How to Schedule and Prepare for Your TSA PreCheck Appointment

What happens at a TSA PreCheck appointment

Your TSA PreCheck appointment is a 10-minute in-person visit where a TSA officer collects your fingerprints, takes a photo, and verifies your identity and background information. You will not take a test or interview — the officer is there to confirm you are who you say you are and to gather biometric data that goes into the TSA system.

The appointment itself is straightforward. You arrive, check in, answer a few questions about your background, provide your fingerprints on a digital scanner, and have your photo taken. The officer will review your documents to make sure everything matches what you submitted online. Once that is done, you leave. The whole thing takes about 10 minutes, though you should plan to arrive 15 minutes early.

After your appointment, the TSA processes your background check, which typically takes 3 to 5 business days. You will receive an email or letter telling you whether you have been approved. If approved, your TSA PreCheck number is added to your account, and you can use it when booking flights immediately.

Key Takeaways

• Book your appointment online through the TSA PreCheck website or through a trusted traveler program enrollment center — do not call or walk in without a scheduled time.
• Bring a valid government-issued photo ID, proof of citizenship or lawful permanent resident status, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
• The appointment itself takes 10 minutes, but arrive 15 minutes early with all documents ready to avoid delays.
• After your appointment, background processing takes 3 to 5 business days, and you will be notified by email or mail whether you have been approved.
• If you are denied, you have the right to request a review and can resubmit with additional information within 60 days.

How to book your appointment online

Go to the official TSA PreCheck website (tsa.gov/precheck) and click the link to schedule an appointment. You will create an account, enter your personal information, and choose from available appointment times at an enrollment center near you. The system shows you which centers have openings and what dates work for your schedule.

When you book, you will pay the TSA PreCheck fee, which is currently $78 to $85 depending on the enrollment center. Some credit cards and travel programs offer reimbursement for this fee, so check your benefits before paying. You will receive a confirmation email with your appointment date, time, location, and a list of documents to bring.

Do not skip the confirmation email — print it or save it on your phone. Some enrollment centers ask to see it when you arrive, and it reminds you what documents you need. If you need to reschedule, you can do so through your account on the TSA website up to 7 days before your appointment.

Documents you must bring to your appointment

Bring one valid government-issued photo ID. This can be a driver's license, passport, military ID, or state ID card. The name on your ID must match the name you used when you booked your appointment.

You also need proof of citizenship or lawful permanent resident status. A U.S. passport, passport card, or birth certificate works for citizenship. If you are a lawful permanent resident, bring your green card or a travel document issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. A state birth certificate is acceptable, but it must be an official copy with a raised seal — a photocopy or hospital birth certificate will not work.

Have your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number ready. You do not need to bring a card, but know the number. If you have changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the legal document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Do not bring originals of documents unless you are comfortable leaving them temporarily. The TSA officer will examine them but will not keep them. If you are unsure whether a document counts as proof of citizenship, call the enrollment center before your appointment and ask.

What to expect when you arrive

Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled time. Check in at the front desk and give your name and confirmation number. You will be asked to sit in a waiting area until an officer calls you back.

When the officer calls you, you will go to a private or semi-private area where they will ask you questions about your background — where you have lived, whether you have any criminal history, whether you have ever been denied a visa or travel document. Answer honestly. The officer is not trying to trick you; they are verifying the information you submitted online.

Next, the officer will scan your fingerprints on a digital device. This is quick and painless. Then they will take a digital photo of you. After that, they will review your documents, confirm everything matches, and you are done. You will not receive a physical card at the appointment — your approval comes by email or mail after processing is complete.

What happens if documents are missing or incorrect

If you arrive without a required document, the officer will not be able to complete your appointment. You will need to reschedule for another time when you have everything. There is no fee to reschedule, but you will have to book a new appointment slot, which may not be available for several weeks depending on your location.

If your name on your ID does not match the name in your online account, tell the officer before the appointment starts. If the difference is small — a middle initial, a nickname versus a legal name — the officer can usually update it on the spot. If the difference is large, you may need to update your account online and reschedule.

If you realize after your appointment that you brought the wrong document or that a document was incomplete, contact the enrollment center where you had your appointment. Some centers will allow you to submit missing documents by mail or email within a short window. Do not wait — contact them within a few days.

Understanding your approval or denial decision

After your appointment, the TSA conducts a background check that includes criminal history, immigration status, and other security-related information. This takes 3 to 5 business days. You will receive notification by email or mail.

If you are approved, your TSA PreCheck number is active immediately. You can use it when you book flights, and you will see "TSA PreCheck" on your boarding pass. You can also add it to your airline frequent flyer account so it appears automatically on future bookings.

If you are denied, the letter will explain the reason or tell you that you can request more information. You have the right to request a review of the decision within 60 days. To do so, follow the instructions in the denial letter. You can submit additional documents or information that you believe addresses the reason for denial. The TSA will review your request and send you a final decision.

What to do if you cannot make your appointment

If you need to cancel or reschedule, log into your account on the TSA PreCheck website and change your appointment. You can reschedule up to 7 days before your appointment at no extra cost. If you cancel within 7 days of your appointment, you forfeit the fee unless you reschedule within 30 days.

If you miss your appointment without canceling, you forfeit the fee. You will need to pay again and book a new appointment if you want to continue. Some enrollment centers have a grace period of a few hours — call the center where you had your appointment to ask whether they can reschedule you for the same day if you were running late.

If you have a life emergency and cannot reschedule online, call the enrollment center directly. They may be able to help, but it depends on their policies and availability. Do not assume they can fit you in — call as soon as you know you cannot make it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring someone with me to my appointment?

No. Only you can attend your appointment. Children, spouses, and friends must wait in the lobby or outside. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must be present to sign consent forms, but they do not sit in the appointment room with you.

What if I have a criminal record or have been denied entry to another country?

Disclose it to the officer during your appointment. The TSA reviews each case individually, and denial is not automatic. Being honest is better than hoping they do not find out — they will conduct a background check regardless. If you are unsure whether something will disqualify you, contact the enrollment center before your appointment and ask.

Do I need an appointment if I renew my TSA PreCheck?

Yes. When your TSA PreCheck expires (usually after 5 years), you must schedule a new appointment and go through the process again. You can renew online or in person. Some people renew by mail, but an in-person appointment is faster.

What if I move to a different state before my appointment?

You can reschedule your appointment to an enrollment center in your new state. Log into your account, cancel your current appointment, and book a new one at a center near your new address. You will not be charged again if you reschedule before your original appointment date.

Can I use TSA PreCheck at international airports?

TSA PreCheck works at U.S. airports and on flights departing the United States. It does not work at foreign airports or on flights departing from other countries. If you travel internationally often, you may want to look into Global Entry, which includes TSA PreCheck and covers international travel.