How Do I Get TSA Pre?

You can get TSA PreCheck for $85, which covers you for 5 years.

That $85 fee hasn’t changed since the program launched back in 2011. TSA’s official site lists over 380 enrollment centers nationwide—many in places you’d never expect, like Staples and AAA branches. Once approved, you breeze through security without ditching your shoes or light jacket. Honestly? For anyone who flies more than a couple times a year, this is one of the best travel perks money can buy.

You’re eligible for TSA PreCheck if you’re a U.S. citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident.

That covers most travelers, but here’s a nice bonus: active military members—including Reserves, National Guard, and academy students—get automatic enrollment at no cost. The program’s designed for low-risk travelers, so if you’ve got a clean record and valid ID, you’re pretty much guaranteed approval.

You can enroll at over 380 IDEMIA IdentoGo centers nationwide, including Staples and AAA branches.

These aren’t just hidden in airport corners—they’re spread across major cities and even some retail locations. That makes scheduling a breeze. Just hop on TSA’s official site to find the closest spot.

TSA PreCheck processing takes about 7–10 days for the background check, plus a quick 10-minute in-person appointment.

Once you finish the online application, you’ll get an email when you’re cleared to book your visit. The in-person part is painless—just bring your ID and proof of citizenship or residency. After that, you’re set for five years of fast-track security.

You’ll need to bring a valid photo ID and proof of citizenship or residency to your enrollment appointment.

A driver’s license, passport, or birth certificate usually does the trick. The TSA staff at the center will verify everything matches your application—no surprises, just standard ID checks.

After approval, you’ll receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) to enter when booking flights.

Most airlines let you add this to existing reservations through their website or by calling customer service. Just make sure it’s correct—typos are the main reason travelers get flagged for extra screening. (And honestly, errors are rare if you double-check.)

TSA PreCheck isn’t guaranteed on every trip, but it works most of the time when your KTN is entered properly.

The program’s built into airline systems, so as long as your number’s in the system, you’ll usually get the fast lane. That said, random checks still happen—TSA reserves the right to pull anyone aside, no matter how many times you’ve used PreCheck.

Travelers 75 and older often get expedited screening without PreCheck, though airport policies can vary.

Some locations still make them remove shoes, but most don’t. It’s worth asking when you arrive—TSA’s pretty consistent about cutting seniors some slack at the checkpoint.

Military personnel are automatically enrolled and don’t need to apply for TSA PreCheck.

Active duty, Reserves, National Guard, and academy students get this perk for free. The TSA just pulls their info from military databases—no extra steps required. If you’re in uniform, you’re already covered.

You should contact TSA if your KTN is missing from your boarding pass or if you spot a data entry error.

Name mismatches or wrong birth dates are usually to blame. Call TSA directly or reach out to your airline—they can usually fix it fast. Don’t wait until you’re at the airport to check.

For enrollment appointment or card processing issues, contact IDEMIA support directly.

They handle the day-to-day operations of the program, so if your application’s stuck or your card’s delayed, they’re the ones to call. Their contact info’s on TSA’s official site.

If you travel internationally, Global Entry might be a better fit—it includes TSA PreCheck for $100 over five years.

The extra $15 buys you expedited customs clearance too, which is a lifesaver for international trips. Most frequent international flyers swear by it—just weigh whether the extra cost balances out against the time you’ll save.

TSA PreCheck launched in 2011 to speed up security while keeping standards high.

The program uses risk-based screening, so low-risk travelers get to skip the usual hassle. Over time, enrollment spots have popped up in places like Staples and AAA branches, making it way more convenient than just airport kiosks.

Some premium travel credit cards reimburse the $85 TSA PreCheck fee as a benefit.

Cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve or Amex Platinum will cover it—just check your benefits guide. That’s basically free money if you’ve got one of those cards in your wallet.

Eligibility

U.S. citizens, nationals, and lawful permanent residents qualify for TSA PreCheck. Military personnel (active duty, Reserves, National Guard, and academy students) are automatically enrolled at no cost.

Cost

The fee’s $85 for five years, and some premium travel credit cards reimburse it.

