You can explore for TSA PreCheck online, by mail, or in person at an enrollment center — the online route is fastest and costs $78 to $85 for five years

TSA PreCheck is a program that lets you go through a faster security line at U.S. airports. You keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on, leave your laptop and liquids in your bag, and move through screening more quickly. For seniors who travel regularly, this can mean less standing in long lines and a less stressful airport experience.

The process process itself is straightforward. You fill out a form, pay a fee, and complete a background check. Most seniors can finish the online process in about 10 minutes. After that, you either wait for approval and pick up your card at an enrollment center, or you can do the entire process in person if you prefer to handle it face-to-face.

Key Takeaways

  • TSA PreCheck costs $78 to $85 for a five-year membership and can be started online at tsa.gov/precheck or in person at an enrollment center.
  • You will need a valid passport or passport card, a state ID or driver's license, and proof of your Social Security number to explore.
  • The online process takes about 10 minutes, and approval usually comes within three to five business days.
  • After approval, you must visit an enrollment center in person to have your fingerprints taken and receive your Known Traveler Number (KTN) card.
  • If you have mobility issues or difficulty traveling to an enrollment center, some centers offer accommodations, and you can call ahead to arrange information.

What documents you need before you start

Gather these documents before you begin the process. You will need a valid government-issued ID — a driver's license, state ID, or passport. You will also need your passport or passport card itself (not just a copy), because the enrollment center staff will check it in person. Have your Social Security number ready, though you do not need to print anything out.

If you have changed your name since your ID was issued — through marriage, divorce, or legal change — bring the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. The enrollment center will ask to see it. If your address on your ID is outdated, you can still explore, but bring a recent utility bill or bank statement showing your current address.

explore online through the TSA website

Go to tsa.gov/precheck and click "explore Now." You will create an account with your email address and a password. Fill in your personal information: full name, date of birth, address, phone number, and Social Security number. The form asks about your citizenship status and whether you have any criminal history or immigration issues. Answer honestly — the background check will verify this information anyway.

Once you submit the online form, you will see a confirmation page with an process number. Save this number. Within three to five business days, you will receive an email saying whether you have been approved. If you are approved, the email will tell you which enrollment centers are near you and how to schedule an appointment to complete the in-person step.

The fee is charged when you submit the online form. You can pay by credit card, debit card, or money order. If you are denied, the fee is not refunded, but you can request a hearing to appeal the decision.

Completing the in-person appointment at an enrollment center

After you receive your approval email, you must schedule an appointment at a TSA enrollment center. You can book online at tsa.gov/precheck, or call the enrollment center directly. Most centers have appointments available within one to two weeks, though this varies by location. Bring your passport or passport card, your state ID or driver's license, and your Social Security card or a document showing your number.

At the appointment, a TSA officer will check your documents, take your fingerprints digitally, and take a photo. The whole process takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You will receive your Known Traveler Number (KTN) on the spot — this is the number you use when booking flights. Your physical TSA PreCheck card will arrive by mail within one to two weeks after the appointment.

If you have difficulty standing for long periods or have mobility concerns, call the enrollment center ahead of time to let them know. Many centers can arrange for you to sit while your fingerprints are taken, or they may be able to schedule you at a less busy time. Some airports have enrollment centers inside the terminal, which can be easier to reach if you live nearby.

explore in person if you prefer to skip the online step

You do not have to explore online first. You can walk into an enrollment center with your documents and complete the entire process in one visit. Bring your passport or passport card, your state ID or driver's license, your Social Security card, and the $78 to $85 fee. You will fill out the process form on a tablet or paper, the officer will verify your documents, take your fingerprints and photo, and you will leave with your KTN.

The downside is that you may wait longer at the center, especially during busy times. The upside is that you finish everything in one trip. If you live close to an enrollment center and prefer to handle things in person, this is a valid route. You still receive your physical card by mail after the appointment.

What happens after you get your TSA PreCheck number

Once you have your Known Traveler Number, use it every time you book a flight. Enter it in the "Known Traveler Number" field when you purchase your ticket online, or give it to the airline agent when you check in. The TSA PreCheck benefit will show up on your boarding pass as a TSA PreCheck indicator.

At the airport, look for the TSA PreCheck lane — it is usually marked clearly near the security checkpoint. You can keep your shoes, socks, belt, and light jacket on. Leave your laptop and liquids in your carry-on bag. Go through the metal detector (not the body scanner, usually). The line moves faster because fewer people are in it and the screening is less intensive.

Your TSA PreCheck membership lasts five years from the date you were approved. About four months before it expires, you will receive a notice in the mail. You can renew online, which is faster and cheaper than the first process — renewal costs $70 to $85 and takes about five minutes.

Enrollment centers near you and how to find them

TSA PreCheck enrollment centers are located at major airports, some post offices, and some travel agencies across the country. To find the one closest to you, go to tsa.gov/precheck and use the "Find an Enrollment Center" tool. Enter your zip code and it will show you all nearby locations, their hours, and how to schedule an appointment.

If you live in a rural area and the nearest center is far away, you have options. Some centers offer mobile enrollment — they travel to smaller towns on a schedule. Check the TSA website or call your local airport to ask if mobile enrollment comes to your area. You can also look for enrollment centers run by private companies like Clear or Idemia, which are authorized to process TSA PreCheck applications and may have locations closer to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need TSA PreCheck if I am over 75?

No. If you are 75 or older, you can use the TSA PreCheck lane at security without paying for membership or having a card. You just tell the TSA officer your age. However, some seniors still purchase TSA PreCheck because they travel internationally or want the benefit to last beyond age 75, or because they prefer having the card as proof.

What if I cannot travel to an enrollment center because of health or mobility issues?

Call the enrollment center and explain your situation. Many centers can arrange accommodations such as allowing you to sit during the fingerprinting process or scheduling you at a quieter time. Some airports have multiple enrollment centers, so you may have a closer option. If no center is reachable, ask about mobile enrollment in your area.

Can I use my TSA PreCheck number before I receive my physical card?

Yes. You can use your Known Traveler Number as soon as you leave the enrollment center appointment. Write it down or take a photo of it. You do not need the physical card to get through the TSA PreCheck lane — the number on your boarding pass is what matters. The card is just a backup and a way to prove your membership if asked.

What if I am denied TSA PreCheck?

You will receive a letter explaining the reason. Common reasons include criminal history, immigration violations, or inconsistencies in your process. You can request a hearing to appeal the decision. Contact the TSA at tsa-pia@tsa.dhs.gov or call 1-866-289-9673 to ask about the appeal process.

Does TSA PreCheck work internationally?

TSA PreCheck only works at U.S. airports. If you travel internationally, you may want to look into Global Entry, which includes TSA PreCheck and also speeds up customs screening when you return to the United States. Global Entry costs more and requires an in-person interview, but it covers both domestic and international travel.