Requirements for TSA PreCheck enrollment in the United States in 2026

TSA PreCheck is a trusted traveler program run by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) that allows eligible passengers to move through expedited security screening lanes at participating U.S. airports. Instead of removing shoes, laptops, liquids, belts and light jackets, PreCheck members pass through a dedicated, faster lane — making domestic and many international departures significantly less stressful.

Enrollment requires an in-person appointment at an enrollment center, where your identity and eligibility are verified through a background check and fingerprinting. The process is straightforward if you arrive with the correct documents. This guide explains exactly what you need to bring, how the process works and what to expect after you apply.

What TSA PreCheck is and what it’s for

TSA PreCheck is a voluntary pre-screening program administered by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), a federal agency within the Department of Homeland Security. It is designed for U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals and lawful permanent residents who travel frequently and want faster security screening at more than 200 U.S. airports.

Once approved, your Known Traveler Number (KTN) is added to your airline reservations. When the TSA PreCheck indicator appears on your boarding pass, you use a dedicated lane where you do not need to remove shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, belts or light jackets.

This program is relevant if you:

• Fly domestically or internationally from a U.S. airport on a participating airline
• Want to reduce time spent in standard security screening lines
• Are a U.S. citizen, U.S. national or lawful permanent resident (green card holder)

Note: Non-U.S. citizens who are not lawful permanent residents are not eligible for TSA PreCheck and should consider Global Entry (which also grants PreCheck benefits) or other Customs and Border Protection trusted traveler programs.

Documents required

You must bring original documents only — photocopies and digital versions are not accepted at the enrollment center. You need to present one document from List A (proving both identity and citizenship/immigration status) or one document from List B plus one from List C (identity + citizenship/status separately).

List A — single document proving both identity and status:

• U.S. passport (valid or expired within the last 5 years)
• U.S. passport card (valid or expired within the last 5 years)
• Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551 / green card)
• Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) issued by a participating U.S. state — note: not all states issue EDLs
• U.S. Military ID (active duty, reserve or retired)
• Trusted Traveler Program card (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI)

List B — identity document (must be combined with a List C document):

• State-issued driver’s license or ID card — must be REAL ID-compliant (required as of 7 May 2025)
• School ID with photo (for minors)
• Voter registration card
• U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner card

List C — citizenship or immigration status document (must be combined with a List B document):

• U.S. birth certificate (original or certified copy issued by the state vital records office — not a hospital-issued certificate)
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240)
• Certificate of Naturalization (Form N-550 or N-570)
• Certificate of Citizenship (Form N-560 or N-561)
• Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551) if not used in List A

Important notes:

• All documents must be originals. No photocopies, laminated copies or digital images are accepted.
• A certified birth certificate must have a raised seal or stamp from the issuing state authority. A hospital-issued souvenir birth certificate is not accepted.
• If your name on your identity document differs from your legal name (e.g., due to marriage or divorce), bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree or court-ordered name change document.
• No apostille is required for U.S.-issued documents used in this domestic procedure.

Steps to complete the procedure

1. Pre-enroll online (optional but recommended)

Visit the official TSA PreCheck enrollment page at https://www.tsa.gov/precheck or go directly to an approved enrollment provider’s website. TSA uses third-party enrollment providers, currently including Idemia and Telos. Pre-enrolling online saves time at the appointment by letting you fill in your personal information in advance.

2. Find an enrollment center

Use the enrollment provider’s website to locate the nearest enrollment center. Centers are located at many airports, retail locations and dedicated enrollment offices across the country. Availability varies by state and city.

3. Schedule an in-person appointment

Book an appointment through your chosen enrollment provider’s website. Walk-in appointments may be available at some locations, but scheduling in advance is strongly recommended to avoid long waits.

4. Attend your in-person appointment

Bring your required original documents (see the Documents required section above). At the appointment, an enrollment agent will:

• Verify your identity and citizenship/immigration documents
• Collect your fingerprints (10-finger digital scan)
• Take a photo for identity verification
• Collect the enrollment fee

The in-person appointment typically takes 10–15 minutes.

