How To Know When Your TSA PreCheck Membership Will Expire

If you want to get through airport security faster, TSA PreCheck is one of the best tools to have under your travel belt. The program, available to U.S. citizens, nationals, and permanent residents, gives fliers access to an expedited screening lane, where they aren't required to remove their shoes, jackets, liquids, laptops, and belts. According to TSA, 99% of those with PreCheck spend less than 10 minutes waiting in the security line.

Travelers can apply for TSA PreCheck by completing an online application, attending an in-person appointment, and paying a fee of $78. However, even if your membership is approved, it's crucial to note that it doesn't last forever. TSA PreCheck lasts for five years before expiring, at which point you must renew your membership to retain its benefits. If you can't remember when you enrolled in the program, you can look up your expiration date on the TSA website using your Known Traveler Number (KTN) or some basic information, such as your date of birth and phone number.

Additionally, TSA will send multiple notifications before your PreCheck membership expires. Expect to receive phone and/or email notifications six months, three months, one month, and two weeks before the expiration date. Once your membership expires, TSA PreCheck won't show up on your boarding pass, and you'll no longer have access to the expedited security lane.

Renewing your TSA PreCheck membership is a fairly simple process. To keep your benefits, you'll need to go online, answer a series of questions, and pay a renewal fee. In many cases, you'll know within about a week if your renewal was approved. TSA recommends that travelers renew their membership at least 60 days before expiration, though applications can be submitted up to six months in advance.

When renewing, you'll keep your same KTN, and your new membership won't kick in until your current one finishes. With this in mind, there's no need to wait to submit your renewal information. In rare cases, renewals can take months to process, so it's a good idea to update your membership as soon as possible.

If you have Global Entry, the renewal process will look slightly different. As part of the Global Entry program, you're eligible to receive TSA PreCheck screenings at U.S. airports without needing to apply for PreCheck separately. Therefore, you only need to renew your Global Entry membership to maintain your PreCheck benefits. Like PreCheck, Global Entry is valid for five years.