The TSA PreCheck background check and approval process typically takes between 3 to 5 days for most applicants to receive their Known Traveler Number (KTN) after completing the in-person appointment, which includes fingerprinting and an interview
. However, some applications can take significantly longer, up to 60 days, depending on factors such as application volume, accuracy of the application, and the results of the background check
. In summary:
- Most applicants get approval and their KTN within 3-5 days after the in-person appointment.
- Some cases may take up to 60 days.
- There is no official way to expedite the process.
- Applicants are encouraged to schedule their in-person appointment promptly after submitting the application to avoid delays.
- If approval takes longer than 30 days, contacting TSA for escalation may help in some cases
The in-person appointment itself is brief, usually around 10 minutes, involving document verification, fingerprinting, and questions about personal and travel history
. Therefore, while many people receive TSA PreCheck approval quickly, it is wise to allow up to two months for the background check and processing to be completed.
