Everything To Know Before Renewing Your TSA PreCheck Membership
By NICOLE CORD-CRUZ
Launched in 2013 as part of the Department of Homeland Security's Trusted Traveler Program, Transport Security Administration (TSA) PreCheck is designed to deliver convenience.
The TSA has made the enrollment and renewal process more accessible and affordable by dropping the fees and expanding its list of participating airlines and airports.
Memberships are five years, and in-person screenings are no longer needed to renew. At the time of writing, renewals can cost $70 online or $78 in person.
You don't have to wait until your TSA PreCheck membership lapses to kick-start the renewal process. Current members can renew up to six months before the five-year deadline.
Check your membership status on the TSA PreCheck website, or look for a renewal notice via email from IDEMIA/Universal Enroll six months to two weeks before your membership ends.
TSA allows a grace period of up to a year to renew after your membership expires and will preserve your existing Known Traveler Number (KTN) within that time.
Renewal approval takes three to five days, but if your name has changed since you first enrolled, you may have to renew in person, and processing can take up to 45 days.
As a precaution, TSA advises its PreCheck members to renew their membership at least 60 days before it expires to avoid approval-related delays.