How Much Does TSA PreCheck Cost?

TSA PreCheck allows pre-vetted travelers expedited processing through airport security. But what does a TSA PreCheck membership realistically cost? Expect one-time application fees of $78 (≈5.2 hours of uninterrupted labor at $15/hour) plus renewal every 5 years for $70 (≈4.7 hours to sacrifice at work earning $15/hour).

This guide covers costs, application steps, renewal policies, expert enrollment tips, travel benefits, and comparisons to simplify the TSA PreCheck decision.

How Much Does TSA PreCheck Cost?

The mandatory one-time application fee to enroll in TSA PreCheck for a 5-year membership is $78 (≈5.2 hours of uninterrupted labor at $15/hour) per applicant. This upfront cost covers:

• Comprehensive identity verification and background screening by the TSA and FBI.
• Fingerprinting appointment to verify biometrics.
• Final comprehensive risk assessment and eligibility determination.
• Secure issuance of your exclusive 9-digit known traveler number.
• Official approval notification by mail.

The $78 (≈5.2 hours of uninterrupted labor at $15/hour) application fee must be paid up front to the TSA before your registration is processed and vetting begins. It's non-refundable regardless of approval outcome.

According to NerdWallet, the application fee for TSA PreCheck is typically $77.95 (≈5.2 hours of uninterrupted labor at $15/hour) at Clear enrollment locations, $78 (≈5.2 hours of uninterrupted labor at $15/hour) at Idemia enrollment centers, and $85 (≈5.7 hours of your life traded for $15/hour) at Telos enrollment centers. This fee grants membership for five years, after which renewal costs are lower, with online renewals priced at $70 (≈4.7 hours to sacrifice at work earning $15/hour) and in-person renewals at $78 (≈5.2 hours of uninterrupted labor at $15/hour).

Bankrate provides similar information, stating that the TSA PreCheck application process includes a fee of $78 (≈5.2 hours of uninterrupted labor at $15/hour) for new applicants, with the same renewal fees as mentioned above. They emphasize that the membership allows travelers to use expedited security lines at over 200 airports in the US, making it a popular choice for frequent flyers.

The IDEMIA website, which handles many TSA PreCheck enrollments, confirms that the new enrollment cost is $78 (≈5.2 hours of uninterrupted labor at $15/hour) for five years, with the same renewal fees of $70 (≈4.7 hours to sacrifice at work earning $15/hour) online and $78 (≈5.2 hours of uninterrupted labor at $15/hour) in person. They also provide details on the application process, which includes filling out an online form followed by a brief in-person appointment for fingerprinting and document verification.

On the official TSA website, they reiterate that the cost for new TSA PreCheck membership is $78 (≈5.2 hours of uninterrupted labor at $15/hour), with renewal options available online for $68.95 (≈4.6 hours of uninterrupted labor at $15/hour) and in-person for $77.95 (≈5.2 hours of uninterrupted labor at $15/hour). They emphasize the benefits of TSA PreCheck, such as not having to remove shoes, laptops, and liquids during the screening process.

TSA Precheck Renewal Costs

To renew and extend TSA PreCheck benefits for an additional 5 years past your initial membership term, renewal requires paying a $70 (≈4.7 hours to sacrifice at work earning $15/hour) application fee every 5 years. The streamlined renewal process involves:

• Paying the $70 (≈4.7 hours to sacrifice at work earning $15/hour) renewal application fee to the TSA.
• Completing a short online application confirming your identity and current member status.
• Quick re-verification of identity, background check, and risk factors.
• Secure issuance of a new 9-digit known traveler number tied to your PreCheck benefits.
• Mailing an official renewal approval notice with your updated traveler number.

Members can complete convenient online renewals easily within 6 months of membership expiration to maintain continuous benefits.

You might also like our articles on the cost of a passport, travel agent, or BAJit services.

What is TSA PreCheck?

TSA PreCheck is a Trusted Traveler program operated by the TSA that enables thoroughly vetted members access to exclusive airport security screening lanes where they can keep shoes, belts and light jackets on while keeping laptops and approved liquids in carry-on bags. This accelerated process allows PreCheck members to speed through security checkpoints much faster. Important benefits include:

• Exclusive access to dedicated PreCheck security lines and screening equipment.
• Avoiding lengthy queues in the general screening lanes.
• Walking through metal detectors rather than full body scanners in most cases.
• Keeping shoes, jackets, laptops, and compliant liquids conveniently packed.
• Fast processing with fewer screening steps overall.
• Quickly passing through checkpoints with minimal hassle and stress.

Membership brings major travel convenience.