5. Background check processing

After your appointment, the TSA conducts a security threat assessment (background check) using your fingerprints and personal information. You do not need to do anything during this period.

6. Receive your Known Traveler Number (KTN)

If approved, you receive your KTN by email or mail (depending on the provider). Add this number to your frequent flyer profiles and airline reservations to activate your PreCheck benefits. The KTN is a 9-digit number.

Estimated total time from appointment to approval: typically 3–5 business days, though it can take up to 60 days in some cases.

Fees and timelines

• Enrollment fee: $78 for a 5-year membership (as of 2026; fees are set by the enrollment provider and may vary slightly)
• Renewal fee: $70 for a 5-year renewal (renewal can be done online without a new in-person appointment in most cases)
• Payment: accepted at the enrollment center; most providers accept credit/debit cards and some accept cash — confirm with your specific provider
• In-person appointment duration: approximately 10–15 minutes
• Processing time after appointment: typically 3–5 business days; up to 60 days in rare cases
• Validity of membership: 5 years from the date of approval
• Renewal window: you can renew up to 6 months before your KTN expires; renewal is typically done online at https://www.tsa.gov/precheck
• Refund policy: the enrollment fee is non-refundable, even if your application is denied

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

• Bringing photocopies or digital images instead of originals. Enrollment agents cannot accept anything other than original documents. Double-check your documents before leaving home.

• Using a non-compliant birth certificate. A hospital-issued birth certificate or an uncertified copy is not accepted. You need a certified copy issued by the state vital records office, with an official seal or stamp. Order one in advance if you are unsure which version you have.

• Name mismatches between documents. If your current legal name does not match the name on your identity document (for example, after marriage), you must bring a certified supporting document such as a marriage certificate or court order. Failing to bring this will result in your application being rejected at the appointment.

• Assuming a standard driver’s license is sufficient on its own. A standard (non-enhanced) driver’s license proves identity but not citizenship. If you use it as your List B document, you must also bring a List C citizenship document. Since 7 May 2025, the driver’s license must also be REAL ID-compliant to be accepted as a valid identity document for federal purposes.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use TSA PreCheck for international flights? Yes, in many cases. TSA PreCheck applies to the security screening at U.S. departure airports, not at foreign airports. If you are flying internationally from a U.S. airport on a participating airline, your boarding pass may show the PreCheck indicator and you can use the expedited lane for the outbound security check.

What happens if my application is denied? The TSA will notify you of the denial. You have the right to request an explanation and, in some cases, to appeal or correct inaccurate information through the TSA’s Redress and Adjudication Management System. The enrollment fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome.

Do children need their own TSA PreCheck membership? Children aged 12 and under can use the TSA PreCheck lane when traveling with an enrolled parent or guardian whose boarding pass shows the PreCheck indicator. Children aged 13 and older need their own membership to use the lane independently.

Is TSA PreCheck the same as Global Entry? No, but they are related. Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that provides expedited customs clearance when re-entering the United States from abroad. Global Entry membership includes TSA PreCheck benefits. TSA PreCheck alone does not include Global Entry. Global Entry requires a separate application, interview and higher fee ($120 for 5 years as of 2026).

Can a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) apply? Yes. Lawful permanent residents are eligible for TSA PreCheck. You will need to bring your Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551) as your identity and status document at the enrollment appointment.

Summary and next steps

To enroll in TSA PreCheck, the most important step is gathering the correct original identity and citizenship documents before your appointment. The fastest path is to bring a valid U.S. passport, which satisfies both requirements on its own. If you use a state-issued driver’s license, make sure it is REAL ID-compliant and pair it with a certified U.S. birth certificate or other List C document.

Your first concrete step is to visit https://www.tsa.gov/precheck to pre-enroll online and find an enrollment center near you. The in-person appointment takes about 15 minutes, and most applicants receive their Known Traveler Number within 3–5 business days.

Important notice: Requirements, fees and enrollment providers can change. Always verify the most current requirements directly with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at https://www.tsa.gov/precheck before your appointment.