how to do tsa precheck

To get TSA PreCheck, you generally apply online first, then complete an in- person appointment for identity verification, fingerprinting, and document review, and finally wait for approval and your Known Traveler Number. Approved travelers can usually keep shoes on, leave belts and light jackets on, and leave laptops and 3-1-1 liquids in carry-on bags at eligible checkpoints.

Quick Scoop

1. Check eligibility. TSA PreCheck is available to qualifying U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and lawful permanent residents.

2. Submit the online application. The application is completed through an approved enrollment provider and usually takes only a few minutes.

3. Book and attend an appointment. Bring government-issued photo ID, proof of citizenship or immigration status, and payment; your fingerprints and photo are taken at the visit.

4. Wait for approval. If approved, TSA sends you a Known Traveler Number, which you add when booking flights so PreCheck appears on your boarding pass.

What to bring

Commonly accepted documents include a U.S. passport, a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or green card, depending on your status.

Some people may already qualify through other trusted-traveler programs, such as Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, or certain TWIC/CDL-HME combinations, so they may not need a separate PreCheck enrollment.

Children 17 and under can typically join an adult when the boarding pass shows the TSA PreCheck indicator.

Timing and cost

First-time enrollment fees are commonly listed up to $85, with membership valid for five years, though exact pricing can vary by enrollment provider.

Processing can be fast, but it is not instant; several sources say approval may take from a few days to a few weeks, and delays can push it longer.

If you already have another trusted-traveler membership, it may be cheaper or simpler to use that instead of starting from scratch.

Airport use

When TSA PreCheck is linked to your reservation, your boarding pass should show the PreCheck indicator.

At the checkpoint, the benefit is the simplified screening lane, which often means less unpacking and fewer items removed from your body or bag.

If you add your Known Traveler Number after check-in, you usually need to reissue the boarding pass so the indicator appears.

A simple example

If you fly often for work, the easiest path is: apply online on a weekday, schedule the earliest appointment near you, bring the correct ID and citizenship documents, then add your KTN to every airline profile and reservation once approved.

That way, the benefit shows up automatically on future trips.

TL;DR

Apply online, go to an enrollment appointment, wait for approval, and then use your KTN when booking flights.

TSA PreCheck is designed to make airport screening faster and less stressful for eligible travelers.