Additional TSA PreCheck Fees

Beyond the initial application and renewal fees, possible additional out-of-pocket costs TSA PreCheck applicants may encounter include:

• Booking an in-person enrollment appointment - $10 to $15 (≈1 hour of uninterrupted labor at $15/hour) through a 3rd party booking provider.
• Supplementary identity verification document review in certain cases - $100+ (≈6.7 hours of continuous work at a $15/hour job) per incident.
• Missed appointment fees if you fail to attend or reschedule a booked screening - typically $50+ (≈3.3 hours of labor required at $15/hour).
• Follow up assessments and interviews if conditionally approved pending further review - variable costs that are case dependent.

However, most standard applicants encounter no extra fees beyond the $78 (≈5.2 hours of uninterrupted labor at $15/hour) TSA PreCheck fee itself during smooth enrollments. But know other potential fees exist.

TSA PreCheck vs Global Entry and CLEAR

While TSA PreCheck focuses exclusively on expedited domestic US airport security screening:

• Global Entry covers dedicated US customs re-entry processing for international travel - $100 (≈6.7 hours of continuous work at a $15/hour job) total for 5 years and includes TSA PreCheck.
• CLEAR offers biometric enrollment for exclusive use of priority security lanes - $189 (≈1.6 days working every waking hour at $15/hour) per year for the service itself. Does NOT include underlying TSA PreCheck membership.

Some frequent international travelers pursue both TSA PreCheck alongside Global Entry for the most comprehensive airport processing benefits when traveling both domestically and abroad.

Save Time and Money

Beyond the upfront membership costs, TSA provides major ongoing travel benefits for frequent airport travelers including:

• Wait time reductions of up to 75% in some airports based on dedicated lanes and fewer screening steps.
• Greatly reduced hassle keeping shoes and light jackets on while laptops stay protected in bags.
• Significantly lowered airport stress knowing your screening will be quick and smooth.
• Cumulatively these benefits can save hours over the course of frequent business and personal trips.
• Certain credit cards even reimburse PreCheck fees - effectively making it free.

For regular travelers, the time and convenience value adds up quickly.

Is TSA PreCheck Worth it?

TSA PreCheck provides excellent long-term value especially for:

• Frequent business travelers flying routinely for work. Reduced airport time means increased productivity.
• Leisure travelers who fly often for personal trips and vacations. Less hassle leaves more energy to enjoy adventures.
• Families traveling with children and strollers who appreciate smoother logistics.
• Anyone who flies regularly and values maximizing time savings while minimizing airport headaches.

More occasional and infrequent fliers may find the $78 (≈5.2 hours of uninterrupted labor at $15/hour) fee and 5-year commitment less beneficial based on limited airport trips.

Expert Tips

We consulted experienced travel industry insiders for their best tips on smoothly applying for TSA PreCheck:

Nikita Shah, Corporate Travel Agent"Apply for your Known Traveler Number early on to allow plenty of time for identity verification and background checks. Approvals can take up to 2-3 weeks."Micah Brown, Global Entry Advisor"When submitting identifying details, carefully review that name, birthday, address, and ID numbers exactly match what's printed on your current government-issued ID to prevent processing issues."Andrew Martinez, Airport Lounge Manager"Upon approval, triple check that your 9-digit Known Traveler Number is correctly added to frequent flyer profiles. This links TSA PreCheck to your boarding passes."Christina Robinson, Travel Blogger"The quicker security process itself is so stress-free it's worth the $78 (≈5.2 hours of uninterrupted labor at $15/hour) enrollment fee alone. You'll wish you had signed up for PreCheck sooner!"

Heeding advice from travel insiders helps ensure a smooth TSA PreCheck application and approval.

Final Words

While acquiring TSA PreCheck requires a $78 (≈5.2 hours of uninterrupted labor at $15/hour) upfront application fee and $70 (≈4.7 hours to sacrifice at work earning $15/hour) for quick online renewals every 5 years, the cumulative time savings, convenience, and hassle reduction when flying for work or personal trips provides enormous value for frequent airport travelers who are continually slowed by security checkpoint delays.

By investing in PreCheck, you efficiently reclaim that lost time spent needlessly in security lines for higher priority activities instead. For heavy travelers, the math conclusively supports that TSA PreCheck is a traveler's most indispensable tool for minimizing wasted airport time and avoiding headaches.

Answers to Common Questions

How do I get TSA PreCheck for free?

Unfortunately, you can't - the $78 (≈5.2 hours of uninterrupted labor at $15/hour) application charge is mandatory for all members to cover identity verification and background screening costs. The fee cannot be waived or reimbursed.

Does TSA PreCheck work internationally?

TSA PreCheck is valid for streamlined screening on all domestic US flights, but does NOT include international flight benefits alone. You would need Global Entry for that.

Can foreigners get PreCheck?

No, only U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and lawful permanent residents are eligible to enroll in TSA PreCheck at this time. Foreign visitors must use standard airport security lines.