How to Book Your TSA PreCheck Appointment at Staples

Staples offers TSA PreCheck appointments at select locations

Staples is an approved enrollment center for TSA PreCheck. Not every Staples location handles appointments — only those with a designated TSA PreCheck enrollment office — so you cannot walk into any store and expect to find the service. You book an appointment through the TSA's official scheduling system, which shows you which Staples near you actually offers it, and then you show up on your scheduled date with the documents the TSA requires.

The appointment itself takes about 10 to 15 minutes. A TSA officer will verify your identity, take your fingerprints, and collect the information from your application. You pay the $78 to $85 fee (the exact amount depends on whether you are renewing or applying for the first time) at that appointment. After the TSA processes your background check — usually within two to three weeks — you receive your Known Traveler Number (KTN) by email or mail.

Key Takeaways

• Book your appointment through the official TSA website at tsa.gov/precheck, not through Staples directly, to see which locations near you have enrollment offices.
• Bring a valid government-issued photo ID, proof of citizenship or lawful permanent resident status, and a Social Security card or tax return to your appointment.
• The appointment fee is $78 for a new application or $85 for renewal, and you pay it in person on the day of your appointment.
• After your appointment, the TSA typically sends your Known Traveler Number within two to three weeks, though processing times can vary.

How to find and book a Staples TSA PreCheck appointment

Go to tsa.gov/precheck and click the button to schedule an appointment. The TSA's scheduling system will ask for your zip code and show you all enrollment centers within a reasonable distance, including Staples locations that offer the service. You will see the dates and times available at each location.

Select the Staples appointment that works for you. The system will ask you to create a login or sign in with an existing account, then walk you through a brief questionnaire about your background. This is not the full TSA PreCheck application — that happens at your appointment — but it speeds up the process on the day you arrive. Once you complete the questionnaire, you will receive a confirmation email with your appointment details, location address, and parking or entrance information.

Some Staples locations book up weeks in advance, especially in urban areas. If no times appear near you, check back in a few days — the TSA releases appointment slots in batches. You can also search for other enrollment centers (UPS stores, banks, and post offices also offer TSA PreCheck appointments) if the nearest Staples is too far away or fully booked.

Documents you must bring to your Staples appointment

Bring your original, valid government-issued photo ID. A driver's license, passport, or military ID all work. The ID must not be expired. Bring it in person — you cannot submit a copy or photograph.

You also need proof of citizenship or lawful permanent resident status. A U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card (green card) all satisfy this requirement. If you are a permanent resident, bring your green card itself.

Finally, bring a Social Security card or a recent tax return that shows your full Social Security number. The TSA uses this to run your background check. If you do not have a Social Security card, a W-2, 1099, or other tax document works.

Do not bring originals of documents you cannot replace quickly — the TSA will not keep them, but handling multiple originals at an appointment creates unnecessary risk. If you are unsure whether a document counts, call the Staples location directly before your appointment and ask.

What happens during your appointment

Arrive 5 to 10 minutes early. A TSA officer will call you from the waiting area and take you to a private enrollment station. They will ask you to verify the information from your pre-appointment questionnaire, check your documents, and take a digital photograph and fingerprints. The whole process is straightforward and does not involve a background interview.

You will pay the fee — $78 for a new application or $85 for a renewal — at this time. The TSA accepts credit cards, debit cards, and checks. After payment, you are done. The officer will give you a receipt and explain what happens next.

The TSA then runs a background check, which typically takes two to three weeks. You do not need to do anything during this time. Once approved, you will receive your Known Traveler Number by email or mail. You can also log into your TSA PreCheck account on tsa.gov to check your status.

What to do if your nearest Staples does not offer TSA PreCheck

Not all Staples locations have TSA PreCheck enrollment offices. If the scheduling system shows no Staples appointments available near you, search for other enrollment centers in your area. UPS stores, banks, post offices, and some travel agencies also offer TSA PreCheck appointments. The TSA's scheduling system shows all of them together, so you can compare locations and times across all provider types.

If you live in a rural area with no nearby enrollment centers, you may be able to schedule an appointment at a TSA PreCheck enrollment office at an airport in your state. These are typically available but book up quickly. Check tsa.gov/precheck for the full list of enrollment centers and their hours.

Common issues at Staples TSA PreCheck appointments

The most frequent problem is arriving without the right documents. The TSA cannot process your appointment without a valid photo ID, proof of citizenship, and a Social Security number or tax return. If you show up missing any of these, the appointment will be cancelled and you will lose your fee. Double-check the TSA website the day before your appointment to confirm what you need.

Another common issue is expired identification. An expired driver's license or passport will not work, even if it is only expired by a few days. If your ID expired recently, renew it before your appointment. This usually takes a few weeks, so plan ahead.

Occasionally, the TSA's background check takes longer than the standard two to three weeks. This can happen if the TSA needs to verify information or if there are delays in processing. You can check your status on tsa.gov using your account login. If you need your Known Traveler Number urgently for an upcoming trip, contact the TSA directly — they cannot rush the process, but they can confirm whether your application is still in progress.

Renewing your TSA PreCheck at Staples

TSA PreCheck is valid for five years from the date of approval. When your membership is about to expire, you can renew it at a Staples enrollment center using the same booking process. The renewal fee is $85, and you will need the same documents as a first-time applicant.

You can renew up to nine months before your current membership expires. The TSA recommends renewing at least two months before expiration so your new Known Traveler Number is active before your old one runs out. If your membership expires while you are waiting for renewal approval, you will not be able to use TSA PreCheck until your new number arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book a TSA PreCheck appointment directly through Staples?

No. You must book through the TSA's official website at tsa.gov/precheck. Staples does not handle scheduling. The TSA's system shows you which Staples locations offer appointments and lets you choose your date and time.

What if I cannot make my appointment?

Log into your account on tsa.gov and cancel your appointment. You can then reschedule for a different date. If you cancel fewer than seven days before your appointment, you may lose your fee depending on the enrollment center's policy. Check the confirmation email for the cancellation deadline.

Do I need to fill out the TSA PreCheck application before my Staples appointment?

You complete a brief questionnaire when you book your appointment online, but this is not the full application. The TSA PreCheck application form is filled out or verified at your appointment. Bring the confirmation email with you so the officer can pull up your pre-appointment information.

How long does it take to get my Known Traveler Number after my appointment?

The TSA typically sends your Known Traveler Number within two to three weeks of your appointment. You can check your status by logging into your account on tsa.gov. Processing times vary, and some applications take longer if the TSA needs additional information.

Can I use TSA PreCheck before I receive my Known Traveler Number?

No. You need your Known Traveler Number to use TSA PreCheck benefits at the airport. You cannot use the service until the TSA approves your application and sends you the number. Plan your appointment well before any trips where you want to use PreCheck.