Do Veterans Get TSA PreCheck? Free Options, Eligibility & How to Apply
Most veterans do not automatically get TSA PreCheck. Active-duty service members receive it free using their DoD ID number. Under the VETS Safe Travel Act, veterans with qualifying severe service-connected disabilities — permanent blindness, limb loss, or paralysis requiring a VA-issued wheelchair or prosthetic — can enroll free. All other veterans pay the standard $85 fee.
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Benefit | Expedited airport security screening (TSA PreCheck) |
| Eligibility (Free) | Active duty (automatic); severely disabled veterans under VETS Safe Travel Act |
| Eligibility (Paid) | Most veterans; standard enrollment through TSA |
| Application (Free) | Download fee waiver letter from VA.gov, then apply through TSA enrollment provider |
| Application (Paid) | Apply online at tsa.gov or through an enrollment provider |
| Cost | Free for qualifying groups; $85 (online) or $78 (in-person) for standard enrollment |
| Processing Time | Most applications processed within 3–60 days |
| Official Agency | Transportation Security Administration (TSA); Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) |
| Required Forms | TSA PreCheck application (online/in-person); VA fee waiver letter (for qualifying veterans) |
| Updated For | October 2026 |
Do Veterans Get TSA PreCheck for Free?
Most veterans do not get TSA PreCheck for free. However, two groups receive it at no cost: (1) active-duty, reserve, and National Guard service members, who get it automatically using their DoD ID number, and (2) veterans with qualifying severe service-connected disabilities under the VETS Safe Travel Act.
The confusion stems from the law’s name and recent news coverage. The VETS Safe Travel Act does not cover all veterans — only those who meet specific medical criteria. Everyone else in the veteran community pays the standard enrollment fee unless they qualify through a credit card benefit or another program.
Who Qualifies for Free TSA PreCheck?
Three distinct groups qualify for free TSA PreCheck under current federal policy. Each has different eligibility rules and application processes.
Active Duty, Reserves, and National Guard
All uniformed members of the U.S. Armed Forces — active-duty Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard, National Guard, and reserve components — receive TSA PreCheck automatically as a benefit of their status. There is no enrollment, no fee, and no application process.
How it works: When booking a flight, enter your 10-digit DoD ID number in the Known Traveler Number (KTN) field. When the TSA PreCheck indicator appears on your boarding pass (shown as TSAPRECHK, TSA PRE, or TSA PreCheck), you can use the expedited lane. The CAC card itself is not sufficient at the checkpoint — the KTN must be in the reservation.
DoD civilians also receive TSA PreCheck free through the same mechanism.
Severely Disabled Veterans (VETS Safe Travel Act)
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilityThe Veterans Expedited TSA Screening Safe Travel Act, signed into law on January 4, 2025, extends free TSA PreCheck enrollment to veterans with qualifying service-connected disabilities. The VA formally announced the program and began issuing eligibility letters in June 2026.
To qualify, all three of the following must be true:
You’re enrolled in VA health care, and
You have a service-connected disability that resulted in permanent blindness, the loss of a limb, the loss of the use of a limb, full paralysis, or partial paralysis, and
You require the use of a VA-issued wheelchair or prosthetic limb because of a service-connected disability.
All three conditions must be met simultaneously. Veterans with other service-connected disabilities — PTSD, hearing loss, traumatic brain injury, chronic pain, or any condition that does not result in limb loss, paralysis, or blindness requiring a VA-issued device — do not qualify for the fee waiver under this law.
Gold Star Families
Immediate family members of military service members who lost their lives in the line of duty are eligible for free TSA PreCheck enrollment. This benefit was introduced as part of the TSA’s “Serve with Honor, Travel with Ease” initiative in July 2025.
How to apply: Eligible family members can enroll or renew at no cost through the standard TSA PreCheck enrollment process. The fee is waived at enrollment.
