TSA PreCheck FAQ

Gender/Name Change/Change in Personal Information

Can I apply for TSA PreCheck® with a non-binary gender and gender non-conforming identity document on the TSA PreCheck application?

Yes, TSA is committed to promoting the freedom, dignity, and equality of all people, including LGBTQIA+.  Individuals who apply for TSA PreCheck®, including persons utilizing a non-binary and gender non-conforming identity document, may self-select Male, Female, or Another Gender as their gender when applying for TSA PreCheck®.

What does it mean that I can self-select my preferred gender during the TSA PreCheck application process?

You can select the gender on your TSA PreCheck® application that is most appropriate for you – Male, Female, or Another Gender.  TSA will not require supporting documentation regarding your selection of gender. Medical certification or a physician’s letter is not required when enrolling with a gender that does not match the gender on your identification documents.

How do I change the gender I provided to TSA PreCheck®?

If you are a member of the TSA PreCheck® Application Program, you may call [phone] on weekdays, between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. ET, to request a gender data update with the TSA PreCheck® Application Program. Please note, updating your gender is not required to receive TSA PreCheck® screening.  You are eligible to receive TSA PreCheck® screening even if your current gender differs from the gender you provided when you enrolled in TSA PreCheck®, as long as the name and date of birth on your reservation match the name and date of birth on record with TSA.

 

How should I fill out my name on my application?

The name on your application must be an exact match to the name on the identification and proof of citizenship/immigration documents you provide at enrollment. The name provided must be the name used when making your airline travel reservations.

 

Does the gender on my identification documents need to be updated before I can update the gender on my TSA PreCheck application?

No, the gender on your identification documents does not need to match the gender you select on your TSA PreCheck Application.

 

Does the gender on your airline reservation, your identity document, and your TSA PreCheck® application need to match?

No. You will receive TSA PreCheck® screening even if your current gender differs from the gender you provided when you enrolled in TSA PreCheck®, as long as the name, KTN and date of birth on your reservation match the name, KTN, and date of birth on record with TSA. 

My personal information has changed. How do I update my information so that I can continue to receive TSA PreCheck®?

If you are a member of the TSA PreCheck® Application Program, you may call [phone] on weekdays, between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. ET, to make changes to your name, address, or other information contained in your records. You may also submit your inquiry online. You will be provided with information regarding the documentation needed to process the change.

If you change your name and do not update your TSA PreCheck® membership to match the new details, you will not be able to use your TSA PreCheck® benefits when traveling until the name change process is completed. 

Do I need to include aliases, birth, or former name(s) no longer used when applying for TSA PreCheck?

Yes, TSA requires all names used, current and past. You do not need to provide documents that prove you have previously used another name or alias.  The name provided on the TSA PreCheck® application must be the name used when making your airline travel reservations. The name on your application must be an exact match to the name on the identification and proof of citizenship/immigration documents you provide at enrollment. 

General Inquiry

Can I be disqualified/suspended from TSA PreCheck®?

If you are enrolled in TSA PreCheck®, you may be eligible for expedited security screening when flying. However, if you have committed certain violations of federal security regulations such as assault, threat, intimidation, interference with a flight crew, physical or sexual assault or threat of physical or sexual assault of any individual on an aircraft, interference with security operations, access control violations, providing false or fraudulent documents, making a bomb threat, or bringing a firearm, explosive, or other prohibited item to an airport or onboard an aircraft, you may be denied expedited screening for a period of time. The duration of disqualification from participation in TSA PreCheck® can range from five years for a first-time offense to permanent for egregious incidents or repeat offenses.

If you have not received a TSA PreCheck® indicator on your boarding pass, first confirm your KTN (Known Traveler Number) is still active, confirm with your airline that your KTN, name, and date of birth are accurate, and check that your airline participates in the TSA PreCheck® program. If you still have questions, call the TSA Contact Center at [phone], submit an online form, or contact us at @AskTSA on Twitter and Facebook Messenger. If you received a notice of violation, please contact your case agent. Remember that TSA uses unpredictable security measures, both seen and unseen, throughout the airport and all travelers will be screened, and no individual is guaranteed expedited screening.

Do children need to apply for TSA PreCheck®?

