TSA PreCheck, the array of membership programs that allow travelers to mostly skip long security lines and fly with less stress, has become increasingly popular in recent years, with frequent fliers flocking to certified enrollment programs such as CLEAR, IDEMIA, or Telos.

©AP

However, if you’re planning on dipping your toe into the waters of PreCheck, there are some important rules you NEED to be aware of.

TSA PreCheck offers eligible participants, including U.S. citizens and permanent residents, five years of benefits for $85 or less. Perks include giving travelers the ability to leave electronics and 3-1-1 liquids in their bags when going through security, as well as allowing them to leave on belts, light jackets, and shoes.

Upgrade to Real ID… or Pay $45

After years of delays, the TSA made Real ID mandatory for boarding a domestic flight in May 2025. REAL IDs are state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards that meet the federal REAL ID security standards as established by the Department of Homeland Security. Residents who live in Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington who have State-Issued Enhanced Driver’s Licenses and identification cards (EDL/EID), which are designated as “acceptable border-crossing documents by DHS under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative,” can use those as an acceptable alternative to a REAL ID for boarding a commercial aircraft.

©Department of Homeland Security

In early 2026, the TSA made an amendment to the rule. According to the agency, “passengers who do not present an acceptable form of ID and still want to fly an option to pay a $45 fee to use a modernized alternative identity verification system, TSA ConfirmID, to establish identity at security checkpoints beginning on February 1st, 2026. Travelers will be able to pay $45 to use TSA ConfirmID for a 10-day travel period. TSA urges travelers who do not have a REAL ID to schedule an appointment at their local DMV to update their ID as soon as possible.”

PreCheck signage

Have Your Physical ID With You Even If You’re Using the Touchless ID Option

In the spring of 2026, the TSA began rolling out Touchless ID for PreCheck members at airports across the country. The basic idea is simple: instead of handing over your ID at the security checkpoint, a facial comparison photo does the verification through biometric technology. This tech will confirm your identity faster and with less friction, so you can move through the dedicated PreCheck lane without digging around for your documents. The service is opt-in only, and you’ll need to set things up in advance through your airline profile.

TSA PreCheck Touchless Identity Solution at La Guardia

However, if you do choose to opt in to using Touchless ID, you should still have an acceptable form of physical identification on you. After all, technology tends to malfunction, and systems tend to go down, so it’s always wise to have backup options ready, just in case.

©TSA

Anyone 18 and Older Must have their Own Known Traveler Number

If you’re traveling with kids under 18, it’s important to know their eligibility for PreCheck, and it’s all based on age group.

• Children 12 and under are automatically allowed in the TSA PreCheck lane when traveling with a parent/guardian who has the TSA PreCheck indicator on their boarding pass. The child’s boarding pass does not need to show the TSA PreCheck indicator.
• Children aged 13 to 17 require the TSA PreCheck indicator on their boarding pass. To get that mark on their child’s boarding pass, parents must make sure the adult and child are on the same airline reservation, and the adult’s boarding pass has the TSA PreCheck indicator. If the child is on a separate airline reservation and doesn’t have their own KTN, they will not be eligible for TSA PreCheck screening.

TSA PreCheck at MCO

If you’re planning to use TSA PreCheck on your next flight, make sure you’re prepared for these rules to be enforced at the airport. Stay tuned to DFB for more travel tips.

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Do you fly PreCheck? Do you find the convenience worth it? Let us know in the comments below.