To be eligible to participate in TSA Pre✓®, foreign citizens must meet specific citizenship/residency requirements. Before you apply, we recommend that you review the various DHS trusted traveler programs such as the TSA Pre✓® Application Program, Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI to ensure you meet the eligibility requirements and determine the best program for you.
TSA Pre✓® FAQ
Experiencing TSA Pre✓®
Can I access the TSA Pre✓® lane by showing my Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI card or TSA Pre✓® approval letter?
No. To receive TSA Pre✓®, you must include your known traveler number in the appropriate field of your airline reservation, and the TSA Pre✓® indicator must be visible on your boarding pass and embedded in the barcode. You will not be eligible to access the TSA Pre✓® lane by presenting a trusted traveler card, TSA approval letter, or other documentation.
Can I use TSA Pre✓® when flying from a U.S. airport to a foreign country?
Yes. TSA Pre✓® is available when you depart from a U.S. airport to a foreign country, and for domestic, connecting flights after you return to the United States. If you travel to foreign countries even once a year, consider enrolling in Global Entry instead of TSA Pre✓®. With Global Entry you’ll receive expedited customs processing when entering the United States, plus you’ll receive TSA Pre✓® when flying from U.S. airports.
Does my boarding pass indicate that I can use the TSA Pre✓® lane?
Participating airlines print a TSA Pre✓® indicator (such as TSAPRECHK, TSA PRE, or TSA Pre✓®) on boarding passes to help you recognize when you are eligible for TSA Pre✓® on your flight.
I am traveling with my family; can they also use the TSA Pre✓® lane?
Children ages 12 and younger may use the TSA Pre✓® lane when traveling with a parent or guardian who has the indicator on their boarding pass. Travelers 13 and older who do not have a TSA Pre✓® boarding pass must go through standard security lanes or apply. Before applying, TSA recommends reviewing the various DHS trusted traveler programs, such as the TSA Pre✓® Application Program, Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI, to determine the best program for your family.
If I am TSA Pre✓® eligible, am I guaranteed expedited screening?
No, TSA uses unpredictable security measures, both seen and unseen, throughout the airport. All travelers will be screened, and no individual is guaranteed expedited screening.
If TSA Pre✓® is not available at my airport, why was TSA Pre✓® printed on my boarding pass?
Travelers are vetted for TSA Pre✓® every time they fly. TSA and airlines do not limit printing of the TSA Pre✓® indicator to participating airports.
Which airlines participate in TSA Pre✓®?
Check the TSA Pre✓® airports and airlines map for a current list of participating airlines.
Why can’t I use the TSA Pre✓® lanes when traveling on any airline?
Passengers must be traveling on an airline that has entered into a partnership with TSA. Under this partnership, TSA works with the airline to establish system and checkpoint requirements and determine operation of TSA Pre✓® lanes at airports.
Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI
I am having trouble with my Global Entry/NEXUS/SENTRI membership; whom can I contact?
If you have questions or concerns about your Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI membership, you may submit an email or visit the Trusted Traveler Program website.
Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI are programs of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. These programs offer travel benefits to pre-screened members. If you join Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI, use your membership number as a “known traveler number” in airline reservations to receive TSA Pre✓®.
I forgot my PASSID. How do I find it?
If you are a member of a trusted traveler program such as Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI, log on to the Trusted Traveler Program website to obtain your PASSID, which is your KTN.
Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI are programs of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. These programs offer travel benefits to pre-screened members. If you join Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI, use your membership number as a “known traveler number” in airline reservations to receive TSA Pre✓®.
What are a CBP PASSID and known traveler number?
The CBP PASSID is assigned to you upon approval for membership in Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI. This nine-digit number usually begins with 98, serves as your known traveler number, and can be found on the back of your NEXUS, SENTRI, or Global Entry card or by logging on to the Trusted Traveler Program website.
Your trusted traveler card will not grant you access to TSA Pre✓® lanes. The TSA Pre✓® indicator must be printed and embedded in the barcode of your boarding pass in order to receive expedited screening benefits.
Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI are programs of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. These programs offer travel benefits to pre-screened members. If you join Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI, use your membership number as a “known traveler number” in airline reservations to receive TSA Pre✓®.
What is the difference between Global Entry, TSA Precheck and the other Trusted Traveler programs?
TSA Pre✓ provides expedited security screening benefits for flights departing from U.S. Airports. Global Entry provides the TSA Pre✓ benefit plus expedited US customs screening for international air travelers when entering the United States. TSA Pre✓ costs $85 and Global Entry costs $100 for a five year membership. Travelers interested in Global Entry must apply through the Trusted Traveler Program website.
Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI are programs of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. These programs offer travel benefits to pre-screened members. If you join Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI, use your membership number as a “known traveler number” in airline reservations to receive TSA Pre✓®.
To find the best program for you, use the Department of Homeland Security's interactive Trusted Traveler tool.
Known Traveler Number
How do I add my KTN to my frequent flyer profile on one of the participating airline?
Ask your airline(s) to update your profile information and/or saved Secure Flight data. By updating your airline profile, you still have to notify your airline to make sure your KTN/Secure Flight data is in each reservation correctly, with the same information used when applying for one of the trusted traveler programs. Some airlines may need proof of your full name to make changes to your frequent flyer profile. Please contact your airline directly for more information. Updating your frequent flyer profile will not automatically update any previous reservations.
How do I add my KTN to previous reservations?
Contact your airline by phone or online to add your KTN to any existing reservations or reservations made before you received your KTN. The airline also can confirm that your first/middle/last name are in the correct Secure Flight fields. The KTN will be submitted along with Secure Flight passenger data to TSA. Remember to enter your full name, date of birth and KTN exactly as you provided during enrollment.
How do I use my known traveler number or KTN?
Once you have been assigned a KTN, you must include this number in the ‘known traveler number’ field of each reservation you make with a participating airline. The KTN also can be added when booking reservations online via a participating airline website, by phone with an airline reservation agent or with the travel management company making reservations. Save your KTN to any frequent flyer profiles, employer booking systems or online travel websites that you use.
I booked my travel via a third-party website and/or travel agency; will I receive TSA Pre✓®?
We recommend calling your airline after making a reservation through a third-party website, such as Expedia and Orbitz, and/or travel agent to ensure your known traveler number, name and date of birth correctly transmitted from their system. On occasion, third-party systems may not properly transmit passenger data. Confirming that your information was received by the airline is the best way to ensure you receive proper consideration for TSA Pre✓® on your next flight.
I forgot my KTN. How do I find it?
If you are a member of the TSA Pre✓® Application Program, look up your KTN online.
If you are a member of another trusted traveler program, such as Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI, log on to the Trusted Traveler Program website to obtain your PASSID, which is your KTN.
I have more than one KTN. Which should I use?
You may use any active KTN that you have been assigned. However, please verify that the airline has the first/middle/last name and correct date of birth that is associated with that KTN. Your individual reservation must include your KTN. Travelers can check with the airlines to verify their KTN is listed in their reservation. An incorrect name or date of birth on your reservation will prevent you from receiving proper consideration for TSA Pre✓®.
Renewing TSA Pre✓®
How much does TSA Pre✓® renewal cost?
The cost is the same as initial enrollment: $85 for 5 years, which is $17 per year.
How long does it take to get approved?
The approval process takes approximately 2-3 weeks, although many applicants receive their approval in a few days and may check their application status online. TSA will notify members with eligibility results.
How soon may I renew my TSA Pre✓® membership?
You may renew your membership up to six months before the expiration date to ensure you continue to see the TSA Pre✓® indicator on your boarding pass when traveling within or from the U.S.
How will I know when my TSA Pre✓® membership expires?
TSA will send a renewal notification to members who have a valid email and/or phone number on record.
You may check your membership status online. You can find your KTN expiration date under the field marked “TSA Pre✓® Expiration Date”
You may also contact customer service at 855-347-8371 weekdays between 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. ET to request your KTN expiration date.
