TSA announces Telos as latest TSA PreCheck enrollment provider

There is good news about the sometimes cumbersome enrollment process for TSA PreCheck.

Telos is the latest enrollment provider for TSA PreCheck applicants, joining long-standing provider Idemia.

This week's expansion follows successful enrollment trials earlier this year in Annapolis, Maryland; Chantilly, Virginia; Ashburn, Virginia; and Las Vegas.

With the addition of Telos, applicants now have 10 new enrollment locations throughout Florida, Las Vegas, Maryland and Virginia, with plans to continue expanding Telos PreCheck enrollment locations nationally.

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First-time applicants who enroll in TSA PreCheck with Telos may renew their membership online after five years with either Telos or Idemia, per Telos.

"This expansion of enrollment providers will increase the network of locations where applicants may go to complete their TSA PreCheck membership," Transportation Security Administration administrator David Pekoske said in a statement.

In April, a TSA spokesperson confirmed the agency would also authorize Clear, the expedited security program, as a TSA PreCheck enrollment provider. As of August, there is no time frame for that implementation, according to the TSA.

At that time, PreCheck applicants will have the option to share their email, ZIP code and phone number with Clear to also apply for that program.

"Beyond that, no information is shared between Clear's program and Clear's TSA PreCheck application and the applications are even completed on separate devices," a TSA spokesperson previously said.

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The expanded partnership with Clear would be a result of requirements set by the TSA Modernization Act and the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2018.

"Clear has been on a mission to make experiences safer and easier since day one, so we're looking forward to becoming an authorized TSA PreCheck enrollment provider to help bring TSA PreCheck enrollment to more people in more places," a TSA spokesperson previously said via email. "Once Clear successfully meets all TSA requirements to become an enrollment provider and completes a trial period, Clear will be approved by TSA to begin offering TSA PreCheck enrollment services to the public at select locations using Clear pods."

Clear vs. TSA PreCheck

Clear is a secure identity platform that uses member data, including fingerprint and iris scans, to automate the TSA identity verification step.

After confirming a member's identity, a Clear representative escorts them to the front of the line for the traditional security screening machines.

If they're also enrolled in TSA PreCheck, members head to those screening lines. If you don't have TSA PreCheck, you'll use the normal screening lines where you remove your shoes, unload your electronics, liquids, light jacket, etc.

Currently, Clear is available for travelers at 53 airports, plus stadiums and other large venues. PreCheck is available for those flying more than 80 airlines in more than 200 airports.

Children 12 and under can use TSA PreCheck lanes when traveling with a parent or guardian who is a member of the program. Those ages 13 to 17 can pass through alone or accompanied by parents if they have the TSA PreCheck indicator on their boarding pass.

Children younger than 18 traveling with adult Clear users may use the Clear line for free as long as they stay with the paid member.

Enrollment process

To be eligible for Clear enrollment, you must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident at least 18 years old with a valid form of photo ID. To apply for PreCheck, you must be a U.S. citizen or a foreign citizen who meets specific citizenship and residency requirements. There is no age restriction to apply.

You can either start the enrollment process online and finish at a Clear location, or you can complete the entire process at a Clear location. The enrollment process takes about five minutes and requires no appointment. You must complete the final enrollment steps at a Clear location.

To apply for PreCheck, you must submit an online application and pay the application fee. Once the application is conditionally approved, you must schedule an in-person appointment at an enrollment center.

Once you are approved, add your Known Traveler Number to airline reservations to ensure the green TSA PreCheck symbol shows up on your boarding pass.

Membership costs

A TSA PreCheck membership is valid for five years and costs $78. You can renew your membership online for $70 up to six months in advance.

Clear costs $189 annually, and users can add up to three family members for $60 each per year.

Certain credit cards offer holders up to $100 in statement credit reimbursement for the application fees associated with TSA PreCheck and Clear.

Additionally, United Airlines and Delta Air Lines offer their frequent flyers free or discounted memberships to Clear.

Related reading:

• TSA rolls back plan to require more Clear users to show ID
  
• What is the Clear expedited airport security program — and is it worth it?
• From airport screening to a stadium near you: How to get and use Clear to avoid lines
• Why you should get TSA PreCheck and Clear — and how you can save on both
• Should you get Global Entry or TSA PreCheck?