enrollment center. However, appointments are not guaranteed and you may need to wait to be seen. Scheduled appointments are generally prioritized over walk-ins. Whether you schedule your visit or walk in, specific documentation will need to be presented in person.
Bring the correct documentation to your appointment
You'll choose the documents you plan to bring when completing an online application. You can check the TSA website for information on identification documentation that will be requiredOpens overlay.
You will have to provide original or certified copies of documents unless the TSA requirements state otherwise.
How long does it take to get TSA PreCheck?
The online application for TSA PreCheck can generally be completed quickly, but the timing of your in-person appointment can vary. It depends on your availability and the availability at your preferred TSA PreCheck enrollment center.
These appointments are usually brief. You present your documents, submit to a background check and have your fingerprints taken. After that, many applicants receive a status update in 3 to 5 days, though some reviews can take up to 60 days.
When you apply online, you may be able to request ongoing updates on your enrollment status by email, phone or an online portal.
Can I get TSA PreCheck for free?
Although TSA PreCheck is not free, some travel credit cards provide reimbursement via a statement credit for the application fee. Contact your credit card issuer or check your card's terms to see if this benefit is available to you.
Some examples of cards that offer this benefit are the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and Chase Sapphire Preferred® , which cover the application fee for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or NEXUS with a statement credit once every four years. Cardmembers must pay for the fee with their eligible Sapphire card to receive the credit.
The application fee is nonrefundable and covers the costs of background checks and fingerprinting. You can check with your specific enrollment provider to see what types of payment methods are accepted.
Additional ways to get TSA PreCheck
Before applying for TSA PreCheck, you may also choose to consider similar travel programs:
- Global Entry: Travelers with a Global Entry membership can use expedited screening lanes when entering U.S. Customs and Border Protection. TSA PreCheck is also included in Global Entry membership.
- NEXUS or SENTRI: With NEXUS, pre-screened travelers receive expedited processing when entering the U.S. or Canada. Sentri provides streamlined international travel from Mexico into the U.S. Similar to Global Entry, travelers who are enrolled in either of these programs are also enrolled in TSA PreCheck.
Although membership to these other programs includes TSA PreCheck, each program has varying costs, features, eligibility requirements and enrollment processes. You may want to review these points carefully when considering which program suits you.
In summary
TTPs like TSA PreCheck might help reduce the stress of your airport experience. You can apply online or at an enrollment office to begin the application process.
Applicants must complete an in-person appointment, pay the application fee and bring certain forms of ID. If your application is approved, you may start adding TSA PreCheck to your flight tickets and begin accessing expedited security lanes. TSA PreCheck membership is valid for five years.
Although the TSA PreCheck application fee is nonrefundable, some travel credit cards reimburse the fee by providing a statement credit, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve or Chase Sapphire Preferred credit cards.
