If you’re applying for TSA PreCheck, it’s a good idea to know what you need to bring with you. Although the application process can be completed online, it’s best to have some of your documents on hand when you go in person so that there are no surprises or delays in getting approved for the program.
Is there an application for TSA PreCheck?
Yes, there is an application for TSA PreCheck. You can apply for TSA PreCheck at any time, either online or in person. The process is simple and the fee is $85 for a 5-year membership. That fee includes a background check and fingerprints that are used by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in their decision to approve or deny your application.
Do I need to bring my social security card to my PreCheck interview?
Yes. You should bring your social security card, birth certificate, passport and driver’s license to the interview. If you have one of these forms of identification:
- A utility bill (no more than 3 months old) that shows your name and address
- A paycheck stub or a letter from your employer on company letterhead that confirms your employment
What do I need to bring to my TSA PreCheck interview?
- Your passport or other government-issued ID
- A printout of your application confirmation email
- A copy of your birth certificate, or other proof of citizenship (if you’re a naturalized citizen)
- A signed and dated statement that you are a U.S. citizen and have never been convicted of a crime
How much does it cost to apply for TSA PreCheck?
The application fee is $85 and it’s non-refundable. The cost of the background check, which must be completed within 7 days of your initial appointment, is not included in the application fee and varies depending on how quickly you want to receive your results. You can pay for this expedited service online or by phone with a credit card.
The good news about paying for TSA PreCheck is that if you’re approved for PreCheck status and use it during a flight within 5 years from when you paid for your background check, you’ll get all of your money back!
What does the enrollment fee include?
While the enrollment fee for TSA PreCheck is $85, you can pay by credit card, debit card or check. The fees cover the cost of your background check and membership for 5 years.
If you are paying with a credit or debit card, there is an additional convenience fee added to each transaction. This fee may vary based on your bank’s policies and has been as high as 3% on some transactions in the past.
Can I get approved for TSA PreCheck on the same day as my appointment?
Yes, you may be able to get approved for TSA PreCheck on the same day as your appointment. That said, it depends on how many people are in line before you and what time of day it is. Once you arrive at the TSA PreCheck office in person, it will be hard to tell if there’s any chance of being approved that same day or not until after they take all of your documents and photos. The best way to guarantee that you’ll get approved is by bringing everything with you when you go into the office so there are no delays in processing your application.
You should bring all of the documents that show an association with one or more trusted traveler programs such as Global Entry (for international travel), NEXUS (for Canadian border crossings) or SENTRI (for Mexican border crossings). If possible, also bring a photo ID with a date stamp on it; this will speed up the process considerably!
Do I have a better chance of getting approved for TSA PreCheck if I apply in person instead of online?
If you’re not sure whether or not to apply, I recommend applying online. It’s easy and there’s no risk of forgetting something and having to reschedule your appointment. If you’re positive that TSA PreCheck is for you and you want to start the process, then of course go ahead and apply in person at your airport.
Note: Make sure to bring a government-issued ID with both your photo and signature on it when applying in person so they can verify who you say are.
Even though the application process is simple, you should still come prepared with all of your documents.
Even though the application process is simple, you should still come prepared with all of your documents. You will need to bring a copy of your birth certificate and social security card, as well as your passport and driver’s license. If you were married or divorced after age 16, it may also be helpful to bring those documents as well.
Conclusion
As you can see, the process of applying for TSA PreCheck is fairly straightforward. You’ll need to gather your documents and bring them with you to the appointment, but this can be done at home beforehand if necessary. Remember that there’s no guarantee that you will be approved for TSA PreCheck on the first try—but don’t let that deter you! If you feel like something went wrong with your application, remember that it might simply have been a matter of timing and luck. In other words: Try again next year (or maybe even later this year).
Check out our TSA PreCheck guides for Arkansas, Alaska and Tennessee.