How do I get a TSA PreCheck?

How do I apply for TSA PreCheck®? Visit tsa.gov/precheck to select the enrollment provider that best meets your needs and has an enrollment location near you. You can pre-enroll online and make an appointment for the in-person process, or walk-in to an enrollment center without an appointment.



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How it works
  1. Apply Online. Select an enrollment provider with enrollment locations near you. ...
  2. Visit an Enrollment Location. Attend a 10 minute appointment at your chosen provider that includes fingerprinting, document and photo capture, and payment.
  3. Get Your TSA PreCheck Number.


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The application fee for TSA PreCheck® is $78 for 5 years. Before you apply, we recommend that you review the various DHS trusted traveler programs, such as the TSA PreCheck® Application Program, Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI, to ensure you meet the eligibility requirements and determine the best program for you.

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How long does it take to get approved? Most applicants receive approval notification in 3-5 days, though some applications can take up to 60 days. Considering this, applicants are encouraged to renew at least 60 days prior to expiry.

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Google search traffic for “TSA Precheck” is around its highest level in five years. Most TSA PreCheck applicants must complete an online application, and get approved within three to five days of their in-person enrollment appointment, on average. However, it can take 60 days or longer, the TSA said.

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Notably, Global Entry membership automatically includes TSA PreCheck membership. This means that travelers with Global Entry can enjoy a faster screening process whether they're traveling domestically or returning to the United States after a trip abroad.

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TSA estimates that 95% of TSA PreCheck passengers wait less than five minutes in the security line. This is a small amount of time separating you from the back of the security line to the terminal, meaning the most useful benefit is, of course, saving time.

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TSA PreCheck® is available when you depart from a U.S. airport to a foreign country, and for domestic, connecting flights after you return to the United States. If you travel internationally four or more times a year, consider enrolling in Global Entry instead of TSA PreCheck®.

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Most applicants receive approval notification in 3-5 days, though some applications can take up to 60 days. Considering this, applicants are encouraged to renew at least 60 days prior to expiry.

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To apply, applicants simply complete a TSA Precheck application online at tsa.gov or at an enrollment center. All candidates must schedule a visit to an enrollment center for a short interview and show proof of identity, citizenship and submit their fingerprints.

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If you're a Global Entry, NEXUS or SENTRI member, you don't need to apply for TSA PreCheck since TSA PreCheck eligibility is already included with those programs.

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As of September 2022, TSA PreCheck is available at more than 256 U.S. airports.

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However, the answer is yes to the question Can I add TSA PreCheck to an existing reservation? You must update existing flights and your airline loyalty program profiles to be able to use the dedicated airport security lanes for PreCheck members.

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Travelers who have TSA PreCheck status can enjoy faster-moving dedicated security lines at airports and do not have to remove their shoes, belts, or light jackets. Gels and small liquids may often remain in carry-ons as well as laptops.

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There's no TSA PreCheck in Europe (womp womp), but at select Europe airports, travelers can reserve a time slot in advance (free of charge) then head to the front of the security line. There's no need to experience a repeat of last year's flightmare at Amsterdam's Schiphol.

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If you travel internationally four or more times a year, consider enrolling in Global Entry. If you take less than four international trips a year, TSA PreCheck is a great choice for domestic travelers.

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Failure to meet eligibility requirements
U.S. citizens and U.S. lawful permanent residents are eligible for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry. If the identifying information on your application is incorrect or incomplete, then it may be denied.

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Global Entry provides expedited U.S. customs screening for international air travelers when entering the United States. Global Entry members also receive TSA PreCheck® benefits as part of their membership.

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Global Entry is a federal program allowing members faster screening when returning to the U.S. A five-year membership is $100 and includes TSA Precheck. The Trusted Traveler Programs website estimates application processing times of four to six months for Global Entry.

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