How much does it cost to get a TSA known traveler number?

TSA PreCheck costs $78 for a five-year membership period. After the initial application fee, PreCheck renewal only costs $70 if completed online. As detailed below, some travel credit cards will help offset this cost. The initial fee breaks down to an average of $17 per year or less than $1.50 per month.



As of early 2026, the cost to obtain a TSA Known Traveler Number (KTN) through the TSA PreCheck® program is $78 for a five-year membership when applying in person at an enrollment center. If you choose to renew your membership online after the initial five years, the high-value "pro-tip" is that the price drops to $70. Alternatively, many travelers opt for Global Entry, which costs $120 but includes a KTN for PreCheck plus expedited customs processing when returning to the U.S. from abroad. A new 2026 update to be aware of: if you lack a REAL ID-compliant license and need to use the "TSA ConfirmID" service at the checkpoint, there is a separate $45 verification fee. For most frequent flyers, the $78 investment for PreCheck is considered essential, as it allows you to keep your shoes on and electronics in your bag, significantly reducing the time and friction of the airport security experience.

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For new applicants, the TSA PreCheck fee costs $78. Renewal costs $70 online and an approval for PreCheck lasts five years.

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The application fee for TSA PreCheck® is $78 for 5 years.

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How Do I Get TSA Precheck for Free?
  1. Aeroplan® Credit Card.
  2. The Platinum Card® from American Express (Terms apply, see rates & fees)
  3. The Business Platinum Card® from American Express (Terms apply, see rates & fees)
  4. Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card.
  5. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.


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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. TSA will notify members with eligibility results. How much does TSA PreCheck® renewal cost?

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When you enroll in TSA Pre?® (valid for 5 years), you'll speed through expedited security lines without the need to remove your shoes, laptop, liquids, belt, or lightweight jacket.

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The fastest and easiest way to enroll in TSA PreCheck® is to start the application online.

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Do seniors automatically get PreCheck? No. Anyone who wants to receive PreCheck needs to apply. However, TSA does provide people who are 75 years old or older access to an expedited screening process in the regular screening lines: You can keep your light jacket and shoes on.

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A Known Traveler Number (KTN) is issued to all individuals approved to receive TSA PreCheck® expedited screening. The KTN must be added in the KTN field when booking airline travel reservations to have the TSA PreCheck® indicator appear on your boarding pass.

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Not only does Staples offer same-day passport photo services, they also offer TSA Pre-Check enrollment.

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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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If I am TSA PreCheck® eligible, am I guaranteed expedited screening? No, TSA uses unpredictable security measures, both seen and unseen, throughout the airport. All travelers will be screened, and no individual is guaranteed expedited screening.

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TSA PreCheck® provides expedited security screening benefits for flights departing from U.S. Airports. 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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If you commit certain violations of federal security regulations, such as assault, threat, intimidation, or interference with flight crew, physical or sexual assault or threat of physical or sexual assault of any individual on an aircraft, interference with security operations, access control violations, providing ...

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Eligible TSA PreCheck® travelers include: U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents enrolled in TSA PreCheck®. Members of Global Entry. U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents who are members of SENTRI.

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Most budget airlines like Frontier, Allegiant, Spirit, and Sun Country all participate in TSA PreCheck. Notable airlines that don't participate in TSA PreCheck include Aer Lingus, China Southern, China Eastern, EgyptAir, and worst of all, Iberia.

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The real benefit of Clear is saving time. This means that if you value not having to remove shoes, electronics, liquids and outerwear, you will also want to apply for TSA PreCheck. If you only want to bypass the line, but don't mind.

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Travelers cannot upgrade from TSA PreCheck to Global Entry
A main reason is that the programs have distinct purposes. TSA PreCheck can help travelers pass through airport security checkpoints. Meanwhile, Global Entry is specifically for travelers arriving in the United States from another country.

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