How to apply for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry

Two programmes, two jobs

TSA PreCheck gives members dedicated screening lanes across the U.S. [1] TSA says those lanes move faster, that about 99% of passengers wait less than 10 minutes, and that members may leave electronics and 3-1-1 liquids in their bag and keep on belts, light jackets and shoes [1]. DHS describes the programme as expediting traveller screening through participating TSA security checkpoints [3].

Global Entry is a CBP Trusted Traveler Program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travellers upon arrival in the United States [2]. CBP lists four benefits: availability at major U.S. airports, reduced wait times in expedited processing lines, TSA PreCheck access and use at land borders [2]. Because PreCheck access is part of the package, one Global Entry membership covers both the security checkpoint and the arrivals hall [2].

CBP suggests that travellers who take fewer international flights consider TSA PreCheck together with the free Mobile Passport Control app rather than Global Entry [2]. DHS groups both programmes under Trusted Traveler Programs, which it says provide modified screening for preapproved members and let members use expedited lanes at U.S. airports and when crossing international borders [3].

Applying: online, in person, interview

For TSA PreCheck, the applicant finds an enrollment location and submits the initial application online in as little as five minutes, then makes an appointment or walks in; the provider checks documents, takes fingerprints and a photo, and collects payment in about 10 minutes [1]. Three authorised enrollment providers — CLEAR, IDEMIA and Telos — together offer more than 1,300 locations [1]. The application prices displayed are $79.75 with IDEMIA, $85.00 with Telos and $84.95 with CLEAR, which is what TSA summarises as five years of benefits for $85 or less [1].

Global Entry follows four steps: submit and pay for an individual application, wait for CBP to complete a background check, schedule and attend an in-person interview, then receive the benefits [2]. Minors are free with a parent who is already in Global Entry or is applying [2]. All applicants undergo a background check, and most applications are reviewed within two weeks while some can take up to 12 months or longer depending on criminal history [2]. An in-person interview is required for first-time enrollment, but CBP says the interview can be completed without booking at an Enrollment Center by using Enrollment on Departure or Enrollment on Arrival [2].

Getting it on the day

TSA PreCheck does not appear automatically: the traveller enters the Known Traveler Number in airline reservations and travel profiles so the PreCheck indicator shows on the boarding pass [1]. Children 17 and under can join an adult in the TSA PreCheck lane for free [1]. TSA also offers an opt-in TSA PreCheck Touchless ID option, described as using only your face as ID in exclusive lanes [1].

On arrival in the United States, Global Entry members use expedited processing lanes at major airports and can also use the programme at land borders [2]. CBP provides a Global Entry Mobile App to speed up processing on entry [2].

Renewal and fee credits

TSA PreCheck membership runs for five years [1], and the TSA page lists renewal prices by provider: IDEMIA at $58.75 online or $66.75 in person, Telos at $69.95 online or $58.75 in person, and CLEAR at $72.95 online or $84.95 in person, or free when joining CLEAR+ [1]. CLEAR's free option carries a condition: on completion of pre-enrollment or online renewal, CLEAR issues a one-time code to enroll in CLEAR+ for $134 for new enrollments or $146 for online renewals, described as the price of CLEAR+ minus the cost of TSA PreCheck, with terms applying [1]. The cheaper channel differs by provider: online renewal is cheaper with IDEMIA and CLEAR, while the in-person price is lower with Telos [1].

Global Entry membership also lasts five years, against a $120 application fee [2].

Exceptions and limits

• No guaranteed fast lane. TSA says it uses unpredictable security measures, both seen and unseen, and that all travellers will be screened, with no individual guaranteed expedited screening [1].
• Global Entry is not a pass. Members may still be selected for further examination when entering the United States, and any violation of the programme's terms and conditions results in enforcement action and termination of membership privileges [2].
• Who the free places cover. The free TSA PreCheck lane place covers children aged 17 and under joining an adult in that lane [1], and the fee-free Global Entry application for minors applies only where a parent is already in the programme or applying [2].
• Interview requirement. The in-person interview applies to first-time Global Entry enrollment; CBP presents Enrollment on Departure and Enrollment on Arrival as ways to complete it without an appointment at an Enrollment Center [2].
• Prices are provider-specific. TSA lists three different application and renewal price sets rather than one national price, so the figure that applies depends on the provider and on whether the application or renewal is completed online or in person [1].
• Dates of the rules. The CBP Global Entry page checked was last modified on 9 July 2025, so its $120 fee and five-year term reflect that page [2]; the DHS overview page was last updated on 15 July 2026 [3].

Related pages

For the airport side of the journey, see fast-track security programmes and accessible airport connections. Before an international arrival, check passport validity and entry checks, and for connectivity on landing see the travel eSIM setup checklist. Programme vocabulary such as trusted traveller, known traveller number and expedited screening is collected in the frequent flyer glossary.

Sources

Sources accessed on 18 October 2026. It covers TSA PreCheck and Global Entry only; other DHS trusted traveller programmes such as NEXUS, SENTRI and FAST, and trusted-traveller schemes operated by other governments, are not covered here. [3]

1. TSA PreCheck, Transportation Security Administration, checked 18 October 2026
2. Global Entry, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, checked 18 October 2026
3. Trusted Traveler Programs, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, checked 18 October 2026