How to find a TSA PreCheck® enrollment center

Quick insights

• Interviews for TSA PreCheck^® membership are conducted at enrollment centers located throughout the U.S.
• The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) provides an enrollment center locator tool where you can search for the locations closest to you before scheduling the appointment.
• Walk-in applicants may be accepted at enrollment centers, but applicants who schedule an appointment are given priority.

To apply for TSA PreCheck, you’ll need to schedule an in-person appointment at an enrollment center. Depending on where you live, you may have several enrollment centers to choose from. Airports, government buildings and retail stores are just a few examples of where you might find an enrollment center. 

Let’s unpack how to find an enrollment center near you so that you can try to become a TSA PreCheck member and could start bypassing the line for standard security screenings. 

How to find TSA PreCheck appointment locations

When you’re applying for TSA PreCheck, you’ll likely be prompted to choose an enrollment center location for your in-person appointment. TSA provides an enrollment center locator tool where you can find locations near you.

TSA collaborates with several enrollment providers, including CLEAR, IDEMIA and Telos, to offer TSA PreCheck appointments at a variety of locations.  You can sort enrollment centers by provider within the enrollment center locator tool to find one that meets your needs.

After you submit your application, TSA requires you to complete the in-person interview at an enrollment center within 120 days. If you need to reschedule the appointment, providers often let you choose another time on their website.

TSA PreCheck walk-in appointments

TSA PreCheck enrollment centers allow walk-ins. Enrollment centers typically give priority to applicants with scheduled interviews, so it’s possible that a walk-in appointment will be a lengthier process, especially during busy periods.

Checking the enrollment center hours, gathering any required documentation and checking your application for accuracy could help expedite a walk-in appointment.

Preparing for your TSA PreCheck interview

Preparing for your TSA PreCheck interview could help your appointment go more smoothly. You’ll need to bring a valid government-issued photo ID and proof of citizenship or immigration status. Originals or certified copies of these documents are acceptable.

TSA provides the most up-to-date information regarding the required identification documentation. Any documents must be unexpired and match exactly with the name you provided on your application.

During the appointment, you’ll be fingerprinted and have your photo taken. You may be asked a few questions related to the background check too.

You’ll also need to provide payment for the application fee during your interview. A number of credit cards may reimburse the TSA PreCheck application fee when you use your card to pay. Many credit cards with this benefit will provide reimbursement in the form of a statement credit. The application fee is non-refundable if you are not approved for TSA PreCheck.

How long it takes to get TSA PreCheck

It can take a couple of months from your application date to get your Known Traveler Number (KTN)—also called the TSA PreCheck number—which indicates that you’re approved to use TSA PreCheck screening lanes. In many cases, the process does not take as long.

Here’s a breakdown of the timeline for getting TSA PreCheck:

• Completing the online application: This takes approximately five minutes.
• Scheduling an appointment: You can often find an appointment within a few days, but it’s possible you’ll have to wait a few weeks.
• Getting interviewed: The interview typically lasts around 10 minutes.
• Waiting for a decision: You may receive a decision, along with your KTN, within three to five days of your interview. Some applications may take as long as 60 days.

Applicants can sign up for updates on their TSA PreCheck application status via email, phone or text. They can also check the status through the enrollment provider they applied with.

In summary

TSA PreCheck enrollments centers are located throughout the U.S. TSA provides an enrollment center locator tool where you can find the location nearest you. Walk-in interviews are an option, but scheduled interviews typically get priority.

Filling out your online application and getting interviewed in person usually takes around 15 minutes total. However, wait times for interview appointments could tack on a few weeks to the timeline. After finishing the interview, you could receive a decision within three to five days, although some applicants may have to wait up to 60 days. TSA doesn’t provide official guidance regarding how long in advance of a trip to apply for TSA PreCheck.