How Far Back Does TSA PreCheck Background Check Go? Everything You Need to Know
Evelyn Sanderson - August 28, 2025
TSA PreCheck is one of the best things you can invest in. It will help you skip the line at most airport terminals in the United States, which can be the difference between boarding your plane and watching it take off from the lounge. In fact, the organization found that 99% of passengers tend to spend less than ten minutes going through airport security with TSA PreCheck, so it’s definitely something worth going after if you’re a frequent flyer.
That said, signing up for TSA PreCheck isn’t as simple as filling out an online form and waiting for approval. Not only do you have to pay a fee, but you also have to go through a background verification process.
So, how far back does a TSA PreCheck background check go? Read this article to find the exact answer, along with more helpful information and resources about what shows up during a TSA PreCheck background check, and much more.
What Is the TSA?
The TSA stands for the Transportation Security Administration. It’s an organization that was founded after the terrorist attacks that happened on 9/11 in 2001. The organization’s primary purpose is to ensure that airports remain safe for all passengers. Before this period, the TSA did not exist, and airport security was virtually non-existent as well.
You’ll know you’re looking at a TSA checkpoint when you see the large amount of lines and scanners as you pass through airport security. At the end of the day, if you’ve flown since 2001 and have been through airport security, there’s a good chance that you’ve had an encounter with TSA.
Unfortunately, the TSA has slowed things down a bit, especially at major airports. This is where TSA PreCheck comes into play, along with other similar services.
What Is TSA PreCheck?
TSA PreCheck is a way to help you get through security faster. Instead of having to wait and go through security, there is a special precheck line that allows you to check luggage and go through security faster. Not only does it allow you to travel faster, but it also gives you some unique perks. Travelers can keep their shoes, belts, and jackets on.
Laptops, gels, and most liquids don’t have to be removed from your bag, too, so the process is faster. Essentially, the airport is more trusting of people who fly with TSA PreCheck, which results in a smoother flying experience.
For people who travel often, it’s worth the money, especially if you find yourself packing a lot of liquids and electronics. That said, it’s something that you have to apply for, and it’s possible to be denied, so keep this in mind.
How Do You Sign Up for TSA PreCheck?
To sign up for TSA PreCheck, there’s a bit of a process. First and foremost, you need to sign up online. You’ll want to apply online and choose a location that works for you. If you live on Long Island, for example, you may want to choose John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) because it’s only a train and air tram ride away.
Once you choose the location, you have to get fingerprinted and pass the background screening. Then, you’re assigned a Known Traveler Number (KTN). Before you get to the airport for your flight, you need to add this number to your flight reservation; otherwise, you’ll end up on the normal line with everyone else.
At the airport, you can go to the TSA PreCheck line. Depending on the airport, you may only have to pass through a facial recognition system to pass through security. Other airports may have other rules and regulations, but the process is quick nonetheless.
How Much Does TSA PreCheck Cost?
TSA PreCheck isn’t free, so you’ll have to pay a slight fee. Expect to pay around $75 to $90 for a five-year membership. Some promotions may be available, so always inquire during the sign-up process and look for things like BOGO. While these promotions don’t run all the time, sometimes they can save you $15 to $25.
Do You Have to Pass a Background Check for TSA PreCheck?
Yes, you have to pass a background check in order to qualify for TSA PreCheck. Failing to have a clean record can result in being denied, which can limit your ability to get through airport security quickly.
While you can still get on planes and fly, in some cases, you may not be eligible for TSA PreCheck until your charges come off your record.
What Shows Up on a TSA PreCheck Background Check?
A TSA PreCheck background check is a pretty standard background check. In fact, it’s similar to a Level 2 background check, which requires fingerprinting. For this reason, you can expect criminal records from across the United States to show up, along with any other public records.
That said, you’ll find that a TSA PreCheck background check differs from your average background screening because it also focuses on your history of terrorism. It also encompasses records from around the world, so it’s a serious background check that combs through all records associated with your name in most global databases.
For these reasons, you should always check your records with a free background check with one of our tools before you apply.
How Far Back Does TSA PreCheck Background Check Go?
You’ll find that a TSA PreCheck background check goes back around five to seven years. However, for major disqualifiers, like treason or terrorism, TSA can look back as far as they want. That said, people who have Part B disqualifiers, or interim disqualifying criminal offenses, can expect to be cleared within five to seven years after their conviction or release from jail/prison.
Due to Part B disqualifiers being the most common, this is some of the most important information that you need to know. It’s also important to note that for Part C disqualifiers, like warrants for Part A or Part B crimes that would lead to disqualification, remain open and available until warrants are released and the indictment is dismissed.
However, if the warrant results in arrest and conviction, well, then you have to consider the Part B period of five to seven years or even the Part A period (indefinitely) if the crime is serious enough.
Due to the complexity of how far back a TSA PreCheck background check can go, we always recommend being open, honest, and upfront. This is also why it’s a good idea to keep tabs on your public records for any pending charges, convictions, and other potential red flags. We also recommend learning about all of the potential TSA PreCheck disqualifiers before you decide to apply.
How to Check Your Records Before Applying for TSA PreCheck
The best way to check your records before you apply for TSA PreCheck is to use a reputable background check tool, like the one we offer through Information.com. The last thing you want is to end up applying for a PreCheck only to get rejected, which results in your application being denied.
For this reason, we always recommend running a simple background check on yourself before you apply, and we have a background check tool that’s designed for this type of search.
Simply enter your information into our background check tool to begin. Then, run the search. Once you find yourself, you can open the comprehensive full report and look through your criminal records, public records, social media profiles, and much more. Essentially, you’ll have most of the information that will show up on a background check.
Once you know what shows up, you can dispute any issues and be open and upfront about any prior convictions. This will improve your chances of passing the background check. You can also check your social media accounts, website activity, and your global records by searching databases in other countries. Overall, the goal is to be thorough to ensure that you don’t end up rejected from the service.
How Far Back Does TSA PreCheck Background Go? Our Final Thoughts
So, how far back does a TSA PreCheck background check go? At the end of the day, you can expect these checks to go back around five to seven years if you’re worried about a basic criminal record. That said, identity verification, Part A disqualifiers, and other information may always be available during these checks.
Therefore, the most important part of the process is being upfront and honest during the interview portion of the process. Plus, you’re not applying for a job or anything, so if you’re not approved, you can always try again at a later date or consider an alternative, like Clear, where it’s available. That said, many of these alternatives still require some type of fingerprinting and background check process.
