TSA PreCheck & Global Entry

Are you tired of waiting in long lines at the airport? Do you wish there was a way to breeze through security and customs with ease? Look no further than TSA PreCheck and Global Entry.

TSA PreCheck is a program that allows eligible travelers to enjoy expedited security screening at participating U.S. airports. With TSA PreCheck, you can keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on, and leave your liquids and laptop in your bag. This means you can move through security much more quickly, making your airport experience much more pleasant.

Global Entry, on the other hand, is a program that allows for expedited customs and immigration clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers entering the United States. With Global Entry, you can skip the long lines at customs and use self-service kiosks to complete your customs and immigration process quickly and efficiently.

Both TSA PreCheck and Global Entry require a background check and a fee. TSA PreCheck costs $85 and is valid for five years, while Global Entry costs $100 and is also valid for five years. However, many credit cards offer statement credits or even reimbursements for the cost of these programs, making them an even more worthwhile investment.

It’s important to note that Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck. While it might be a little more expensive, it’s worth it for U.S. based travelers who travel both domestic and internationally. If you already have TSA PreCheck and want Global Entry, unfortunately you’ll have to pay the Global Entry fee and can’t get a discount. Make sure which route you decide to take before starting the application process.

To apply for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, simply click here to go to the official application program for TSA PreCheck or the application for Global Entry, and fill out the application. After submitting your application, you will be invited to complete an in-person interview and provide your fingerprints. Once you are approved, you will be able to enjoy expedited security and customs clearance on all of your future trips.

TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are valuable programs that can make your airport experience much smoother and more enjoyable. They require a background check and a fee, but the investment is well worth it for frequent travelers or those who want to make the most of their time at the airport.

Here is more information about the TSA PreCheck process directly from the TSA.gov website:

How to Apply

1. Visit tsa.gov/precheck to learn more about the TSA PreCheck® Application Program. You can pre- enroll and make an appointment online or walk-in at an enrollment center.
2. To apply for TSA PreCheck®, travelers must go in-person to an enrollment center to provide documentation and fingerprints.
3. Applicants pay a non-refundable $85 fee to cover the cost of background checks.
4. If approved, most applicants receive their Known Traveler Number (KTN) in 3-5 days, though some applications can take up to 60 days. You will receive an email or phone notification with instructions on retrieving your KTN online. You may also check your application status online. 
5. Add the KTN to each participating airline profile or provide it when making air travel reservations. The name used when applying for TSA PreCheck® must match the name used when booking travel.

How It Works

A TSA PreCheck® indicator may be on the boarding pass when a traveler is eligible for expedited screening on a particular trip.

Required Identification Documentation

U.S. Citizens, U.S. Nationals, or Lawful Permanent Residents

You must provide an original or certified copy* of identity/citizenship status documentation during the application process and the names on all documents must match exactly with the name provided on the 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.

Please bring one of the documents in List A to an application center.

If you do not have a document from List A, please see List B documents.

List A

• 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)

*An original or certified copy of a document must be issued by a Federal, State, Tribal, county, municipal authority, or outlying possession bearing an official seal. Short form or abstract birth certificates and notarized copies of documents are not acceptable.

List B

At least two documents are required if you do not have a document from List A. The documents must include:

1. a valid photo ID, and
2. a document that meets citizenship requirements. (e.g. one document from each column below)

Valid Photo ID

• Unexpired driver’s license issued by a State or outlying possession of the U.S.
• Unexpired temporary driver’s license plus expired driver’s license (constitutes one document)
• Unexpired photo ID card issued by the federal government or by a State or outlying possession of the U.S. This must include a federal agency, State or State agency seal or logo (such as a State university ID). Permits are not considered valid identity documents (such as gun permits).
• Unexpired U.S. military ID card
• Unexpired U.S. retired military ID card
• Unexpired U.S. military dependent’s card
• Native American tribal document with photo
• Unexpired Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/ Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
• Unexpired Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC)

Valid Proof of Citizenship

• U.S. Birth Certificate
• U.S. Certificate of Citizenship (N-560 or N-561)
• U.S. Certificate of Naturalization (N-550 or N-570)
• U.S. Citizen Identification Card (I-179 or I-197)
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240)
• Certification of Report of Birth Abroad (DS-1350 or FS-545)
• Expired U.S. passport within 12 months of expiration

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