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Understanding TSA PreCheck® approval times

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    Quick insights

    • Part of the TSA PreCheck application process includes an in-person appointment at an enrollment center.
    • A TSA PreCheck Known Traveler Number (KTN) is typically issued via email within a week of your in-person appointment.
    • There is no official way to expedite the TSA PreCheck application process.

    Taking off your shoes is typically frowned upon in most public settings. The airport security line is likely one major exception though. However, if you have TSA PreCheck you may be able to sail through airport screening without having to show your socks.

    In this article, we’ll discuss how to apply for TSA PreCheck and how long the approval process typically takes.

    The TSA PreCheck approval process

    TSA PreCheck is a federal program that allows pre-approved travelers access to an expedited security screening line at airports. The benefits of TSA PreCheck can include shorter security lines as well as potentially not having to remove shoes, laptops, belts and light jackets while going through airport security.

    Any U.S. citizen or lawful permanent residents is eligible to apply for TSA PreCheck. There is an application fee, but application does not guarantee approval. If approved, TSA PreCheck status is good for 5 years. If rejected, the application fee won’t be reimbursed.

    The TSA PreCheck approval process includes:

    • Filling out an application
    • A background check
    • An in-person interview to verify required documents, pay the application fee and get fingerprinted

    If approved, you’ll be provided with a Known Traveler Number via email that you can add to your airline reservations. You can also look up your KTN at a later date by logging onto the Trusted Traveler Program website.

    Adding your KTN—which is a 9- or 10-digit combo of letters and numbers—will display the TSA PreCheck indicator on your boarding pass and allow you to use TSA PreCheck lanes at the airport.

    How long it takes to get TSA PreCheck

    TSA PreCheck applications are typically processed within a week of your in-person appointment. It is common to receive a KTN 3-5 days after your appointment, but some applications can take up to 60 days to process.

    A few factors that can affect processing times, include:

    • The volume of applications
    • Accuracy of your application
    • The results of your background check

    Applicants can receive updates on their enrollment application status by email, phone, text or by checking online through the enrollment provider they applied with.

    Expediting TSA PreCheck

    There is no official way to expedite the TSA PreCheck approval process. To help facilitate a smoother, and potentially quicker, review process, it may help to:

    • Complete the application thoroughly and accurately
    • Schedule your in-person appointment as soon as possible after submitting your application
    • Contact the TSA as soon as you spot any issues or delays with your application

    If the soonest appointment time is further out than you’d like, it may be possible to get an appointment with a TSA agent sooner. Some TSA enrollment centers have same-day, walk-in appointments. They are subject to availability, and you may experience longer wait times than those with scheduled appointments.

    TSA PreCheck interviews

    An in-person appointment is a requirement for applying for TSA PreCheck. You can only schedule your TSA interview once you’ve submitted your application.

    TSA PreCheck appointments are usually brief—possibly as short as 10 minutes—as they're mainly for verifying your identification documents and paying the application fee. Your fingerprints will also be processed at this time.

    Your name on TSA PreCheck documents

    The names on the documents you submit with your application must match exactly with the name provided on your TSA PreCheck application. If you have legally changed your name, you must provide an original or certified name change document (such as marriage certificates and divorce decrees) in addition to the required documentation.

    A full list of required and accepted documents can be found on the TSA website.

    Using TSA PreCheck

    You can use TSA PreCheck lanes as soon as you receive your approval and are issued a KTN. You can enter this number into current or future airline reservations to provide you with TSA PreCheck status on your boarding pass.

    Ensuring that the name on your flight reservation matches the name you used for TSA PreCheck can help prevent issues when traveling. If the names don't match, your TSA PreCheck status may not display on your boarding pass.

    You can use the TSA’s KTN look up tool if you forgot your KTN.

    In summary

    If you’re applying for TSA PreCheck, there’s no official way to expedite the process so you may want to plan ahead if you want to use it on your next trip. However, it may be possible to get TSA PreCheck within a few weeks of applying. And if you’re near an enrollment center, you may be able to apply and have your TSA appointment all on the same day. Once you have it, you’ll be able to use your TSA PreCheck status for the next five years before needing to renew.

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