How Long Does It Take to Get TSA PreCheck?

‌If you’re looking to avoid extra hassle at u.s. airports, especially that long security line after check-in, look no further than the Transportation Security Administration’s PreCheck program.‌ This special perk gives you access to shorter security screening lines that do not require you to remove light jackets or the laptops from your carry-on bags for X-ray scanning, all you need is your boarding pass. Because of the program’s immense popularity, the application process wait time has increased since the PreCheck’s 2013 inception. Plan early, however, and you may be enjoying the benefits of an expedited screening process on your next trip through airport security.

The application process for TSA PreCheck membership is relatively painless, but you should give the agency plenty of time to complete your request. Keep in mind that TSA is swamped with demands during the holidays and summer months.

‌The actual application process begins on the tsa website, and it takes only approximately five minutes to fill out the form.‌ You’ll also have to submit a non-refundable online application fee with your credit card. and schedule an in-person interview with a TSA agent at an enrollment center. On the day of your in-person appointment, you’ll be fingerprinted, and the agency will begin a background check. The whole interview should take no more than 10 minutes, but don’t be surprised if it begins after your scheduled appointment time as the office is typically very crowded. You can speed up the process by making sure you bring all the necessary documents, including your passport. If you don’t have a passport, make certain you bring two forms of ID: a photo ID and a document that shows you’re a u.s. citizen or lawful permanent resident. This could be a birth certificate or driver’s license. Barring any unforeseen circumstances or criminal history, you should receive news on your application status two to three weeks after your office visit along with your known traveler number. Then you’ll be able to start enjoying the short tsa precheck lines.

Global Entry is the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s own expedited processing system. Normally, once you depart from an international flight, you are required to speak with a customs agent and declare and pay duties on any eligible goods. ‌Global Entry lets you skip the long lines and in-person interview. Instead, you’re able to declare your items, pay duties, and scan your passport and fingerprints via an electronic kiosk at the airport.‌ This is great for frequent flyers or business travel.

You can submit your application and pay the non-refundable application fee online for the Global Entry loyalty program. Typically, within a few days or weeks, you’ll be contacted to schedule an in-person interview at a Global Entry office. U.S. Customs and Border Protection will start a background check on you prior to your arrival at their office. As a result, most in-person interviews only last around 15 minutes, and they consist primarily of basic personal questions and a quick fingerprinting and photo session. As with your PreCheck interview, you can expedite the process by bringing all of the required documents: a passport or resident card and a secondary form of ID. If there are no red flags during your background check or interview prohibiting your eligibility, you should get your Global Entry trusted traveler program id card in the mail in a matter of weeks.

As of April 2017, the fee for the TSA PreCheck application is $85. The Global Entry application fee will run you $100. If you qualify for Global Entry, however, you are also eligible for PreCheck credentials. In other words, for just $15 more, your Global Entry fee covers the costs of both programs.

After successfully completing the application and interview process for one or both programs, your PreCheck and Global Entry status are both good for five years before the expiration date.