TSA PreCheck Benefits Comparison: Who Gets What
| Group | Cost | How to Enroll | KTN Needed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active Duty / Reserve / Guard | Free | Enter DoD ID number when booking | Yes (DoD ID) |
| DoD Civilians | Free | Enter DoD ID number when booking | Yes (DoD ID) |
| Severely Disabled Veterans (VETS Safe Travel Act) | Free | VA fee waiver letter + TSA enrollment | Yes |
| Gold Star Families | Free | Standard TSA enrollment with fee waiver | Yes |
| Military Spouses | $25 discount | Standard TSA enrollment | Yes |
| All Other Veterans | $85 (online) / $78 (in-person) | Standard TSA enrollment | Yes |
| Children 12 and under | Free with eligible parent | No separate enrollment | No |
| Children 13–17 | Free with eligible parent on same reservation | No separate enrollment | No |
Sources: TSA.gov, VA.gov, Military.com.
Why it matters: If you fall outside the free categories, you still have options. Some credit cards reimburse the TSA PreCheck application fee, and military spouses receive a $25 discount. The standard fee covers five years of membership.
VETS Safe Travel Act: Eligibility Requirements in Detail
The VETS Safe Travel Act sets specific medical criteria. “Severe disability” in this context means a service-connected condition that resulted in one of the following outcomes.
Qualifying Disabilities
| Disability | Qualifies? |
|---|---|
| Permanent blindness | ✅ Yes |
| Loss of a limb | ✅ Yes |
| Loss of use of a limb | ✅ Yes |
| Full paralysis | ✅ Yes |
| Partial paralysis | ✅ Yes |
| Requires VA-issued wheelchair | ✅ Yes (if due to service-connected disability) |
| Requires VA-issued prosthetic limb | ✅ Yes (if due to service-connected disability) |
| PTSD | ❌ No |
| Hearing loss | ❌ No |
| Traumatic brain injury (TBI) | ❌ No |
| Chronic pain | ❌ No |
| Other service-connected disabilities | ❌ No (unless they result in the conditions above) |
The Wheelchair/Prosthetic Requirement
Meeting the disability criterion alone is not enough. You must also require the use of a VA-issued wheelchair or prosthetic limb because of that service-connected disability. A veteran who is paralyzed but uses a personally purchased wheelchair, for example, may not qualify. The device must be VA-issued and tied to the service-connected condition.
Why it matters: This is the most common reason veterans are denied the fee waiver. If you have a service-connected disability that limits mobility but you do not use a VA-issued wheelchair or prosthetic, you do not qualify under this law.
What to do next: If you believe you qualify, sign in to VA.gov and check for your TSA PreCheck Application Fee Waiver Letter. If you don’t see it, contact VA through Ask VA and select “Disability compensation” as the category, then “How to file a claim” as the topic.
How to Apply for Free TSA PreCheck (Qualifying Disabled Veterans)
If you qualify under the VETS Safe Travel Act, the application process has two parts: obtaining your VA fee waiver letter and completing TSA enrollment.
Step 1: Download Your VA Fee Waiver Letter
Sign in to your VA.gov account.
Go to the Benefit letters and documents section.
Select TSA PreCheck Application Fee Waiver Letter.
Select Download TSA PreCheck Application Fee Waiver (PDF).
VA identifies eligible veterans and uploads the eligibility letter to your VA.gov account. If you think you qualify but don’t see the letter, contact VA through Ask VA. Select Disability compensation as the category, then How to file a claim as the topic.
Step 2: Choose Your Enrollment Provider
TSA PreCheck enrollment is managed by two providers: IDEMIA and CLEAR. The process for redeeming your fee waiver varies by provider.
IDEMIA (in-person enrollment):
Before your appointment, email your VA fee waiver letter to IDEMIA’s customer support at tsaenrollmentbyidemia@ps-idemia.com.
Include “VETS Safe” in the email subject line.
IDEMIA will send you an offer code.
Bring your offer code and required TSA documentation to your in-person appointment.
CLEAR (online renewal):
Complete the online renewal process and pay the renewal fee.
Email your VA fee waiver letter to CLEAR’s customer support at CLEARCustomerSupport@tsa.dhs.gov to receive a full rebate.
