TSA PreCheck for Veterans: Virginia Application Guide 2026
Most veterans do not qualify for free TSA PreCheck. Only those with specific severe service-connected disabilities—permanent blindness, loss of a limb, loss of limb use, or full/partial paralysis requiring a VA-issued wheelchair or prosthetic—receive the fee waiver under the VETS Safe Travel Act. Everyone else pays the standard $85 enrollment fee, available at multiple locations across Virginia.
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Benefit | Expedited airport security screening—keep shoes, belt, and light jacket on; leave laptops and 3-1-1 liquids in bags |
| Eligibility (Free) | Veterans enrolled in VA health care with qualifying severe service-connected disabilities under the VETS Safe Travel Act |
| Eligibility (Paid) | All other veterans, National Guard, Reservists, and military family members may enroll through standard TSA PreCheck |
| Application | IDEMIA only for fee waiver; CLEAR or Telos for paid enrollment |
| Processing Time | Most applicants receive a Known Traveler Number within 2–3 weeks; in-person appointment takes about 10 minutes |
| Official Agency | Transportation Security Administration (TSA) |
| Required Forms | TSA PreCheck Application Fee Waiver Letter (VA-issued); Valid ID; Fingerprints and photo taken at enrollment |
| Updated For | September 2026 |
What Is TSA PreCheck?
TSA PreCheck is a Trusted Traveler Program administered by the Transportation Security Administration. It allows pre-approved, low-risk travelers to use dedicated security lanes at more than 200 U.S. airports without removing shoes, belts, light jackets, laptops, or compliant liquids from carry-on bags .
The program has over 20 million active members. Approximately 99% of TSA PreCheck passengers wait less than 10 minutes in security lines .
Why it matters for veterans: Expedited screening reduces physical strain during travel—a meaningful benefit for veterans with mobility challenges, prosthetics, or service-connected conditions that make standard security procedures difficult.
What to do next: Determine whether you qualify for free enrollment under the VETS Safe Travel Act or should apply through the standard paid process.
Who Qualifies for Free TSA PreCheck?
Free TSA PreCheck enrollment is not available to all veterans. The VETS Safe Travel Act (signed January 4, 2025) created a narrow eligibility category for veterans with specific severe service-connected disabilities .
Eligibility Requirements for Free Enrollment
To qualify for the fee waiver, all three of these conditions must be true simultaneously :
You are enrolled in VA health care, and
You have a service-connected disability that resulted in one of the following:
Permanent blindness
Loss of a limb
Loss of the use of a limb
Full paralysis
Partial paralysis
You require the use of a VA-issued wheelchair or prosthetic limb because of that service-connected disability
Who Does Not Qualify for Free Enrollment
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilityVeterans with other service-connected disabilities do not qualify for the fee waiver—even if those disabilities are severe or rated at 100%. Conditions that do not trigger eligibility include:
PTSD
Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Hearing loss or tinnitus
Chronic pain conditions
Any disability that does not result in limb loss, paralysis, or blindness requiring a VA-issued mobility device
Important distinction: Disability rating percentage alone does not determine eligibility. A veteran rated 100% for PTSD does not qualify. A veteran rated 70% for a qualifying limb loss may qualify.
Quick Decision Tree
Do you have a service-connected disability causing permanent blindness, limb loss, loss of limb use, or paralysis?
No → You do not qualify for free enrollment. You may enroll through standard paid TSA PreCheck.
Yes → Do you require a VA-issued wheelchair or prosthetic because of that disability?
No → You do not qualify for the fee waiver.
Yes → Are you enrolled in VA health care?
No → Enroll in VA health care first.
Yes → You qualify for free TSA PreCheck. Follow the IDEMIA enrollment process below.
Active Duty, Guard, and Reserve: Free Enrollment Without Application
Active-duty service members receive TSA PreCheck automatically at no cost. No enrollment, no fee, no application .
How it works: When booking a flight, enter your 10-digit Department of Defense ID number in the Known Traveler Number field. Your boarding pass will display the TSA PreCheck indicator (TSAPRECHK). Show that boarding pass at the checkpoint.
Who this covers: Active-duty Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard, National Guard, and Reserve components. Department of Defense civilians also receive free TSA PreCheck through the same mechanism .
Important: Your CAC card alone does not grant access to TSA PreCheck lanes. The DoD ID number must be in your flight reservation.
Military dependents: Children 17 and under can accompany an eligible parent through TSA PreCheck lanes without their own membership. Dependents 18 and older must enroll separately .
