TSA PreCheck® interview: How it works
Quick insights
- TSA PreCheck® interview involves fingerprinting, ID verification and the payment of the application fee.
- Applicants must bring valid identification such as a passport or driver’s license and be ready to pay the fee.
- Some credit cards, like the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, offer a statement credit for the TSA PreCheck application fee.
TSA PreCheck is a Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) administered by the TSA. Applicants who pass the background check and interview are approved and enrolled in the program, granting them access to expedited security screening. As a result, approved travelers receive several benefits at airport security screenings in the United States. With TSA PreCheck, you can keep on shoes, belts and light jackets, leave laptops and compliant liquids in your carry-on bag, and typically experience shorter wait times in dedicated security lines.
Airport security is a serious part of air travel, and the TSA vets each TSA PreCheck applicant. To become a member, you'll have to apply, have your fingerprints taken, submit to a background check and attend an in-person appointment. Ahead, we'll detail exactly what's involved with that appointment.
What do I need for a TSA PreCheck appointment?
First-time applicants will need to bring required documentation and a payment method for the application fee to their TSA PreCheck appointment.
Required documentation
As you complete an application on the TSA websiteOpens overlay, you will be informed of the documents needed at your appointment. If the TSA requires additional documents, you'll be notified. You may also visit the TSA website for additional information and list of required documentation. In general, you'll need to bring one document from List A or two documents from List B:
- List A: passport book or card, permanent resident card, U.S. driver's license or state-issued ID
- List B: U.S. Military ID, U.S. birth certificate, U.S. certificate of naturalization, driver's license, state-issued ID or expired passport (within 12 months of expiration)
Documents must be original and unexpired unless otherwise stated in the TSA requirements.
A way to pay the application fee
You won't be able to pay the application fee ahead of your in-person appointment if you're applying for the first time. Payment will be required at the time of your appointment, and credit cards are accepted.
Some travel credit cards provide a statement credit as reimbursement for the TSA PreCheck application fee. Chase Sapphire Reserve is one of those cards. Chase Sapphire Reserve provides a statement credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS. Visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) official website to compare the most current costs of these travel programs to make the best decision for you: https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programsOpens overlay.
How does a TSA PreCheck interview work?
The word “interview" may be a misnomer. If you've made it here, your appointment should be straightforward. Appointments are usually brief because the main purpose isn't to interrogate you this far into the process. You'll submit your fingerprints and consent to a background check, then the TSA will continue reviewing your application for enrollment.
Can I walk in for TSA PreCheck interview?
Yes, you can walk in to a TSA PreCheck enrollment center and submit an application. However, scheduled appointments are prioritized. Taking the time to complete the online application may help reduce unpredictable wait times.
The application online is straightforward. You can schedule your appointment, which could improve your chance of having a brief in-person appointment. If you walk in to apply for TSA PreCheck, you could wait a long time for an appointment or risk not being seen at all.
What to do while you wait for TSA PreCheck interview
After you schedule an appointment, gather the required documents and a way to pay the application fee. Payment will be due at your appointment if you're applying for TSA PreCheck for the first time. As you wait for a scheduled appointment, you could also double-check that your credentials aren't about to expire. That would be an unpleasant surprise—showing up to your appointment only to realize your ID expired last week!
In summary
TSA PreCheck appointments are an important verification step in the enrollment process. If you're considering walking in to an enrollment center, consider scheduling ahead of time. The online application is quite straightforward, and scheduled appointments are prioritized over walk-ins.
Although appointments tend to be brief, be sure to bring your required documentationOpens overlay, provided as you complete the online application, before you schedule your appointment.
If it's your first time applying, you'll also need to pay the application fee at the time of your appointment. Remember that some credit cards like Chase Sapphire Reserve provide a statement credit as reimbursement for this fee. That's true for other TTPs like Global Entry and NEXUSOpens overlay, as well. To be eligible for the statement credit, you'll have to pay the fee using your Sapphire Reserve card.