Step 3: Complete Enrollment
Bring to your enrollment appointment:
Your VA TSA PreCheck Application Fee Waiver letter
TSA PreCheck required documentation (passport or driver’s license)
Your offer code (if using IDEMIA)
TSA has procedures to accommodate individuals who are partial or full amputees or otherwise unable to provide ten-finger fingerprints. TSA’s fingerprint collection methods comply with FBI requirements.
What to do next: After enrollment, you’ll receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) by mail. Use this number when booking flights to access TSA PreCheck lanes. Membership is valid for five years, and qualifying veterans can renew at no cost through CLEAR or IDEMIA as long as they remain eligible under the VETS Safe Travel Act.
How to Apply for Standard TSA PreCheck (All Other Veterans)
Veterans who do not qualify for the free program can still enroll in TSA PreCheck through the standard process.
Step-by-Step Application
Apply online at tsa.gov/precheck or through an enrollment provider (IDEMIA or CLEAR).
Complete the online application with your personal information, including name, address, and date of birth.
Schedule an in-person appointment at an enrollment center.
Attend your appointment with required documentation (passport or driver’s license).
Provide fingerprints and photo at the enrollment center.
Pay the enrollment fee — $85 online or $78 in-person.
Wait for processing — most applications are processed within 3–60 days.
Receive your Known Traveler Number (KTN) by mail.
Use your KTN when booking flights to access TSA PreCheck lanes.
Standard TSA PreCheck Costs (2026)
| Enrollment Type | Cost | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Online (new) | $85 | 5 years |
| In-person (new) | $78 | 5 years |
| Online renewal | $58.75–$70 | 5 years |
| In-person renewal | $79.95 | 5 years |
Source: TSA.gov.
What to do next: If the $85 fee is a barrier, check whether your credit card offers TSA PreCheck reimbursement. Many travel credit cards cover the fee as a benefit. Military spouses can receive a $25 discount on the standard enrollment fee.
Military Spouses and Gold Star Families
Military Spouses
Spouses of active-duty personnel receive a $25 discount on the TSA PreCheck enrollment fee. This applies to both new enrollments and renewals. The discount does not make enrollment free, but it reduces the cost.
How to claim: Apply through the standard TSA PreCheck process and indicate your military spouse status. You will need to provide documentation verifying your spouse’s active-duty status.
Gold Star Families
Immediate family members of service members who died in the line of duty can enroll in TSA PreCheck at no cost. This includes parents, spouses, and children of fallen service members.
How to claim: Apply through the standard TSA PreCheck enrollment process. The fee is waived at enrollment. You may need to provide documentation of your Gold Star family status.
Why it matters: These benefits recognize the sacrifices of military families and reduce the financial burden of travel. If you’re a military spouse or Gold Star family member, you do not need to pay the full standard fee.
What to do next: Contact the TSA PreCheck enrollment provider or visit tsa.gov/precheck for current details on documentation requirements.
TSA Cares: Assistance for Veterans with Disabilities
Veterans who need additional assistance during airport security screening can use the TSA Cares program. This is separate from TSA PreCheck and is available regardless of whether you are enrolled in PreCheck.
What TSA Cares Offers
Personalized assistance through the screening process
Support for travelers with disabilities, medical conditions, or mobility aids
Coordination with TSA officers at the airport
Help with prosthetics, wheelchairs, and other mobility devices
How to Request TSA Cares Assistance
Call the TSA Cares hotline at 1-855-787-2227 at least 72 hours before your flight. A TSA representative will coordinate with the airport to ensure assistance is available.
Why it matters: Even with TSA PreCheck, veterans with mobility devices may face additional screening procedures. TSA Cares ensures that the process is as smooth and dignified as possible.
What to do next: If you use a wheelchair, prosthetic, or other mobility aid, call TSA Cares 72 hours before your flight. This is especially important for veterans who qualify for PreCheck under the VETS Safe Travel Act, as TSA advises using PreCheck in conjunction with TSA Cares.
