TSA PreCheck Adds Touchless ID at More Airports Ahead of Summer 2026: What Travelers Should Know

Touchless ID is an optional TSA PreCheck experience that uses facial recognition technology at the checkpoint. If you’re eligible, it can replace the “show ID” moment at the lane—so you move forward without handing over a physical ID, depending on how that airport and airline have implemented it. TSA says it’s optional, and travelers should still carry a physical ID as backup.

The change is in scale. TSA says Touchless ID is expanding to 65 airports in spring 2026. Some travel-industry coverage also notes that the program is expanding to more locations and airlines than in earlier, more limited rollouts.

ConfirmID is a paid, last-resort identity check for travelers who arrive at TSA screening without a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable ID (like a passport). TSA says travelers can pay $45 and attempt an added identity-verification process to still fly, but the agency warns verification is not guaranteed, and it can add time at screening.

TSA PreCheck is a Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) screening option that lets approved passengers use expedited security lanes at participating US airports. In practice, it usually means less unpacking at the checkpoint—many travelers can keep shoes, belts, and light jackets on, and they can typically leave laptops and compliant liquids inside their bags (procedures can still vary by airport and lane setup).

The key point is that TSA PreCheck changes the screening process—not the rules on prohibited items.

If a traveler wants to apply for TSA PreCheck directly, TSA says the program is only open to US citizens, US nationals, and lawful permanent residents (green card holders).

But the TSA PreCheck lane benefit isn’t limited only to US citizens. Travelers can also get TSA PreCheck eligibility by being enrolled in certain trusted traveler programs—most commonly Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI.

For the TSA PreCheck enrollment appointment, TSA requires you to bring acceptable identity and citizenship or immigration documents. The easiest “one-document” option is usually an unexpired US passport (book or card) or, for lawful permanent residents, a Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551).

If you don’t have a single document that covers everything, TSA’s list also allows a two-document approach—typically one valid photo ID plus one document that proves citizenship/immigration status, and the names must match. If your legal name has changed, TSA says you need an original or certified name change document (for example, a marriage certificate or divorce decree) in addition to the required IDs.

TSA advertises five years of benefits for $85 or less, but the exact price can vary depending on which authorized enrollment provider a traveler chooses. TSA lists providers such as CLEAR, IDEMIA, and Telos, and they can have different pricing for new enrollments and renewals, even though the benefit is the same once you’re approved.

Travelers expect to pay about $77–$85 for a new five-year membership, and about $59–$80 to renew for another five years, depending on the provider and whether they renew online or in person.

You begin an application through an authorized provider and book an in-person appointment at an enrollment center. At the appointment, you verify your identity documents and complete enrollment steps, such as biometrics. If approved, you receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN). Then, KTN is added to airline reservations so the boarding pass shows “TSA PreCheck”—that indicator is what unlocks the lane.

TSA PreCheck memberships last five years. That long validity is the main “value” reason people get it—especially if they fly during peak times when standard lanes are crowded.

Most applicants hear back in 3–5 days, but TSA says some cases take up to 60 days when an application needs extra review—often due to identity mismatches, name-change processing, or background-check items that require manual handling.

The most practical advice is to apply well before a big trip and then double-check your KTN is attached to your reservation—because you only get the benefit when “TSA PreCheck” prints on the boarding pass.

The TSA’s standard carry-on liquids rule is the 3-1-1 rule: containers must be 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less, packed into one quart-size bag, with one bag per passenger.

TSA PreCheck does not let you carry larger liquids—the size limits still apply. The difference is often procedural: many PreCheck lanes let travelers keep compliant liquids in the bag instead of removing them, but the rule itself does not change.

Usually yes—especially solid food. TSA says solid food items can go in carry-on or checked bags, but liquid or gel foods (like yogurt, dips, sauces, nut butter, soups) are treated like liquids at the checkpoint. If they’re over 3.4 ounces, they generally need to go in checked baggage.

Yes. If you’re approved for Global Entry, you can use your program number (often your PASS ID) as your KTN in airline bookings to receive TSA PreCheck benefits when eligible.