If I booked a flight prior to my KTN expiration date, will I still get TSA Pre✓® on my boarding pass?
No, you will not receive TSA Pre✓® on your boarding pass if your KTN has expired. You must renew before expiration to continue receiving TSA Pre✓® on your boarding pass.
May I renew my TSA Pre✓® membership if my name has changed?
Yes. You must update your name prior to renewing your TSA Pre✓® membership by calling customer service at 855-347-8371 weekdays between 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. ET.
Name changes may take up to three months to complete and processing time varies by individual.
What is the renewal process?
Most members may renew their TSA Pre✓® membership online up to six months before the expiration date. In order to renew, you will need to enter your name, date of birth, and KTN. Some members may be directed to renew in person at an enrollment center.
What might disqualify me from renewing my TSA Pre✓® membership?
Applicants must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents who successfully complete a background check that examines criminal history, lawful presence, and any association with terrorism. Additionally, TSA may determine that an applicant is not eligible based on analyses of records related to violations of transportation security regulatory requirements. These include security-related offenses at an airport, onboard an aircraft, at a maritime port, in connection with air cargo, and other regulatory violations.
Why is my photograph being taken as part of enrollment in the TSA Pre✓® Application Program?
TSA is capturing a photograph to verify an individual’s identity at TSA checkpoints equipped with facial recognition technology. A photo will be captured only for those renewing in person or for first-time enrollees. Those renewing online will not be required to provide a photo at this time.
Why would I need to renew in person?
Some individuals may need to renew in person, for example, if the fingerprints provided during their initial enrollment were deemed low quality at time of enrollment, or if they have changed their name and have not gone through TSA’s data update process. Members will need to visit an enrollment center to complete the renewal process.
Walk-in renewals are also accepted. The customer service agent will confirm that the membership is eligible for renewal, upload identity verification documents, make any necessary updates to the individual’s biographic information, and process payment.
Will I be notified when I am eligible to renew my TSA Pre✓® before it expires?
Yes. TSA will send a renewal notification to members who have a valid email and/or phone number on record. You may call customer service at 855-347-8371 weekdays between 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. ET to update your email address or phone number.
Will I keep my same KTN after I renew?
Yes. Members can keep the same KTN during the renewal process as long as they renew within one year of expiration. After one year, the individual will need to apply as a new applicant and will receive a new KTN if approved.
TSA Pre✓® Disqualification and Suspension
Can I be disqualified/suspended from TSA Pre✓®?
Yes. If you commit certain violations of federal security regulations, such as interference with security operations, access control violations, providing false or fraudulent documents, making a bomb threat, or bringing a firearm, explosive, or other prohibited item to an airport or onboard an aircraft, you are denied expedited screening for a period of time. The duration of disqualification from participation in TSA Pre✓® is related to the seriousness of the violation and/or a repeated history of regulatory violations.
If you have questions concerning your TSA Pre✓® status, call the TSA Contact Center at (866) 289-9673. If you received a notice of violation, please contact your case agent.
What if I received a preliminary determination of ineligibility letter?
If TSA finds potentially disqualifying information, TSA will send a letter with instructions on how to proceed.
If you applied for Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI, you may submit an email or visit the Trusted Traveler Program website.
TSA Pre✓® for Active Duty Military and DoD Civilians
Are all individuals who have a common access card or DoD ID card eligible?
At this time, only members of the U.S. Armed Forces and DoD federal civilians are eligible for TSA Pre✓® through the existing partnership between DoD and TSA. Eligible DoD federal civilians must opt-in via milConnect. Members of the U.S. Armed Forces are not required to opt-in.
Am I eligible for TSA Pre✓® if I make my reservations through a Commercial Travel Office?
Yes. When the commercial travel offices asks you to verify your Secure Flight personal information (full name, birthdate, gender), provide your DoD ID number as the known traveler number. The office is not required to ask travelers for their known traveler number, but will enter it in the reservation if the traveler volunteers the information.
