PreCheck is a great way to speed up the TSA screening process. In fact, you could save up to 5 minutes per trip, according to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). But getting into PreCheck is a different matter altogether. Here’s what we know about how long it takes get approved for this program:
It can take about 10 days to receive the printed card once you are approved for Precheck.
Once you are approved for Precheck, it can take about 10 days to receive your new travel document in the mail. This is sent to the address you provided when you applied; if this is incorrect, be sure to update it with the TSA before applying.
The best way to check that everything was entered correctly is by visiting tsa.gov and clicking on “Get Your Known Traveler Number” in blue letters at the top right of their homepage. Once there, click “Apply Now” and enter all of your information like normal—except now there’s an option to check status! Select this link and scroll down until you see a section called “Your ID Document” where it says whether or not they have received your application (and if so, how many times).
If for some reason nothing appears here after submitting everything correctly several times over two weeks’ time (in other words: if something went wrong), call them directly at 866-289-9673 ext 4444 from Monday through Friday between 7 AM and 9 PM EST during regular business hours (or email them instead). Be sure that when making this call or emailing them that all of your information matches what was entered into tsa.gov accurately; otherwise they won’t know where on earth they should even begin looking for what went wrong with processing any given person’s application!
You can receive this information within 5 minutes of completing your application.
You can receive this information within 5 minutes of completing your application. You can check your status online by visiting the TSA PreCheck page, selecting “Applicant Status” and entering your 9-digit confirmation number (the one you received after submitting your application). If you don’t have a confirmation number, visit an airport customer service counter to request it.
If you’re looking to travel internationally, you may need to apply for Global Entry.
You will receive an email that says you are enroled.
You’ll receive an email from TSA with your PreCheck status. The email will include an invitation for you to complete the process, a link to do so and also a map showing your location.
Takeaway:
The answer is that you can receive this information within 5 minutes of completing your application. You will then be notified by email that you have been accepted into the program, and a few days later, you will receive your Known Traveler Number (KTN) number in the mail.
Approval and On!
If you are approved for Precheck, you will receive a letter in the mail stating that you have been accepted. You will also be given a number to call in order to find out when your new card is ready. This number can be found on the back of the letter or through a search engine if needed at any time during this process.