How to Find and Book a TSA PreCheck Appointment Near You

Where TSA PreCheck appointments happen and how to find one

TSA PreCheck appointments are held at enrollment centers run by the TSA and by private companies the TSA has authorized. The enrollment centers nearest to you depend on where you live — some cities have multiple locations, while rural areas may have only one within an hour's drive.

The official TSA website has a location finder at tsa.gov/precheck. Enter your zip code and it will show you every enrollment center within a set distance, along with their hours and whether they currently have appointment slots open. This is the fastest way to see what is actually available in your area right now, rather than calling around.

Private enrollment companies also run TSA PreCheck centers. These include Idemia, Telos, and Boundless. They often have more locations than TSA-run centers, especially in suburban areas. You can book directly through their websites or through the TSA's location finder, which lists both types side by side.

Key Takeaways

• The TSA location finder at tsa.gov/precheck shows every enrollment center near you, real-time availability, and hours in one search.
• Both TSA-run centers and private enrollment companies (Idemia, Telos, Boundless) offer appointments, and private centers often have more locations and faster availability.
• You can book online through the TSA website or directly through the private company's site, and most centers let you choose your appointment date and time immediately.
• Bring your valid passport or driver's license, proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residency, and your Social Security number to your appointment.
• The appointment itself takes 10 to 15 minutes, and your TSA PreCheck card arrives by mail within two to four weeks.

Using the TSA location finder to book online

Go to tsa.gov/precheck and click "Find an Enrollment Center." Enter your zip code and select how far you are willing to travel. The map will show every location with a green pin (has appointments available) or a gray pin (currently booked). Click on any location to see its address, phone number, hours, and a link to book.

Most enrollment centers let you book directly on their page. You will see a calendar of available dates and times. Pick the one that works for you, enter your name and contact information, and you will receive a confirmation email with your appointment details. Some centers book up weeks in advance, especially in major cities, so if your preferred location shows no openings, check again in a few days or look at nearby zip codes.

If a location's website is not working or you cannot find appointment slots online, call the center directly. The phone number is listed on the location finder. Staff can tell you when the next opening is and may be able to book you over the phone.

What to bring to your appointment

Bring one valid government-issued photo ID. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work. You will also need to bring proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residency — a birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate, or green card. If your name has changed since your citizenship document was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.

Bring your Social Security number. You can write it on a piece of paper or have it memorized; the enrollment officer will verify it against federal records. If you do not have a Social Security number, you cannot get TSA PreCheck.

Bring your current address. If you have moved recently and your ID does not reflect your new address, bring a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days showing where you live now.

How long the appointment takes and what happens during it

The appointment itself is short — usually 10 to 15 minutes. The enrollment officer will check your documents, take your fingerprints digitally, take a photo of you, and ask you a few background questions. They will also collect your fee, which is $78 to $85 depending on the enrollment company. Some locations accept cash, credit, or debit; others take only cards, so check ahead if you plan to pay in cash.

After your appointment, you will receive a receipt with a temporary number you can use at TSA PreCheck lanes at the airport while you wait for your card. Your actual TSA PreCheck card arrives by mail within two to four weeks. The card is valid for five years.

If you do not receive your card within four weeks, contact the enrollment center where you had your appointment. They can check the status and reissue it if needed.

When appointment slots are hard to find

In large cities and busy travel seasons, enrollment centers can book up weeks ahead. If your nearest location shows no openings, try these steps: check the location finder again in three to five days, as cancellations open up slots regularly; look at enrollment centers in nearby towns or suburbs, which often have more availability; or consider booking at a private enrollment company location instead of an TSA-run center, as they tend to have more capacity.

If you are willing to travel, you can also book an appointment in a less busy area and fly there for the appointment. Some people do this if they live in a major city where wait times are long. The appointment fee is the same everywhere, so the only cost is your travel.

Another option is to check back at off-peak times. Appointments often open up on weekday mornings or late afternoons, and fewer people book for early morning slots. Setting a reminder to check the location finder at the same time each day can help you catch new openings.

Differences between TSA-run centers and private enrollment companies

TSA-run enrollment centers are operated directly by the Transportation Security Administration. Private enrollment companies like Idemia, Telos, and Boundless are authorized by the TSA to conduct the same process. The appointment, documents required, fee, and card you receive are identical no matter which type you choose.

The main difference is location and availability. Private companies often have more enrollment centers, especially in suburbs and smaller cities. They may also have more flexible hours or faster appointment availability. TSA-run centers are typically in major airports or federal buildings, which can be harder to reach if you do not live near an airport.

Check both types in your area using the TSA location finder. Whichever has the soonest appointment that fits your schedule is the right choice.

What to do if you cannot make your appointment

If you need to reschedule, log into the website where you booked and cancel your appointment. This opens the slot for someone else and usually lets you rebook immediately for a different date. If you booked by phone, call the enrollment center and ask to reschedule.

If you miss your appointment without canceling, you will lose your fee. Some enrollment companies let you reschedule once for free, but policies vary. Check your confirmation email or call ahead if you think you might be late.

If you need to cancel entirely and get your fee back, contact the enrollment center directly. Refund policies vary by location, so ask what their process is.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book an appointment for someone else?

No. The person getting TSA PreCheck must book their own appointment and attend in person. You cannot book for a family member or friend. Each person needs their own appointment and must bring their own documents.

What if the nearest enrollment center is more than an hour away?

You can travel to any enrollment center in the country. Some people book appointments in nearby cities or during work trips. The TSA location finder shows centers nationwide, so you can search by any zip code, not just your own.

Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?

You must have a scheduled appointment. Walk-ins are not accepted. Book online through the TSA location finder or call the enrollment center directly to reserve a time slot.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You cannot get TSA PreCheck without a Social Security number. The TSA uses it to conduct background checks. If you are not a U.S. citizen and do not have a Social Security number, you may be able to get a TSA Trusted Traveler program for non-citizens, but that is a different process.

Can I book multiple appointments at different locations?

No. Once you have booked an appointment, you should cancel any others. The TSA system tracks your enrollment, and showing up to multiple appointments or completing the process twice can cause delays or confusion with your application.