The Guide to TSA PreCheck Renewal

TSA PreCheck helps to expedite your journey through airport security. With lines often snaking around the airport, having it can make a big difference.

Membership in the program is valid for five years, and renewing it online is recommended about six months before expiration. There is no penalty to starting early since the new membership period begins as soon as the previous one ends, meaning you won’t be overlapping membership periods.

Here’s what you need to know about TSA PreCheck renewal, so you can extend your membership for another five years.

How much is TSA PreCheck renewal?

TSA PreCheck renewal can be done in person or online. Costs start at $58.75 for online renewals and $66.75 for in-person renewals.

Renewing your TSA PreCheck membership could also be free. You may already have a credit card that will reimburse the cost of your renewal fee, or you could apply for one.
Cards that include TSA PreCheck renewal credits include:

Among the cards that include TSA PreCheck credits are:

How do I renew TSA PreCheck?

You can renew your TSA PreCheck either online or in person. First, visit the official TSA PreCheck website and select an enrollment partner: CLEAR, Idemia or Telos. You can pick any of the enrollment providers. Costs vary.

You can usually renew online, but you must visit an enrollment center in person if you have changed your name since you enrolled.

The renewal steps vary by provider, but all have “Renew” buttons on their websites to start the process.

Each provider requires personal details and your Known Traveler Number, so have this information ready before starting. This is the same number that you entered into your airline frequent flyer loyalty programs to automatically apply TSA PreCheck to eligible flights.

Depending on which provider you choose, you might need your account login information.

After completing the renewal form, you’ll need to pay the online fee. If you use one of the credit cards mentioned above, you could get your fee reimbursed. Some travelers may have to supply additional biometric information (like fingerprints), similar to what you did when you first applied. This will require visiting a TSA PreCheck application facility, which are located at major airports as well as other locations.

It can take anywhere from a few days to a couple months to receive confirmation of your renewal. The good news is that most people are approved within a week.

TSA will notify you with the results of the renewal application. If you want to check your approval status, visit the Universal Enroll website and select “Check my Service Status/ Make Payment.”

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

Renew TSA PreCheck through CLEAR

As part of a TSA partnership with CLEAR, you now have another option to renew. Now, you can renew TSA PreCheck online through CLEAR for $69.95, which is slightly cheaper than the traditional renewal method.

What if I have Global Entry?

If you already have Global Entry (which costs $120 but is often covered by credit cards), TSA PreCheck benefits are included and will automatically renew when you’re re-approved. To renew Global Entry, log into the Trusted Traveler Program website and follow the steps to renew both services simultaneously. Global Entry members get a 24-month grace period for renewal, provided you apply before your current membership expires.

If you applied only for TSA PreCheck and do not have (or need) Global Entry, you will only need to complete the above process to renew TSA PreCheck.

» Learn more: SENTRI vs. Global Entry, Which one is better?

TSA PreCheck renewal is easy

The process to renew TSA PreCheck is not hard, and if approved, it will be good for another five years. Depending on the credit cards you carry, it might also be free.

If you travel internationally, even infrequently, Global Entry is worth considering when it’s time to renew your TSA PreCheck. The $120 fee may also be covered by a credit card.

Frequent flyers know that having expedited security can improve the travel experience and get you to the gate — or even better, the lounge — faster than other travelers.