Validity

Your membership lasts five years from approval—no renewals needed in the middle.

Enrollment Locations

You’ll find centers at over 380 IDEMIA IdentoGo sites, including Staples and AAA branches nationwide.

Processing Time

Expect 7–10 days for the background check, then a quick 10-minute in-person appointment.

For the most current list of enrollment centers and hours, visit the TSA PreCheck official page. The TSA updates this information regularly to reflect new locations and temporary closures.

How do I get TSA PreCheck?

1. Apply Online. Submit an online application in 5 minutes & schedule an appointment at any of 380+ enrollment centers.
2. Enroll in person. 10-min in-person appointment that includes fingerprinting for a background check.
3. Travel with Ease.

How did I get TSA PreCheck without applying?

One class of people are automatically enrolled in PreCheck: the military . Active duty troops, those in the Reserves and National Guard and students at military academies are all automatically eligible for PreCheck, and don’t have to apply.

Can you add TSA Pre after booking?

The TSA actually does allow you to add your KTN to existing reservations . Most airlines let you do this by managing your reservation online (the same way you would for seat assignments or other changes), but you can also do it by phone.

Is TSA PreCheck free for seniors?

TSA Pre-Check is not for free for seniors .

If you are 75 or older, you should be able to keep your light jacket and shoes on when going through security so you do have a form of Pre-Check in many cases.

Can I get TSA PreCheck at Staples?

Good news – you can now enroll in TSA PreCheck at Staples stores . IDEMIA is a security company that manages all the TSA PreCheck enrollment locations, called IdentoGo centers.

Do you get TSA PreCheck every time?

TSA PreCheck is not a guaranteed service perk

Every so often , glitches happen and airlines make mistakes. Additionally, the terms of service surrounding TSA PreCheck state that, despite holding Trusted Traveler status, the privilege of accelerated security pass through is not guaranteed.

Why do you randomly get TSA PreCheck?

Even if you didn’t provide a known traveler number when booking your flight you can sometimes get the TSA PreCheck stamp on your ticket. It’s a marketing ploy , like a free sample. They want you to try it out and enjoy the faster and more relaxed security checkpoint experience.

How do I get TSA PreCheck for free?

1. Arvest Visa Signature Credit Card.
2. Bank of America Premium Rewards card.
3. BB&T Spectrum Travel Rewards card.
4. Capital One Spark Miles card.
5. Capital One Venture card.
6. Certain American Express cards.
7. Chase Sapphire Reserve.
8. Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite MasterCard.

Is TSA PreCheck worth it?

Yes , It’s Worth it

Even if you’re only taking one round-trip flight a year, it might be worth $8.50 per airport visit to minimize your hassle and time spent in line. ... What’s more, there are some travel cards with perks that include PreCheck membership reimbursement as a credit.

Why isn’t my TSA PreCheck on my boarding pass united?

The most common problem is that their date of birth or government “known traveler number” has been entered incorrectly into a reservation . Other times, the name on the itinerary doesn’t match the name used to enroll in PreCheck, Global Entry or one of the other government programs.

What is the 3 1 1 liquid rule?

Each passenger may carry liquids, gels and aerosols in travel-size containers that are 3.4 ounces or100 milliliters . Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, gels and aerosols.

Who is eligible for free TSA PreCheck?

The TSA PreCheck® Application Program is only open to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals and lawful permanent residents . Applicants may be ineligible due to incomplete or false application information, violations of transportation security regulations, or disqualifying criminal offenses and factors.

Does AAA do TSA PreCheck?

A TSA PreCheckTM agent will conduct enrollments at select AAA branches . Enrolling in TSA PreCheckTM creates a smarter travel experience with fewer hassles and less stress. Enrollment is $85 dollars and good for 5 years.

Do you still have to take your shoes off at the airport 2021?

You don’t have to take off your shoes to pass through airport security , the U.S. Transportation Security Administration says. But it will speed your screening experience.

How much does Identogo charge for TSA PreCheck?

TSA Pre✓® allows approved low-risk travelers to experience faster, more efficient TSA screenings at participating US airport checkpoints for 5 full years—all for only $85 .