Joining TSA PreCheck gets easier

It’s getting easier to join TSA’s PreCheck program. (Image: TSA)

You still haven’t signed up with the Transportation Security Administration’s PreCheck program because you just haven’t had the time to go through the processing, or because you can’t find a convenient enrollment center?  That should no longer be an excuse as new  partnerships are creating more places to sign up and longer hours when you can do so.

Enrolling in PreCheck and getting a Known Traveler Number is increasingly important if you want to be chosen for the fast lane at airport security. That’s because the TSA is now limiting the number of travelers it allows through who are not full fledged and vetted members.

Important note: These new  signup locations are for PreCheck only– you cannot apply for the more robust Global Entry (which includes PreCheck) at these new locations.

MorphoTrust USA, which provides enrollment services for TSA, is offering Saturday hours at 13 locations around the country, including major airports like San Francisco, Los Angeles (Terminal 1), Dallas/Ft. Worth and others. The San Francisco airport location is also starting expanded weekday hours, along with eight other locations.

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You can search for sign-up centers and their hours here. Once you have located a center you want to use, you can pre-enroll online.

MorphoTrust is also teaming up with H&R Block to make its IdentoGO PreCheck sign-up services available at a greater number of locations around the country. The partnership will add several dozen more enrollment locations to the existing 330.

Persons who join  must undergo a personal interview and pay an $85 fee (good for five years); in return, they can use TSA’s expedited PreCheck security screening lanes at airports. (Members of Customs and Border Protection’s trusted traveler programs like Global Entry ($100/5 years) also have access to PreCheck lanes)

TSA said the number of registered members recently passed the 1.5 million mark.

NOTE: Be sure to click here to see all recent TravelSkills posts about: SFO could get world’s longest flight + PreCheck: Fewer free rides + Plight of the tall traveler + Photos: New United first class seat + 6 secrets for snagging low fares