Apply for Your First TSA PreCheck® Without the Confusion

To apply for the TSA PreCheck program, you must first submit an online application to begin the background process. After completing the form, you must schedule and attend a brief, in-person appointment at an authorized local enrollment center.

During this mandatory appointment, an agent will collect your biometric data by taking your fingerprints and a photograph. You’ll also need to undergo a background check and present valid, unexpired government ID to prove your citizenship.

The official government fee for a new TSA PreCheck enrollment currently varies between $78 and $85, depending on the authorized enrollment provider you choose for your appointment. This upfront payment covers your complete background check and a full five-year membership.

Keep in mind that if you use independent service providers, such as EaseGov, you’ll be charged an additional service fee for application preparation, document processing, and expert review prior to your interview.

You must bring unexpired, original government-issued identification documents to your scheduled enrollment appointment to verify your identity and citizenship status. Photocopies or digital images are strictly prohibited.

The most common acceptable document is a valid U.S. passport book or card. Alternatively, you can provide a combination of documents, such as a valid state-issued driver's license paired with an original or certified copy of your state-issued birth certificate.

The mandatory in-person TSA PreCheck enrollment interview is a highly streamlined process that typically takes less than 10 minutes to complete.

During the visit, the enrollment center agent will physically verify your original identity and citizenship documents. They will also take a digital photograph of your face and electronically collect your fingerprints. These biometrics are immediately securely transmitted to the government to complete the required federal background check for your final approval.

Most applicants successfully receive their official approval and their unique Known Traveler Number (KTN) within just 3 to 5 days after completing their in-person enrollment appointment. You’ll usually receive a notification via email or text to let you know you’ve been approved.

Official TSA guidance explicitly states that processing can take up to 60 days if a more detailed background review is required. It’s highly recommended to apply well in advance of any upcoming scheduled airline travel.

TSA PreCheck enrollment centers are conveniently located across the United States to facilitate in-person appointments. You can find them inside many major commercial airports, dedicated IdentoGO centers, participating Staples retail stores, and various other authorized third-party provider locations.

You can locate the nearest available center by entering your local zip code or city name into the location finder tool during the initial online application process.

No, the official Transportation Security Administration does not currently offer a senior citizen discount for the TSA PreCheck program. The initial enrollment fee, which ranges from $78 to $85, remains exactly the same for all adult applicants regardless of their age or retirement status.

This standard fee is required to cover the processing costs associated with the mandatory federal background check, fingerprinting, and the comprehensive five-year membership period.

No. While EaseGov handles the complex online pre-enrollment for you, federal law requires all first-time applicants to attend a brief 10-minute in-person appointment for fingerprinting.

No. While a valid US passport is the easiest document to use, you can also enroll using a valid REAL ID driver's license paired with an original birth certificate.

Many premium travel credit cards offer a statement credit up to $85 to cover your official government enrollment fee, though they do not cover private preparation service fees.

It depends on the offense. Certain severe criminal offenses permanently disqualify you, while lesser offenses may only require a waiting period before you become eligible.