TSA PreCheck is the U.S. government’s trusted traveler program that lets you move through airport security faster — without removing your shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, or light jackets. If you fly frequently within the United States, TSA PreCheck is one of the most consistently praised travel upgrades available.
TSA PreCheck Rules Summary
- Program Type: U.S. government trusted traveler program (run by TSA)
- Cost: $78 for 5 years (new application)
- Renewal Cost: $70 for 5 years
- Application Process: Online + in-person fingerprint appointment
- Processing Time: ~2–3 weeks (can be as fast as a few days)
- Valid For: 5 years from approval date
- Works At: 200+ U.S. airports, 80+ airlines
What Is TSA PreCheck?
TSA PreCheck (also spelled “TSA Pre✓®” or “TSA pre check”) is a trusted traveler program operated by the Transportation Security Administration. For an in-depth standalone breakdown of the program’s rules and checkpoint mechanics, see our full guide on What Is TSA PreCheck?. Enrolled members receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) that links to their flight bookings. When you check in with your KTN, the airline notifies TSA, and you are routed to a dedicated PreCheck lane at the security checkpoint.
In the PreCheck lane, you do not need to:
- Remove shoes
- Remove laptops from bags
- Remove your quart-sized 3-1-1 liquids bag
- Remove light jackets or belts
This dramatically reduces checkpoint time. TSA reports that 99% of PreCheck passengers wait less than 10 minutes in security lines at major hubs like ORD, ATL, and MIA (see our TSA Wait Times Guide).
How Much Does TSA PreCheck Cost?
New Application: $78 for 5 years
This breaks down to roughly $15.60 per year, or about $1.30 per month. The fee is paid once you complete your in-person enrollment appointment.
Renewal: $70 for 5 years
Renewal is cheaper than a new application and can be completed fully online without another in-person appointment in many cases.
[!TIP] Many travel credit cards — including the Chase Sapphire Reserve, American Express Platinum, and Capital One Venture X — reimburse the TSA PreCheck application fee as a travel credit. Check your card benefits before paying out of pocket.
How to Get TSA PreCheck: Step-by-Step Application
Getting TSA PreCheck involves a straightforward process:
Step 1: Apply Online
Visit TSA PreCheck enrollment and complete the online application. You’ll provide:
- Full legal name (as it appears on your ID)
- Date of birth
- Address
- Country of citizenship
- Government ID number
Step 2: Schedule Your Enrollment Appointment
After submitting the online application, you’ll select an enrollment center location near you. Enrollment centers are located in airports, Staples stores, and other locations across the country. IDEMIA and Commandix/Telos are the two companies authorized by TSA to process PreCheck enrollments.
Step 3: Attend Your In-Person Appointment
At your appointment, you’ll:
- Show a valid government ID (passport, passport card, or driver’s license)
- Provide proof of citizenship (if using a driver’s license)
- Complete a fingerprint scan (biometric collection)
- Pay the $78 application fee
The appointment typically takes 10–15 minutes.
Step 4: Receive Your Known Traveler Number (KTN)
TSA will process your application and background check. Most applicants receive their Known Traveler Number (KTN) within 3–5 business days, though processing can occasionally take up to 3 weeks.
Step 5: Add Your KTN to Flight Bookings
Enter your KTN in your airline profile (frequent flyer account) and when booking tickets. The airline will print “TSA PRE✓” on your boarding pass, directing you to the PreCheck lane.
IDEMIA TSA PreCheck Enrollment
IDEMIA is one of the two companies licensed by TSA to process PreCheck enrollments. IDEMIA operates enrollment locations at hundreds of sites across the United States, including:
- Airports (pre-security areas)
- Retail locations (some UPS and AAA stores)
- Standalone enrollment centers
You can book a TSA PreCheck appointment directly through the IDEMIA website or through TSA’s official enrollment portal. Both routes take you to the same program — IDEMIA handles the fingerprinting and identity verification, while TSA handles the background check and issues your KTN.
How Long Does TSA PreCheck Last?
TSA PreCheck membership is valid for 5 years from the date of approval. Your Known Traveler Number (KTN) expires on the same date.
After 5 years, you must renew your membership to continue using PreCheck lanes.
How Long Is TSA PreCheck Good For?
Your PreCheck approval is good for exactly 5 years. The expiration date is shown:
- In your TSA enrollment confirmation email
- When you log into your TSA PreCheck account online
- On your boarding pass (when you enter your KTN correctly)
TSA sends renewal reminder emails approximately 6 months before your membership expires. You can begin the renewal process up to 6 months before expiration.