Gold Star Families and Surviving Spouses
Gold Star families qualify for free TSA PreCheck under the same legislation that created the veterans’ fee waiver. Surviving spouses and family members of fallen service members must apply through the standard enrollment process but receive a fee waiver .
Application process: Gold Star families enroll through TSA-authorized providers and request the fee waiver. Unlike the veterans’ VETS Safe Travel Act waiver—which currently requires IDEMIA—Gold Star family enrollment may be processed through other providers. Verify current provider capabilities before scheduling an appointment.
Documentation: You will need to provide documentation verifying your Gold Star family status during the enrollment process.
Military Spouses and Dependents
Military spouses do not receive free TSA PreCheck. They qualify for a $25 discount on the standard enrollment fee .
Current pricing for military spouses: Approximately $60–$65 for initial enrollment, depending on the provider. Membership is valid for five years.
Dependents: Adult dependents (18+) pay the full standard fee unless they qualify through another category (e.g., they are themselves active-duty military or a qualifying disabled veteran).
Virginia Enrollment Locations
Virginia has multiple TSA PreCheck enrollment locations through all three authorized providers. Below are confirmed locations from TSA’s enrollment center database :
IDEMIA Locations (Required for VETS Safe Travel Act Fee Waiver)
| Location | Address | City |
|---|---|---|
| Idemia Falls Church | 5622 Columbia Pike, Ste 309 | Falls Church, VA 22041 |
| Idemia Richmond—Forest Hill | 6841 Forest Hill Avenue | Richmond, VA 23225 |
| Idemia Richmond—Chantilly | 1806 Chantilly St, Ste 2 | Richmond, VA 23230 |
CLEAR Locations
| Location | Address | City |
|---|---|---|
| Staples—Richmond | 3540 Pump Rd | Richmond, VA 23233 |
| Staples—Woodbridge | 14497 Potomac Mills Rd | Woodbridge, VA 22192 |
| Staples—Falls Church | 1104 West Broad Street | Falls Church, VA 22046 |
Telos Locations
| Location | Address | City |
|---|---|---|
| Office Depot Sterling | 46301 Potomac Run Plaza | Sterling, VA 20164 |
| Office Depot Fairfax | 12275 Price Club Plaza, #C | Fairfax, VA 22030 |
| Office Max Midlothian | 141 Perimeter Drive | Midlothian, VA 23113 |
| Office Max Glen Allen | 10091 Brook Road | Glen Allen, VA 23059 |
| Office Max Richmond | 6301 W. Broad Street | Richmond, VA |
| CVS—Fairfax (Idemia) | 12734 Shoppes Ln | Fairfax, VA 22033 |
For paid enrollment: You may use any provider. For the VETS Safe Travel Act fee waiver, you must use IDEMIA .
How to Apply for Free TSA PreCheck (VETS Safe Travel Act)
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility
Review the three eligibility requirements above. If you meet all three, proceed.
Step 2: Download Your Fee Waiver Letter
The VA automatically identifies eligible veterans and uploads a TSA PreCheck Application Fee Waiver Letter to their VA.gov account. You do not need to request it .
To download:
Sign in to VA.gov
Go to Benefit letters and documents
Select TSA PreCheck Application Fee Waiver Letter
Select Download TSA PreCheck Application Fee Waiver (PDF)
If you believe you qualify but do not see the letter: Contact VA through Ask VA. Select “Disability compensation” as the category and “How to file a claim” as the topic .
Step 3: Contact IDEMIA
Email your eligibility letter to IDEMIA’s customer support with the subject line “VETS Safe” to receive an offer code. This step is required before scheduling your appointment .
Step 4: Complete the Online Application
Visit the IDEMIA TSA PreCheck enrollment portal. Complete the initial application. This takes about 5 minutes .
Step 5: Schedule and Attend Your In-Person Appointment
Schedule an appointment at a Virginia IDEMIA location (see table above). The appointment takes approximately 10 minutes . You will:
Present your ID and documentation
Provide fingerprints
Have your photo taken
Step 6: Receive Your Known Traveler Number
Most applicants receive their KTN within 2–3 weeks after the in-person appointment. Once you have your KTN, enter it in airline reservations to receive TSA PreCheck on your boarding pass.
Membership duration: Five years. Renewal through IDEMIA is available at no cost for VETS Safe Travel Act recipients .
How to Apply for Paid TSA PreCheck
If you do not qualify for the fee waiver, you may enroll through the standard paid process.
