TSA PreCheck Questions

If you’ve flown out of any United States airport in the last twenty years, you may associate the process with some combination of shuffling through airport security lines, scrambling to take out your many liquids, and tussling with your shoes post-screening with agents. 

Fortunately, the Transportation Security Administration or TSA PreCheck is a trusted traveler program that is designed to minimize the airport security process by pre-screening travelers prior to the day of flight. Are you ready to apply? Let’s take a look at the TSA PreCheck interview questions you can expect.

How Do You Apply for TSA PreCheck?

Wondering how to get TSA Precheck? There are three stages to the TSA PreCheck membership program application process: filling out an online form, scheduling an in-person visit at a TSA enrollment center, and then using your assigned Known Traveler Number when traveling. 

#1: Apply Online

An online application will take you through a series of TSA interview questions about your identity and background. When applying online, it will typically take less than five minutes to complete the form.

#2: Visit an Enrollment Center

At the end of your online application process, you’ll schedule an in-person appointment at a TSA enrollment center near you (there are more than 500 enrollment centers available).¹ The appointment is usually about ten minutes and includes: 

• Showing identification 
• Having your fingerprints taken
• Proving your citizenship or Lawful Permanent Resident status documents

#3: Receive and Use Your KTN

After your background check is completed and your application is approved, you’ll be sent a Known Traveler Number, or KTN, to use going forward. 

 So, what is a known traveler number? This number should be applied to all airline reservations so your travel documents clearly show you’ve been pre-screened and can use the TSA PreCheck lane at any security checkpoint.

What Questions Will I Be Asked When Applying for TSA PreCheck?

Before the interview process starts, the online form captures biographic and contact information and then proceeds to qualification questions. 

You’ll need to fill in your: 

• Full and legal current name
• Any previous names or aliases including a maiden name
• Gender (male, female, or “another gender”)
• Date of birth
• Preferred language
• Email or phone (at least one is required) and preferred method of contact
• Mailing and residential address, and whether you’ve lived there more than five years
• Country and city of birth
• Country of citizenship
• Height in feet and inches
• Weight in pounds
• Hair color (note, includes dyed colors such as pink and green)
• Eye color

Next, you’ll be asked these TSA interview questions: 

• Are you a U.S. citizen, U.S. National or Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR)?

• Excluding cases adjudicated under juvenile offender provisions, have you been convicted, pled guilty including “no contest” (nolo contendere), found not competent to stand trial, or found not guilty by reason of insanity, of any disqualifying felony listed in TSA PreCheck Requirements, Part A, in any jurisdiction, military or civilian? (See Part A list here)²

• Excluding cases adjudicated under juvenile offender provisions, have you been convicted, pled guilty including “no contest” (nolo contendere), found not competent to stand trial, or found not guilty by reason of insanity, of any disqualifying felony listed in TSA Eligibility Requirements, Part B in any jurisdiction, military or civilian, during the 7 years before the date of this application? (See Part B list here)

• Have you been released from incarceration in any jurisdiction, military or civilian, for committing any disqualifying felony listed in TSA PreCheck Eligibility Requirements, Part B, during the 5 years before the date of this application?

• Are you wanted or under indictment for any disqualifying crime listed in TSA Requirements, Parts A or B?

• Within the past 7 years, has a court, board, commission, or other government authority determined that you, as a result of mental illness, pose a danger to yourself or to others, or that you lack the capacity to conduct or manage your own affairs or have you been involuntarily committed to an inpatient facility for mental health or psychiatric reasons?

You’ll also be asked about which documents you’ll be bringing to your in-person appointment at a TSA enrollment center.

Finally, you’ll be shown a list of enrollment center locations and appointment times to select from.

Is There an Easier Way to Enroll in TSA PreCheck? 

Hoping to enroll in TSA PreCheck but leery of hassle, red tape, and confusing TSA PreCheck interview questions? GOV+ can help. 

Whether you’re renewing your TSA PreCheck or applying for the first time, GOV+ makes the process easy. All you have to do is fill out our easy online form. We’ll check your eligibility, set up any necessary in-person appointments for you, and make sure you have the correct documentation.

Sources: 

1. TSA. TSA PreCheck®. https://www.tsa.gov/precheck

2. TSA. Disqualifying Offenses and Other Factors. https://www.tsa.gov/disqualifying-offenses-factors

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