Can I use TSA Pre✓® for personal travel?
Yes. To participate, include your DoD ID number in the known traveler number field when making reservations through an airline or travel website. Travelers may also save their DoD ID/KTN in their frequent flyer program profile.
Do I need to be in uniform to participate?
No. Members of the U.S. Armed Forces do not need to be in uniform or on official travel to participate in TSA Pre✓®.
Do I present my common access card at the checkpoint to access the TSA Pre✓® lane?
No. All members of the U.S. Armed Forces must include their DoD ID number in the known traveler number field when making flight reservations and a TSA Pre✓® indicator must be visible on your boarding pass. The airlines will print a TSA Pre✓® indicator (such as TSAPRECHK, TSA PRE, or TSA Pre✓®) on boarding passes to help you recognize when you are eligible for TSA Pre✓® on your flight.
You cannot access the TSA Pre✓® lane by presenting your CAC or other documentation.
How can I opt-in for TSA Pre✓® as a DoD Civilian?
DoD federal civilian employees must opt-in to TSA Pre✓® by visiting the milConnect website. After selecting the “My Profile” and the “CIV” menu tab when logged into the website, users will be guided through the opt-in process for TSA Pre✓®. Civilian employees need to opt-in only once. Members of the U.S. Armed Forces do not need to opt-in.
How do I get TSA Pre✓® as a member of the U.S. Armed Forces?
Enter the DoD ID number from the back of your common access card into the “known traveler number” field of your flight reservations or when updating your Defense Travel System profile for official travel.
TSA Pre✓® for Persons with Disabilities and Medical Conditions
Can I request to use the TSA Pre✓® lane because of my disability or medical condition?
No. Only travelers who have a valid boarding pass with the TSA Pre✓® indicator printed on the boarding pass and embedded in the barcode will have access to the TSA Pre✓® lanes.
Can the fee for TSA Pre✓® be waived because I have a disability or medical condition?
No. The application fee covers the cost of the background check and cannot be waived.
I contacted TSA Cares for assistance. Will someone meet me at the checkpoint?
The level of assistance you receive may vary by airport. If you have any concerns when you arrive at the checkpoint, you may ask to speak with a supervisor or a passenger support specialist for assistance.
I need assistance during screening. Is there a number I can call before my flight?
TSA Cares is a helpline that provides travelers with disabilities, medical conditions and other special circumstances additional assistance during the security screening process.
Contact us 72 hours prior to traveling with questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint. You may call (855) 787-2227 or email TSA Cares.
What does "lacking mental capacity" mean in Question 6 on the TSA Pre✓® application form?
This question determines mental capacity relating to criminal cases closed as “not guilty by reason of insanity.”
What happens if I cannot go through, or opt-out of, metal detector screening?
You may request advanced imaging technology screening if you are not able to undergo or opt-out of metal detector screening. Learn about the special procedures for persons with disabilities or medical conditions.
What if I have TSA Pre✓® and I use a wheelchair or scooter?
As a TSA Pre✓®-eligible traveler, you are allowed to leave on your shoes, belt, and light jackets, unless instructed otherwise by a TSA officer. TSA Pre✓®-eligible travelers are also allowed to keep their laptops and 3-1-1 compliant liquids in their carry-on luggage. Your screening process is determined by your ability to stand and walk. If you can stand and walk without the support of a person or device, you may be screened using advanced imaging technology or walk-through metal detector. If you can neither stand nor walk, TSA officer will swab your hands using explosive trace detection technology while you remain seated.
A TSA officer will physically inspect your wheelchair or scooter, including the seat cushions and any non-removable pouches or packs. If the wheelchair or scooter has any removable pouches or bags, you will need to remove them for x-ray screening.
What if I need assistance completing my application?
Contact (855) 347-8371 to determine what accommodations can be made.
If you are applying for Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI, you may submit an email or visit the Trusted Traveler Program website.