Military Lanes and Honor Lanes
In addition to TSA PreCheck, select airports offer dedicated Military Lanes or Honor Lanes for active-duty service members, veterans, and their families. These lanes provide front-of-the-line privileges and are separate from TSA PreCheck.
Airports with Military/Honor Lanes (2026)
| Airport | Location |
|---|---|
| Austin-Bergstrom International Airport | Austin, TX |
| Charlotte Douglas International Airport | Charlotte, NC |
| Colorado Springs Airport | Colorado Springs, CO |
| Denver International Airport | Denver, CO |
| El Paso International Airport | El Paso, TX |
| Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport | Atlanta, GA |
| Nashville International Airport | Nashville, TN |
| San Antonio International Airport | San Antonio, TX |
| San Diego International Airport | San Diego, CA |
| Seattle-Tacoma International Airport | Seattle, WA |
| Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport | Anchorage, AK |
How they work: Military personnel do not need to be in uniform to use the military lanes. Simply show your valid military or veteran ID to the lane monitor for front-of-the-line service. Travelers still undergo standard TSA screening procedures, but the dedicated lanes can help reduce wait times.
Why it matters: Military lanes are available to a broader segment of the military community — including veterans and retirees — than TSA PreCheck. If you’re flying through one of these airports, you can use the military lane even if you don’t have TSA PreCheck.
What to do next: Check the TSA Military Lanes page at tsa.gov/travel/travel-tips/military-lanes for the complete list of participating airports.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Assuming all veterans get free TSA PreCheck. Only severely disabled veterans who meet specific medical criteria qualify under the VETS Safe Travel Act. All other veterans pay the standard fee.
Not checking your VA.gov account for the fee waiver letter. VA uploads the letter automatically for eligible veterans. If you don’t see it, contact VA through Ask VA.
Using the wrong email subject line when contacting IDEMIA. Include “VETS Safe” in the subject line to ensure your fee waiver is processed correctly.
Forgetting to enter your KTN when booking flights. TSA PreCheck benefits only apply if your Known Traveler Number is in the reservation. The CAC card alone is not sufficient.
Not calling TSA Cares before flying with mobility devices. TSA advises veterans using wheelchairs or prosthetics to call TSA Cares 72 hours before departure for coordinated assistance.
Assuming urgent care is the same as emergency care. This is a common mistake in VA health care, but it also applies to TSA: urgent care facilities do not count as emergency departments.
Paying the full fee when you qualify for a discount. Military spouses receive $25 off. Gold Star families receive free enrollment. Check your eligibility before paying.
Common Questions
1. Do all veterans get TSA PreCheck for free?
No. Most veterans pay the standard $85 fee. Only two groups get it free: active-duty, reserve, and National Guard members (automatic via DoD ID number), and severely disabled veterans who meet the VETS Safe Travel Act criteria — permanent blindness, limb loss, or paralysis requiring a VA-issued wheelchair or prosthetic.
2. What is the VETS Safe Travel Act?
The Veterans Expedited TSA Screening Safe Travel Act is a 2025 law that gives veterans with qualifying severe service-connected disabilities free TSA PreCheck enrollment. It took effect in 2025, and VA began issuing fee waiver letters in June 2026. It covers veterans who are blind, have lost a limb or the use of a limb, or are paralyzed.
3. How do I know if I qualify for free TSA PreCheck?
You must meet all three criteria: enrolled in VA health care, have a service-connected disability resulting in permanent blindness, limb loss, loss of limb use, or paralysis, and require a VA-issued wheelchair or prosthetic limb. If you meet all three, sign in to VA.gov and check for your TSA PreCheck Application Fee Waiver Letter.
4. How do I download my VA fee waiver letter?
Sign in to VA.gov, go to the Benefit letters and documents section, select TSA PreCheck Application Fee Waiver Letter, and download the PDF. If you don’t see it, contact VA through Ask VA and select “Disability compensation” as the category.