Step 1: Choose a Provider
TSA has three authorized enrollment providers: CLEAR, IDEMIA, and Telos . All have Virginia locations. Pricing varies slightly by provider.
Step 2: Complete the Online Application
Visit your chosen provider’s website. Submit the initial application. Takes about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Schedule and Attend In-Person Appointment
Bring your valid ID and complete fingerprinting and photo. About 10 minutes.
Step 4: Pay the Fee
Initial enrollment: $76.75–$85 depending on provider
Renewal: $58.75–$79.95
Military spouse discount: $25 off (approximately $60–$65)
Step 5: Receive Your KTN
Same 2–3 week processing window. Enter KTN in flight reservations.
Required Documents
For Free Enrollment (VETS Safe Travel Act)
| Document | Source | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| TSA PreCheck Application Fee Waiver Letter | VA.gov (auto-generated) | Proves eligibility for fee waiver |
| Valid government-issued ID | Driver’s license, passport, or state ID | Identity verification |
| VA health care enrollment confirmation | VA.gov or VA medical center | Confirms health care enrollment |
For Paid Enrollment
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Valid government-issued ID | REAL ID or passport preferred |
| Payment method | Credit/debit card or money order |
| Proof of military spouse status (if applying for discount) | Marriage certificate or dependent ID |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Assuming all disabled veterans qualify. The VETS Safe Travel Act has narrow eligibility. PTSD, TBI, and hearing loss do not qualify. Only specific mobility-related disabilities involving limb loss, paralysis, or blindness qualify .
2. Using the wrong enrollment provider for the fee waiver. CLEAR and Telos cannot process the VETS Safe Travel Act waiver. Only IDEMIA can. If you enroll through another provider and request reimbursement, you will not receive it .
3. Entering a CAC card instead of DoD ID number. Active-duty members must enter their 10-digit DoD ID number in the Known Traveler Number field. The CAC card itself does not work at the checkpoint .
4. Expecting immediate TSA PreCheck on the next flight. After receiving your KTN, you must enter it in your airline reservation. The TSA PreCheck indicator may not appear on boarding passes issued before your KTN is in the reservation system.
5. Assuming a disability rating alone qualifies you. A 100% VA disability rating does not automatically qualify you for free TSA PreCheck. The specific medical criteria in the VETS Safe Travel Act must be met .
6. Not bringing the fee waiver letter to the appointment. The VA letter must be presented at the IDEMIA appointment. Download and print it before your visit.
Processing Times and What to Expect
| Stage | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Online application submission | 5 minutes |
| In-person appointment | ~10 minutes |
| Background check and approval | 2–3 weeks (most applicants) |
| Receiving KTN | 2–3 weeks after appointment |
| TSA PreCheck indicator on boarding pass | Next flight after KTN is in reservation |
Expedited processing: TSA does not offer expedited processing for TSA PreCheck. Plan ahead if you have upcoming travel.
If you have not received your KTN after 3 weeks: Contact the enrollment provider you used. For IDEMIA (fee waiver applicants), contact IDEMIA customer support.
Renewal and Expiration
TSA PreCheck membership is valid for five years. A renewal notice is typically sent before expiration.
For VETS Safe Travel Act recipients: Renewal through IDEMIA is available at no cost. The fee waiver continues for qualifying veterans as long as eligibility requirements are met .
For paid members: Renewal costs $58.75–$79.95 depending on provider. Renewal does not require a new in-person appointment if your fingerprints are still on file and your information has not changed significantly.
If your membership lapses: You must complete the full enrollment process again, including a new in-person appointment.
Virginia-Specific Considerations
Airport Coverage
All major Virginia airports support TSA PreCheck lanes, including:
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Richmond International Airport (RIC)
Norfolk International Airport (ORF)
Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (PHF)
Gateside by TSA PreCheck
TSA launched a new benefit in 2026 called Gateside by TSA PreCheck. This allows TSA PreCheck members to request a pass to go beyond the checkpoint without a boarding pass—to accompany family to the gate, greet arriving passengers, or use airport dining and shopping .
Availability: Gateside is currently available at 13 airports. None of those airports are in Virginia as of September 2026. Virginia travelers may use Gateside at participating airports when traveling to those locations.
Touchless ID
TSA PreCheck Touchless ID allows eligible members to verify identity using facial comparison technology without presenting a physical ID. This feature is rolling out at airports nationwide but is not yet available at Virginia airports as of September 2026 .
Common Questions
Do all veterans get free TSA PreCheck?
