How TSA PreCheck’s Interview Process Works

No one enjoys the never-ending, snake-like queues of cranky travelers lining up for security checks, but there’s one thing you can do to avoid the security line moving at the speed of a snail: Enroll in TSA PreCheck.

Enrolling does require a few steps, however. After filling out an application, your membership is contingent on passing the TSA PreCheck interview, which is actually more like an appointment. While the process may seem intimidating, it is generally a simple and smooth experience.

The TSA PreCheck website will help you find the closest enrollment center, which in addition to several airports also includes some Staples, Office Depot and IDEMIA locations. Once you get there, the TSA PreCheck interview isn’t so much an interview but rather an appointment. Here's how it will go.

You must provide correct documentation

You will need an original or certified copy of a document that proves your identity and citizenship status.

Accepted documents include:

• Unexpired U.S. Passport (book or card).

• Unexpired Enhanced Tribal Card (ETC).

• Unexpired Free and Secure Trade (FAST) Card.

• Unexpired U.S. Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) or Unexpired Enhanced Identification Card (EID).

• Permanent Resident Card (I-551) often referred to as a “Green Card.”

• Unexpired Foreign Passport AND immigrant visa with I-551 annotation of “Upon Endorsement Serves as Temporary I-551 Evidencing Permanent Residence of 1 Year.”

• Unexpired Re-entry Permit (I-327).

The names on the documents need to exactly match your name on the application. If they are different, you must have an original or certified name change document.

If you don’t have any of the above documentation, there are other options, but you need at least two documents. One must be a valid photo ID and the other must prove citizenship.

» Learn more: How to get TSA PreCheck with your spouse

You’ll be fingerprinted and (potentially) asked a few questions

Once you meet face to face with a person, you’ll get your fingerprints taken for a background check. They might or might not ask you some questions mentioned in the application, such as whether you’ve used other names before, how often you travel and why you want to enroll in the program. If you have a criminal history, it’s possible you’ll be asked to provide details.

All in all, the process is pretty painless and is closely attuned to the application form that you’ve already filled out.

You have to pay the TSA membership fee

The TSA PreCheck interview is also when you pay for your application. The payment method depends on the specific enrollment provider but can include credit cards, debit cards, money orders, company checks or cashier’s checks.

A number of popular travel credit cards reimburse the enrollment fee, so if you have one of these cards, make sure to use it when paying. Among cards offering reimbursement:

You might even be able to use rewards points or miles to pay for TSA PreCheck via a partnership with IDEMIA.

» Learn more: Best credit cards that pay for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry

You might spend more time in line than being interviewed

All in all, the actual TSA PreCheck interview typically takes 10 minutes or less. However, you may end up spending more time at your appointment if the lines are long at the enrollment center.

If you’re approved, you should receive your Known Traveler Number within three to five days after the TSA PreCheck interview.

Just remember, once you are approved, you must add your Known Traveler Number (KTN) to your reservations with the airlines so it appears on your booking. If you do not, it will not appear on your boarding pass and you won’t be able to use PreCheck security lanes at the airport.

TSA PreCheck program basics

TSA PreCheck is a trusted traveler program run by the Transportation Security Administration that allows you to go through a dedicated security line at more than 200 U.S. airports.

In this line, you can keep your belts and light jackets on and leave your liquids and laptop in the bag. Because of the speedy process, the TSA PreCheck queue is usually shorter than a standard security screening line. In most cases, you’ll get through in less than ten minutes.

More than 90 U.S. and international airlines participate in the program.

» Learn more: How to add TSA PreCheck to your airline ticket

How to enroll in TSA PreCheck

To enroll in the program, you must be a U.S. citizen, a U.S. national or a lawful permanent resident.

Enrollment costs:

• $76.75 through IDEMIA.

• $85 through Telos.

• $77.95 through CLEAR.

It lasts five years, after which you must apply for renewal and pay a renewal fee.

• $58.75 online and $66.75 in person (IDEMIA).

• $70 online and in person (Telos).

• $69.95 online, $79.95 in person if you applied through CLEAR.

Other trusted traveler programs, such as Global Entry, Nexus and Sentri, include TSA PreCheck membership without needing to enroll separately.

To enroll in the program, visit the TSA PreCheck application website and fill out the online form. Make sure your legal name appears exactly as it does on your ID. You’ll then be presented with a list of enrollment centers and available dates and times for an in-person appointment.

You also can apply in person at an enrollment center.

Note that you must have a “clean” record to enroll in TSA PreCheck, and the program does perform a background check for all applicants.

How to enroll my children in TSA PreCheck

Kids 12 and younger can join you in the TSA PreCheck line without applying for their own membership as long as your boarding pass indicates your membership. It’s worth mentioning that young kids under 12 already can leave their shoes, jackets and headwear on while going through the standard security screening.

Children who are 13 to 17 years old can join you as well, but the TSA PreCheck indicator must appear on their boarding pass, otherwise, they will need to go through standard security.

If a child regularly travels alone, they will need their own TSA PreCheck number.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

There’s nothing you have to do ahead of time except fill out an application and ensure you have the right identification documents. When you have your appointment, just show up at the enrollment center at the specified time, take your fingerprints and possibly answer a few questions. That’s it.