If you’ve ever traveled through an airport, you know how much of a hassle it can be. If you’re flying frequently or take a lot of flights per year, then TSA PreCheck is something that I highly recommend getting. It’s one of the best ways to ensure that your next trip goes as smoothly as possible. You don’t need an appointment to renew your TSA PreCheck status (which is good because sometimes they book up), but there are a few ways that you can renew online or at certain locations around town if needed. Read on for more information about how to renew your TSA PreCheck!
There are a few ways, but you do need to renew every five years.
You can go to an airport and get your renewal at the TSA kiosk. You can also renew online or in person at certain locations.
There are a few different ways to renew, but you do need to renew every five years. If you haven’t done so in the last five years, then you will have to pay an additional $85 fee for your new PreCheck status and pass another background check.
You may be able to go to an airport (for now)
If you’re still eligible, you can renew at the airport by bringing your government-issued ID to one of the TSA PreCheck stations located at all major airports. However, it’s important to keep in mind that TSA PreCheck is not guaranteed until you go through security and get your Known Traveler Number (KTN) in person—so if you’re traveling on a flight that doesn’t allow check-in luggage or has a long layover, it may be easier (and more cost effective) to have someone else pick up the renewal for you.
If this isn’t an option or if your renewal is denied due to identity theft concerns, then there are two other options: You can mail in proof of payment and another form of ID with a completed application form; however, this process could take up to 12 weeks. Or, if your renewal request was denied because of an arrest record within the past five years or because one of your fingerprints was not found during the initial enrollment process (which must take place by mail), then there’s no way around having someone pick up your KTN at an airport location for free instead.
If you don’t want to go in person, you may be able to do it online.
You may be able to renew your TSA PreCheck online if you’re eligible. You can check if you’re eligible for online renewal in the “How do I renew?” section of the TSA website.
If you want to renew your TSA PreCheck before it expires, go ahead and try this method. If not, just go to an enrollment center near you when it’s time and bring proof of citizenship (i.e., a passport or birth certificate).
You can also renew in person at certain locations.
You can also renew in person at certain locations. You’ll need to bring your ID and the receipt from the last time you paid.
If you want to renew in person, try these options:
- Renew at airports or other transportation hubs that offer check-in services for TSA PreCheck members. For example, some airport locations will allow you to use their computers for free if they are not busy with other travelers. As a bonus, you can sometimes get airport lounge access by showing them your status card or paying a discounted fee of $20 per year when they ask for it upfront before allowing entry into their lounge area.
- Find an enrollment center near you (if applicable).
TSA PreCheck is a helpful thing for frequent fliers and is important to have, so make sure that you’re renewing it when needed.
If you’re a frequent flyer, TSA PreCheck is an excellent service to have. It’s a great way to make your airport experience more convenient and efficient, and it’s even better for your wallet.
With that said, TSA PreCheck does need to be renewed every five years (so the next time you can renew will be in 2020). To do so, log into MyTSA or complete a paper application at any airport or airline ticket counter. You must also allow three weeks before your current expiration date as processing may take up to 15 days by mail or seven days at an airport kiosk or ticket counter.