 TITLE: How to Apply for TSA Precheck CONTENT: Here are the steps to apply for TSA Precheck and a few other things to keep in mind:\n1.  Apply online. First, you must submit an online application that will allow the TSA to perform a background check based on the information you provide, including the location and date of your birth, your current address, your physical characteristics and any criminal history. The whole process should only take a matter of minutes. Once the TSA reviews your application and decides to approve you, it will be conditional until you complete the other steps in this process. It may take several days to get an answer, but you can check the status of your application online.\n2.  Schedule an enrollment center interview. Once you are conditionally approved, you will need to schedule an appointment at an enrollment center. There are over 380 enrollment centers around the country. You can find the ones closest to you by entering your city, ZIP code or closest airport. This will also pull up available interview time slots in the next 45 days. Pick a location and time that work for you.\n3.  Prepare your identification documents. Before your interview, you will need to gather some forms of TSA-approved identification. These can include a valid U.S. passport, a permanent resident card or a valid driver's license from a U.S. state among other documents. If you show up to your interview without the necessary paperwork, you may not be approved.\n4.  Interview in person. Bring your documents and arrive early to your interview. A TSA agent will ask you questions to verify your identity and application details. The interview should only take around 10 minutes. You will also have to pay the $85 application fee at this point. To do so, you can use a credit card, debit card, money order, certified or cashier's check, or company check.\n5.  Wait for approval. Most applicants are notified of their status shortly after their interview, but it can take up to several weeks to receive written notification. You can check your status online and, if approved, find your Known Traveler Number at that point.\n6.  Register with airlines. Even if you are approved for TSA Precheck and receive a Known Traveler Number, you do not immediately get access to TSA Precheck lanes when traveling. You need to log in to your frequent-flier accounts with various airlines and add your Known Traveler Number to your profile for it to register when you travel and for the TSA Precheck logo to appear on your boarding passes. If you forget to do so, you can always ask a check-in agent at the airport to add your Known Traveler Number to your reservation while traveling.\n7.  Renew every five years: TSA Precheck membership lasts five years, but you can renew your membership online up to six months before your current TSA Precheck status expires so your eligibility isn't interrupted. Usually, all you need is your Known Traveler Number, name and date of birth; you'll also need to pay the $85 application fee. Some members may be required to conduct another in-person interview at an enrollment center. END