5. How long does TSA PreCheck last?
TSA PreCheck membership is valid for five years. Qualifying disabled veterans can renew at no cost through CLEAR or IDEMIA as long as they remain eligible under the VETS Safe Travel Act. Standard members pay the renewal fee.
6. Can my spouse get TSA PreCheck for free?
Military spouses receive a $25 discount on the standard enrollment fee, not free enrollment. Gold Star family members can enroll at no cost. Active-duty spouses do not receive free PreCheck unless they qualify under another program.
7. Do I need TSA PreCheck to use military lanes?
No. Military lanes, also called Honor Lanes, are separate from TSA PreCheck. They are available at select airports and provide front-of-the-line privileges to active-duty service members, veterans, and their families. You do not need TSA PreCheck to use them.
8. What if I have a disability but don’t qualify for the VETS Safe Travel Act?
You can still enroll in TSA PreCheck through the standard process and pay the $85 fee. You can also use the TSA Cares program for personalized assistance during screening, regardless of your PreCheck status. Call 1-855-787-2227 at least 72 hours before your flight.
9. How long does it take to get TSA PreCheck?
Most applications are processed within 3–60 days. You’ll receive your Known Traveler Number (KTN) by mail. Once you have your KTN, you can use TSA PreCheck lanes immediately when booking flights.
10. Is TSA PreCheck worth it for veterans?
If you travel frequently, yes. TSA PreCheck lets you keep your shoes on, leave laptops in your bag, and use dedicated lanes at more than 200 airports. The $85 fee covers five years. For veterans who qualify for free enrollment, the value is even clearer.
11. What is the difference between TSA PreCheck and Global Entry?
TSA PreCheck covers domestic travel and expedited screening at U.S. airports. Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck plus expedited customs screening when returning to the U.S. from abroad. Global Entry costs $100 and requires an interview. TSA PreCheck is the better option for most domestic travelers.
12. Can I use TSA PreCheck if I have a criminal record?
TSA PreCheck applicants are barred from joining the program if they have certain prior criminal offenses or convictions, give false information on their applications, or are in violation of certain federal security regulations. TSA conducts a background check as part of the enrollment process.
Key Takeaways
Most veterans do not get TSA PreCheck for free. The standard fee is $85 (online) or $78 (in-person) for five years.
Active-duty, reserve, and National Guard members get it automatically using their DoD ID number as their Known Traveler Number — no application needed.
The VETS Safe Travel Act provides free TSA PreCheck to veterans with permanent blindness, limb loss, loss of limb use, or paralysis who require a VA-issued wheelchair or prosthetic.
VA uploads the fee waiver letter to VA.gov for eligible veterans. You download it, then apply through IDEMIA or CLEAR.
Military spouses get a $25 discount on the standard enrollment fee.
Gold Star family members enroll for free.
TSA Cares provides personalized assistance for veterans with disabilities during screening. Call 1-855-787-2227 at least 72 hours before your flight.
Military lanes (Honor Lanes) are available at select airports and provide front-of-the-line privileges for veterans and service members, even without TSA PreCheck.
Membership lasts five years and can be renewed.
All three VETS Safe Travel Act criteria must be met — VA health care enrollment, qualifying disability, and VA-issued wheelchair or prosthetic.
Official Resources
VA: How to Get TSA PreCheck for Free as a Veteran with a Disability: https://www.va.gov/resources/how-you-can-get-tsa-precheck-for-free-as-a-veteran-with-a-disability/
TSA: TSA PreCheck for Qualifying Disabled Veterans: https://www.tsa.gov/precheck/military/vets-safe
TSA: Military Community Benefits: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/travel-tips/military-community
TSA: Free TSA PreCheck for Service Members: https://www.tsa.gov/precheck/military/military-travelers
TSA Cares: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/tsa-cares
TSA PreCheck Application: https://www.tsa.gov/precheck
VA.gov Benefit Letters: https://www.va.gov/records/download-va-letters/letters/
VA Ask VA: https://ask.va.gov/
USA.gov Veterans Benefits: https://www.usa.gov/veterans-benefits
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