It depends on their age and whether they are traveling with a parent or guardian who has enrolled in TSA PreCheck:

• Children 12 and under may accompany an enrolled parent or guardian in the TSA PreCheck lanes without restriction.
• Children 13-17 may join enrolled adults when traveling on the same reservation and if the TSA PreCheck indicator appears on the child’s boarding pass.
• Any child traveling alone routinely may want to enroll in the program.

Please note, adults using gate passes to accompany children traveling alone will be directed to standard screening as gate passes are excluded from TSA PreCheck benefits. This applies even if the gate pass holder has enrolled in TSA PreCheck. The adult will not be permitted to join the child in the TSA PreCheck lane.

 

Does the name on my airline reservation have to match the name on my application?

Yes. The name submitted on your airline reservation must be an exact match to the name you provided on your application. If you use a frequent flyer account or online travel profile, ensure that your name is properly saved.

 

Does TSA provide any discounts, promotions, or reimbursement assistance to cover the $78 TSA PreCheck® application fee?

While TSA does not offer any assistance with application fee costs, several credit card companies and loyalty programs do.

 

How will I know that I can access TSA PreCheck® screening lanes?

Participating airlines display a TSA PreCheck® indicator directly on your boarding pass if you are eligible for TSA PreCheck based on your provided Known Traveler Number (KTN). Please ensure you add your KTN to your airline reservation while booking the reservation. If you do not have a valid boarding pass with a TSA PreCheck indicator on it, you cannot access the TSA PreCheck lane. If you believe you should have the TSA PreCheck indicator on your boarding pass but did not receive it, please call the TSA Contact Center at [phone], submit an online form, or contact TSA at @AskTSA on Twitter and Facebook Messenger.

 

Will I receive an ID card or other credentials to use TSA PreCheck® lanes?

No, there is no TSA PreCheck card.  Travelers should enter their Known Traveler Number in their airline reservation to receive a TSA PreCheck® indicator on their boarding pass.

Do Gate Passes give TSA PreCheck® benefits to parents accompanying minors through security?

No. Parents accompanying children through airport security via gate passes will always be directed to standard screening as TSA PreCheck benefits do not apply to gate passes. This applies even if the parent has enrolled in TSA PreCheck.

How do I know if I can access TSA PreCheck® screening?

Participating airlines display a TSA PreCheck® indicator (such as TSAPRECHK, TSA PRE, or TSA PreCheck®) on boarding passes to help you recognize when you are eligible for TSA PreCheck® on your flight. You must have the TSA PreCheck® indicator on your boarding pass before you can access the TSA PreCheck® screening lane.

 

How long does my TSA PreCheck® membership last?

TSA PreCheck® memberships last five years.

 

I am traveling with my family; can they also use the TSA PreCheck® lane?

Children 12 and under may accompany an enrolled parent or guardian in the TSA PreCheck lanes without restriction. Children 13-17 may join enrolled adults in the dedicated lanes when traveling on the same reservation and if the TSA PreCheck indicator appears on the child’s boarding pass.

Children 17 and under who will be traveling alone or without a TSA PreCheck-eligible adult must apply for TSA PreCheck to have access to expedited screening. Please note, adults using gate passes to accompany children traveling alone will be directed to standard screening as gate passes are excluded from TSA PreCheck benefits. This applies even if the gate pass holder has enrolled in TSA PreCheck. The adult will not be permitted to join the child in the TSA PreCheck lane.

Why can't I use the TSA PreCheck® lanes when traveling on any airline?

Passengers must be traveling on an airline that has entered into a partnership with TSA to offer TSA PreCheck®.

 

Will I keep my same KTN after I renew?

Yes. Members will keep the same KTN during the renewal process.

Can the fee for TSA PreCheck® be waived because I have a disability or medical condition?

No. The application fee covers the cost of the background check and cannot be waived.

Active Duty Military and DoD Civilians

 

Are my non-DoD affiliated military dependents eligible for free TSA PreCheck®?

No, TSA PreCheck® benefits do not extend to non-DoD affiliated military adult dependents age 18 and over.

 

Do my existing TSA PreCheck membership benefits continue after leaving DoD?

No, TSA PreCheck benefits do not continue after leaving DoD.  Be sure to enroll upon retirement or leaving DoD to continue enjoying TSA PreCheck benefits.

 

 

NOTE: Please refer to TSA PreCheck FAQ for more information.