No. Only veterans who meet all three VETS Safe Travel Act criteria qualify: enrolled in VA health care, have a qualifying severe service-connected disability (blindness, limb loss, loss of limb use, or paralysis), and require a VA-issued wheelchair or prosthetic. Most veterans pay the standard $85 fee.
Can I use my VA disability rating to get free TSA PreCheck?
A VA disability rating alone does not qualify you. The rating percentage is not the determining factor. The specific medical criteria in the VETS Safe Travel Act must be met.
I have PTSD rated at 100%. Do I qualify for free TSA PreCheck?
No. PTSD is not a qualifying condition under the VETS Safe Travel Act. The law covers only permanent blindness, limb loss, loss of limb use, and full or partial paralysis requiring a VA-issued mobility device.
Which enrollment provider must I use for the fee waiver?
IDEMIA is the only authorized provider that can process the VETS Safe Travel Act fee waiver. CLEAR and Telos cannot process the waiver, and they will not reimburse you if you pay them directly.
How do I get my fee waiver letter?
The VA automatically uploads the TSA PreCheck Application Fee Waiver Letter to your VA.gov account if you qualify. Sign in, go to Benefit letters and documents, and download it. If you believe you qualify but do not see the letter, contact VA through Ask VA.
Does TSA PreCheck work at all Virginia airports?
Yes. TSA PreCheck lanes are available at all major Virginia airports, including DCA, IAD, RIC, ORF, and PHF. The program operates at more than 200 airports nationwide.
Can my spouse use my TSA PreCheck?
No. TSA PreCheck membership is individual. Your spouse must enroll separately. Military spouses qualify for a $25 discount on enrollment. Children 17 and under may accompany a TSA PreCheck member through the lane without their own membership.
How long does TSA PreCheck approval take?
Most applicants receive their Known Traveler Number within 2–3 weeks after the in-person appointment. The appointment itself takes about 10 minutes. Online application submission takes about 5 minutes.
What happens if I use the wrong provider for the fee waiver?
If you enroll through CLEAR or Telos and pay the fee, you will not receive a reimbursement. The fee waiver is only available through IDEMIA. You must contact IDEMIA before scheduling your appointment to receive an offer code.
Does TSA PreCheck expire?
Yes. Membership is valid for five years. VETS Safe Travel Act recipients can renew at no cost through IDEMIA. Paid members pay the renewal fee.
Can I get TSA PreCheck for my dependent child?
Children 17 and under can use TSA PreCheck lanes when traveling with an eligible parent or guardian—no separate membership required. Dependents 18 and older must enroll separately and pay the applicable fee.
What if I have a disability but don’t qualify for the fee waiver?
You can still enroll in TSA PreCheck through the standard paid process. Additionally, you can contact TSA Cares at least 72 hours before travel to request a passenger support specialist who can assist you through security screening .
Key Takeaways
Most veterans do not qualify for free TSA PreCheck. The VETS Safe Travel Act covers only veterans with permanent blindness, limb loss, loss of limb use, or paralysis requiring a VA-issued wheelchair or prosthetic.
Active-duty military receive TSA PreCheck free automatically. No application required—just enter your DoD ID number in flight reservations.
The fee waiver requires IDEMIA. CLEAR and Telos cannot process the VETS Safe Travel Act waiver. Use IDEMIA only for free enrollment.
Download your fee waiver letter from VA.gov. The VA automatically generates it for qualifying veterans. No request needed.
Gold Star families qualify for free TSA PreCheck. Surviving spouses and family members of fallen service members receive the fee waiver.
**Military spouses receive a $25 discount.** They pay approximately $60–$65 instead of the standard $85.
Virginia has enrollment locations statewide. IDEMIA, CLEAR, and Telos operate across the Commonwealth.
Processing takes 2–3 weeks. Plan ahead before upcoming travel.
TSA PreCheck is valid for five years. Renewal is free for VETS Safe Travel Act recipients through IDEMIA.
A 100% VA disability rating does not guarantee free TSA PreCheck. Eligibility depends on specific medical criteria, not rating percentage.
Official Resources
VA.gov — TSA PreCheck fee waiver information and letter download: va.gov/resources/how-you-can-get-tsa-precheck-for-free-as-a-veteran-with-a-disability
TSA.gov — TSA PreCheck program information and enrollment: tsa.gov/precheck
TSA.gov — Enrollment center locator: tsa.gov/precheck/enrollment-centers
Ask VA — Contact VA for eligibility questions: ask.va.gov
TSA Cares — Passenger support for travelers with disabilities: Contact 72 hours before travel
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