TSA PreCheck Military 2023 | Active Duty, Spouses, Veterans

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TSA PreCheck is free for US military servicemembers with their DOD ID number or Common Access Card (CAC). Military spouses do not automatically get TSA PreCheck benefits, but there are ways to get TSA PreCheck for military spouses for free.

You can skip the regular airport security line and use the TSA Pre✓ lines like in the image below.

The Transportation Security Agency offers PreCheck to trusted travelers that sign up for the program and to US military personnel. These travelers are considered low risk and can enter the secure area with less intense screening.

PreCheck is included in the separate Global Entry program. Global Entry allows expedited immigration screening when you enter the US from a foreign country. This program can also save lots of time

In this post:

How To Get TSA PreCheck with a DOD ID or CAC

When you purchase your airline ticket, ensure you enter your DOD ID into the “Known Traveler Number” when you check out.

known traveler number DOD ID CAC tsa precheck military

TSA PreCheck Military Spouse

If you are a military spouse, you have to sign up for TSA PreCheck and get a Known Traveler Number (KTN).

Military spouses and military dependents do not get TSA PreCheck for free since they do not have CAC IDs with a DOD ID number. I recommend military spouses purchase Global Entry with one of the premium travel cards that offer Global Entry and TSA PreCheck fee reimbursement. Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck and is great if you live or travel overseas.

Credit Cards That Provide TSA PreCheck Fee Credit for Military Spouses

When you return to the US, you can expedite your trip through US Customs and Immigration with Global Entry.

Many travel cards, such as the American Express Platinum card or Chase Sapphire Reserve, offer TSA PreCheck credit or Global Entry credit as part of their member benefits.

Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck, and since as a military servicemember you already get free TSA PreCheck, it makes sense to sign up for Global Entry if you have one of these elite travel credit cards.

Military servicemembers can get the Amex Platinum card with no annual fees. See my Amex Platinum card review or the links below for more details.

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$200 Airline Fee Credit: Up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at 1 qualifying airline
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Read my full review of the Amex Platinum card for military, terms apply

TSA PreCheck Benefits

TSA PreCheck makes the hassle of airport security much easier to deal with. Benefits include:

Expedited screening: 95% of TSA PreCheck customers were through security in less than 5 minutes
Keep your shoes, belt, and light jackets on
Leave your laptop and toiletries in your carry on bag
Other electronics can remain in your bag

TSA PreCheck for Retired Military And Veterans

Military retirees and veterans are not eligible for free TSA PreCheck. However, if you have any of the premium travel rewards cards listed above, you can get an TSA PreCheck or Global Entry fee waiver on most of the cards. That allows you to have free TSA PreCheck.

TSA PreCheck Frequently Asked Questions

Who qualifies for TSA PreCheck?

US military servicemembers with a Common Access Card qualify for free TSA PreCheck. Military dependents need to sign up for PreCheck. I recommend using a military annual fee waived card like the Amex Platinum or Chase Sapphire Reserve to sign up for Global Entry, which includes PreCheck. You must be a lawful permanent resident (LPR or “green card” holder), US citizen, or US national to apply for PreCheck.

How do I get TSA PreCheck for free?

PreCheck is free for US military servicemembers. Just use your DOD ID number from the back of your CAC as your “known travel” number. You can also use credit cards that include TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit as a benefit.

Is TSA PreCheck worth it?

TSA PreCheck is 100% worth it, even if you only fly once every 5 years! It can save you hours of time. How much do you value your time at? If you value your time more than $40 per hour, you need to get PreCheck.

How much does TSA PreCheck cost?

TSA PreCheck normally costs $85 for a 5 year members. Global Entry is only an additional $15 for $100 total. US military servicemembers get PreCheck for free.

Is TSA PreCheck free for military?

Yes! TSA PreCheck is free for US military with a CAC and DOD ID. Enter the DOD ID number from the back of your CAC into the “Known Traveler Number” when you purchase your ticket and you can go through TSA PreCheck. It's much faster and convienent.

Is my military ID a Real ID?

Yes, the US military ID or Common Access Card (CAC) is a “Real ID” and is eligible for flying.