How to Schedule a TSA PreCheck or ID Appointment

What a TSA appointment is and who needs one

A TSA appointment is a scheduled visit to a TSA enrollment center where you explore for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or another trusted traveler program. During the appointment, a TSA officer collects your fingerprints, reviews your documents, and conducts a background check. Most people use TSA appointments to enroll in PreCheck, which lets you keep shoes, belts, and light jackets on at airport security and use a shorter screening line.

You need an appointment if you want to join one of these programs. You cannot walk into an enrollment center without one — all visits are by reservation only. The appointment itself is free, though the program fee (usually $78 to $100 for PreCheck, depending on how long you want it active) comes due if you are approved.

Not everyone needs PreCheck. If you fly once a year or less, the cost may not be worth it. If you travel frequently for work or take multiple family trips per year, PreCheck usually saves enough time and hassle to justify the fee.

Key Takeaways

• TSA appointments are scheduled visits to enroll in PreCheck or Global Entry; you cannot show up without a reservation.
• You book appointments through the official TSA PreCheck website or the Global Entry website, depending on which program you want.
• Bring a valid passport or state ID, proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residency, and your Social Security number to your appointment.
• Most appointments are available within two to four weeks, though availability varies by location and season.
• Approval decisions come by mail or email within two to three weeks after your appointment; PreCheck membership is not when ready.

How to find and book a TSA PreCheck appointment

Go to tsa.gov/precheck and click "Enroll Now" or "Schedule an Appointment." You will land on a page that asks for your zip code or city. Enter your location and the system shows you all enrollment centers near you, along with available appointment dates and times for the next several weeks.

Select the center and time that work for you. You will then create an account or log in if you already have one. The system asks for your name, date of birth, email address, and phone number. After you confirm your appointment, you will receive a confirmation email with your appointment number, location, and what to bring.

Appointment availability changes constantly. If your preferred location is booked out, check a center 20 or 30 miles away — rural or less-traveled centers often have openings when urban ones are full. You can also check back daily, because cancellations open up slots regularly.

What documents to bring to your appointment

Bring an original, unexpired government-issued photo ID. A valid passport, state driver's license, or military ID all work. Bring a second document that proves your citizenship or lawful permanent residency — a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or green card. If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued, bring a marriage certificate or court order showing the change.

Have your Social Security number ready. You do not need to bring a card, but you must know the number. The TSA officer will verify it against federal records during your appointment.

Bring any documents related to name changes, address changes, or criminal history if they explore to you. If you have been arrested or convicted, even for a misdemeanor, tell the officer — the background check will find it anyway, and disclosing it upfront looks better than being caught hiding it.

What happens during the appointment

The appointment usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. You will check in at the enrollment center, show your documents, and answer questions about your background. The officer will take your photograph, scan your fingerprints using a digital scanner, and review your process for completeness.

The officer does not make the approval decision on the spot. They collect your information and send it to the TSA for a background check. You will receive a decision by mail or email within two to three weeks. If you are approved, your PreCheck membership becomes active when ready, and you can use your Known Traveler Number (KTN) when booking flights right away.

If the TSA needs more information, they will contact you by phone or email. If you are denied, you have the right to request a second review. The denial letter explains why and how to appeal.

Costs and membership length

TSA PreCheck costs $78 to $85 depending on the enrollment center and payment method. The fee covers five years of membership. Some credit cards, travel insurance plans, and employer benefits programs reimburse PreCheck fees — check with your card issuer or HR department before you pay.

Global Entry, which includes PreCheck plus expedited customs screening when you return to the United States, costs $100 and also lasts five years. If you travel internationally more than once a year, Global Entry usually pays for itself in time saved at customs.

You pay the fee at your appointment, usually by credit card or debit card. The TSA does not refund the fee if you are later denied, though you can request a review of the denial decision.

What to do if you cannot make your appointment

Log back into your account on tsa.gov/precheck and cancel your appointment at least 24 hours before the scheduled time. Canceling frees up the slot for someone else and lets you rebook at a different time or location without penalty.

If you miss an appointment without canceling, you lose the fee and have to book a new appointment from scratch. Some enrollment centers may flag repeated no-shows, so cancel if your plans change.

If you need to reschedule, cancel your current appointment and book a new one through the same website. There is no limit to how many times you can reschedule before your appointment.

After your appointment: what to expect next

Within two to three weeks, you will receive a decision letter by mail or an email notification. If approved, the letter includes your Known Traveler Number (KTN). Write this number down and save it — you will enter it when booking flights so the airline knows you have PreCheck.

You do not need to carry anything physical. PreCheck is linked to your name and date of birth in the TSA system. When you check in at the airport, the agent will see that you have PreCheck and direct you to the PreCheck security line.

Your membership is valid for five years from the approval date. About three months before it expires, the TSA will send you a renewal notice. You can renew online without an in-person appointment, though the fee applies again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book a TSA appointment for someone else?

No. Each person must create their own account and book their own appointment. Parents can help children under 18 complete the process, but the child's name and information must be on the reservation. Minors do not need to attend the appointment in person — a parent or guardian can go alone.

What if I have a criminal record or have been arrested?

Disclose it to the officer at your appointment. The TSA conducts a thorough background check and will find it anyway. Some arrests or convictions result in denial, but others do not — it depends on the offense, how long ago it happened, and other factors. If denied, you can request a second review.

Do I need an appointment for a Real ID or state ID?

No. Real ID and state ID are issued by your state's motor vehicles department, not the TSA. You schedule those at your local DMV. TSA appointments are only for PreCheck, Global Entry, and other trusted traveler programs.

Can I use PreCheck internationally?

PreCheck works at U.S. airports only. It does not speed up security in other countries. If you want expedited screening when returning to the United States from abroad, you need Global Entry, which includes PreCheck and adds customs benefits.

What if the nearest enrollment center is hours away?

Check centers in neighboring cities or states — some people travel to a more convenient location. You can also explore for Global Entry through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website; some Global Entry enrollment centers are at airports and may be closer to you than a TSA PreCheck-only center.