Add your KTN to every booking so PreCheck shows on your boarding pass.
TSA PreCheck costs between $79.75 and $85 for five years, depending on which of three providers you use. You apply online, finish in person, wait a few days, then add one number to your bookings. This page has the prices, the documents and the steps, all from tsa.gov.
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In one line: new members pay $79.75 to $85, renewals run $58.75 to $84.95, and most people get their Known Traveler Number (KTN) in 3 to 5 days.
$79.75–$85
new five-year membership, by provider
$58.75
the lowest renewal price (IDEMIA online, Telos in person)
3–5 days
usual wait for your KTN; some take up to 60
1,300+
enrollment locations across the three providers
💲 What it costs, by provider
Provider
🆕 New, 5 years
🔄 Renew online
🏢 Renew in person
📍 Locations
IDEMIA
$79.75
$58.75
$66.75
529
CLEAR
$84.95
$72.95
$84.95
348
Telos
$85.00
$69.95
$58.75
512
Lowest price in each column is bold. CLEAR renewals are free if you join CLEAR+, with terms. The provider changes the price you pay; the membership is TSA PreCheck either way.
🧾 Who can apply and what to bring
🇺🇸
Who: U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals and lawful permanent residents. Applicants can be ineligible for incomplete or false information or disqualifying offenses.
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One document is enough if it is on TSA’s List A: an unexpired U.S. passport (book or card), a permanent resident card, an enhanced driver’s license or ID, a FAST card, or an enhanced tribal card.
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No List A document? Bring two: a valid photo ID (a REAL ID driver’s license or state ID, a U.S. military ID, a tribal photo document, a TWIC or Merchant Mariner Credential) and proof of citizenship (a U.S. birth certificate, a certificate of citizenship or naturalization, or a U.S. passport that expired within 12 months).
✍️
Names must match exactly. If you changed your name, bring the original or certified name-change document, such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree.
Bring one List A document, such as a passport, or a photo ID plus proof of citizenship.
📝 How to apply, step by step
From application to your first PreCheck flight
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Step 1 · about 5 minutesStart your application online with one of the three providers: CLEAR, IDEMIA or Telos.
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Step 2 · about 10 minutesGo to an in-person appointment for the document check, fingerprints, photo and payment. There are no refunds once enrollment is complete.
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Step 3 · 3 to 5 days, up to 60Wait for approval. TSA recommends applying at least 60 days before you travel.
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Step 4 · on approvalYou receive your Known Traveler Number (KTN).
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Step 5 · every bookingAdd the KTN to each airline reservation so TSA PreCheck shows on your boarding pass.
🔄 How to renew
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Renew up to 6 months before your membership ends. The new five years start when the old ones end, so renewing early costs you nothing. TSA recommends renewing at least 60 days before expiry to avoid a gap.
Renew online at tsa.gov/precheck/renew and pick your provider. Online is the cheaper route at IDEMIA and CLEAR; at Telos the in-person price is lower, as the table above shows.
Renew online up to six months before it expires.
💰 Ways to pay less
🎖️
Military spouses get $25 off enrollment or renewal with an unexpired Department of Defense or Uniformed Services photo ID that lists the relationship as Spouse. How you claim it depends on the provider.
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Some credit cards rebate the fee. TSA mentions participating cards but lists no amounts, so check your card’s terms.
Children 17 and under can join an adult in the PreCheck lane for free. Children 12 and under do not need their own KTN when traveling with an enrolled adult; ages 13 to 17 need the PreCheck indicator on their own boarding pass.
🙂
Touchless ID is free for members. Opt in through your airline profile with your KTN and passport details. It is offered by American, Alaska, Delta, Hawaiian, Southwest and United at 65 airports.
⚠️ Things people get wrong
❌
Waiting too long. Most people get the KTN in 3 to 5 days, but some wait up to 60.
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Leaving the KTN off the booking. Without it, PreCheck will not show on your boarding pass.
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Documents that do not match the application name.
Lost your KTN or want your expiry date? TSA has a KTN lookup tool.
❓ Quick answers
How much does TSA PreCheck cost?
A new five-year membership costs $79.75 with IDEMIA, $84.95 with CLEAR and $85.00 with Telos.
How long does TSA PreCheck take?
Most applicants get their KTN in 3 to 5 days. Some applications take up to 60 days.
How often do I renew?
Every five years. You can renew online up to six months before it expires.
Can I get a refund if I change my mind?
No. TSA says there are no refunds once in-person enrollment is complete and payment is taken.
Do I need my own KTN for my kid?
Not for ages 12 and under traveling with an enrolled adult. Ages 13 to 17 need the PreCheck indicator on their boarding pass.
Checked October 2026 on the airline’s own website. Rules change; confirm for your ticket before you fly.