How to Renew TSA PreCheck
Renewing TSA PreCheck is simpler than the initial application:
- Visit the TSA Renewal Portal at tsa.gov approximately 6 months before expiration
- Complete the online renewal form — no new in-person appointment required for most applicants
- Pay the $70 renewal fee
- Receive your renewed KTN — usually within days
[!IMPORTANT] Renew before your membership expires. If your PreCheck lapses, you will lose your KTN and must complete a brand-new application (including an in-person appointment and paying the $78 new applicant fee).
Is TSA PreCheck Open?
As of 2026, TSA PreCheck lanes are open and operational at 200+ U.S. airports. The program has remained continuously active.
PreCheck lanes are not available at every gate or during every hour — smaller airports may have limited PreCheck hours. Always check your boarding pass for the “TSA PRE✓” indicator to confirm you’re enrolled correctly.
[!NOTE] TSA PreCheck lanes are not the same as general “expedited” lines. You must have an approved KTN entered on your booking to access them.
Is TSA PreCheck Worth It?
For most frequent U.S. travelers: yes. Here’s why:
| Factor | PreCheck Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per year | ~$15.60/year (new) |
| Wait time savings | 99% wait under 10 minutes |
| Airports covered | 200+ U.S. airports |
| Airlines covered | 80+ airlines |
| Shoes off? | No |
| Laptop out? | No |
| Liquids bag out? | No |
The program pays for itself within a handful of trips. For leisure travelers who fly less than 3 times per year, the math is less clear — but the convenience alone is meaningful.
It’s especially worth it if:
- You fly domestically 3+ times per year
- You frequently use major hub airports (JFK, LAX, DFW, ORD, ATL)
- You travel for work with carry-on only bags
- You dislike long security lines
Does Global Entry Include TSA PreCheck?
Yes. Global Entry automatically includes TSA PreCheck benefits. If you have an active Global Entry membership, you already have a KTN and can use TSA PreCheck lanes.
| Program | Cost | Includes PreCheck? | International Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| TSA PreCheck | $78 / 5 years | ✅ Yes (itself) | ❌ No |
| Global Entry | $120 / 5 years | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (customs kiosks) |
| NEXUS | $50 / 5 years | ✅ Yes | ✅ US-Canada border |
| SENTRI | $130 / 5 years | ✅ Yes | ✅ US-Mexico border |
If you travel internationally, Global Entry is the better value since it costs only $42 more than PreCheck alone but adds fast customs processing when you return to the U.S.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is TSA PreCheck? A: TSA PreCheck is a U.S. government trusted traveler program that gives approved travelers access to dedicated, faster security lanes where they don’t need to remove shoes, laptops, or liquids from their bags.
Q: How much is TSA PreCheck? A: TSA PreCheck costs $78 for a new 5-year membership. Renewal costs $70.
Q: How do I apply for TSA PreCheck? A: Apply online at tsa.gov, then complete an in-person appointment at an authorized enrollment center (run by IDEMIA or Telos) for fingerprinting and identity verification.
Q: How long does TSA PreCheck last? A: TSA PreCheck is valid for 5 years from your approval date.
Q: Does Global Entry include TSA PreCheck? A: Yes. Global Entry ($120/5 years) automatically includes full TSA PreCheck benefits.
Q: Is TSA PreCheck worth it? A: For travelers who fly domestically 3+ times per year, yes — the time savings and convenience consistently outweigh the $78 cost.
Q: How long does it take to get TSA PreCheck? A: Most applicants receive their Known Traveler Number (KTN) within 3–5 business days. Complex applications may take up to 3 weeks.
Q: Is TSA PreCheck open right now? A: Yes. TSA PreCheck lanes are fully operational at 200+ U.S. airports.
Conclusion
TSA PreCheck is one of the most practical travel investments for U.S. domestic flyers. At $78 for 5 years, the program delivers consistent, measurable time savings at security — with no shoes, no laptops out, and no liquids bag fumbling. Apply through IDEMIA or Telos at an enrollment center near you, and you’ll typically have your KTN within a week.
See Also
- What Is TSA PreCheck? Standalone Overview & Rules
- Global Entry vs TSA PreCheck: Complete Comparison
- TSA Wait Times at Major Airports (ORD, ATL, MIA, LAX, JFK)
- Can You Bring a Carry-On AND a Personal Item?
- TSA 3-1-1 Liquids Rule Explained