How to Schedule and Prepare for Your TSA PreCheck Appointment

What to expect when you book a TSA PreCheck appointment

A TSA PreCheck appointment is a 10-minute in-person visit at an enrollment center where a TSA officer collects your fingerprints, takes a photo, and verifies your identity documents. You do not complete the full background check during the appointment — that happens afterward. The appointment itself is straightforward: you arrive, hand over documents, get scanned and photographed, and leave. The TSA then processes your background check over the next few weeks.

You must book the appointment before you show up. Walk-ins are not accepted. The TSA uses a third-party scheduling system called Idemia, and you book through their website or mobile app. Appointment availability varies by location and season — some centers have openings within days, others have a wait of several weeks. Peak times are typically late spring through early fall.

Key Takeaways

• Book your appointment through the Idemia website or app at least a few days in advance; walk-ins are not permitted.
• Bring your valid passport, driver's license, and proof of citizenship or permanent residency — the exact documents depend on which you choose as your primary ID.
• The appointment itself takes about 10 minutes, but arrive 15 minutes early to check in and complete a form.
• After your appointment, the TSA processes your background check, which typically takes 3 to 5 business days but can take longer during busy periods.
• You will receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) by email once approved, which you use when booking flights.

How to find and book an appointment near you

Go to the Idemia enrollment website (universalenrollment.tsa.dhs.gov) or download the Idemia mobile app. Enter your zip code or city to see all TSA PreCheck enrollment centers within a reasonable distance. The map shows each center's address, hours, and available appointment slots for the next several weeks.

Select a date and time that works for you. Most centers operate during business hours, Monday through Friday, with some offering Saturday appointments. Once you choose a slot, you will create an account with Idemia, provide your name and email, and receive a confirmation. Save your confirmation number — you will need it when you arrive.

If no appointments are available near you, check back in a few days. Slots open regularly as the TSA releases new availability. You can also look at enrollment centers in neighboring cities if you are willing to travel.

What documents to bring to your appointment

Bring one primary form of ID and one secondary form. Your primary ID must be a valid U.S. passport, passport card, driver's license, or state ID card. Your secondary ID can be a Social Security card, birth certificate, military ID, or employee ID. The TSA officer will verify both documents match your application information.

You will also need proof of citizenship or permanent residency. If you are a U.S. citizen, bring your passport, passport card, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate. If you are a permanent resident, bring your green card or a copy of your I-797 approval notice. Do not bring originals of documents you cannot afford to lose — bring copies where possible, though the TSA may ask to see originals to verify them.

Bring your confirmation number from Idemia. Bring a pen in case you need to fill out or correct any paperwork on the spot. Do not bring weapons, prohibited items, or anything that might trigger security concerns — the enrollment center is a federal facility.

What happens during the 10-minute appointment

Arrive 15 minutes early. Check in at the desk and provide your confirmation number. You will be asked to complete a form confirming the information you provided when you booked — name, address, date of birth, and citizenship status. Review it carefully and correct any errors before submitting.

A TSA officer will call you back, verify your documents, take a digital photo, and scan your fingerprints using an electronic scanner. The officer may ask you a few questions about your background, residence history, or employment. Answer honestly and directly. The entire process takes about 10 minutes.

Once the appointment is complete, you are done. You do not receive your approval or your Known Traveler Number (KTN) that day. The TSA conducts the background check after your appointment and notifies you by email when it is finished.

Timeline from appointment to approval

After your appointment, the TSA typically processes your background check within 3 to 5 business days. During busy travel seasons or if the TSA needs to verify additional information about you, processing can take 2 to 3 weeks. You will receive an email notification once your background check is complete and your KTN has been issued.

Check your email (including spam and promotions folders) for the notification. The email will contain your KTN, which is a nine-character code you enter when booking flights. You can also log into your TSA PreCheck account on the Idemia website to view your KTN and check your status at any time.

If you do not hear back within 3 weeks, contact the TSA directly through their website or call 1-855-347-8371. Have your confirmation number ready.

What to do if you need to reschedule or cancel

Log into your Idemia account and select your appointment. You will see options to reschedule or cancel. If you reschedule, you can choose a different date and time from available slots. If you cancel, you will lose your appointment fee (currently $78 to $85 depending on the enrollment center), though some centers may offer a refund if you cancel far enough in advance — check your center's policy.

If you miss your appointment without canceling, you forfeit your fee and must book a new appointment and pay again. If you know you cannot make it, cancel as soon as possible so the slot opens for someone else.

Common reasons appointments are delayed or denied

The TSA may delay your background check if your name is similar to someone else's, if there are discrepancies between your documents and your application, or if they need to verify employment or residence history. If this happens, the TSA will contact you by email or phone with instructions on what to provide.

Your background check may be denied if you have a disqualifying criminal conviction, certain immigration violations, or a history of security violations. The TSA will notify you in writing if you are denied and explain the reason. You have the right to request reconsideration or appeal, though the process varies by reason for denial.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book an appointment on the phone instead of online?

No. The TSA requires all appointments to be booked through the Idemia website or app. You cannot book by phone. If you have trouble using the online system, Idemia offers customer support through their website, and you can contact them for help navigating the booking process.

What if I do not have a passport or state ID?

You need at least one valid primary ID to schedule an appointment. If you do not have a passport, driver's license, or state ID, you will need to obtain one before you can book. Your state's DMV issues driver's licenses and state ID cards. A U.S. passport is issued by the State Department and can take several weeks to arrive, so plan ahead.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card or is a copy okay?

Bring the original if you have it, though a copy is usually acceptable as a secondary form of ID. The TSA officer may ask to see the original to verify it is genuine. If you do not have a Social Security card, bring another secondary ID such as a birth certificate or military ID.

What if my background check is still processing after three weeks?

Contact the TSA at 1-855-347-8371 or through their website. Have your confirmation number and KTN request number (if you received one) ready. The TSA can tell you the status of your check and whether additional information is needed from you.

Can I use my KTN before I receive the official email confirmation?

No. Use your KTN only after you receive the email from the TSA confirming your background check is complete and your PreCheck status is active. Using an unconfirmed KTN may cause problems when you check in for your flight.