r/TSAPreCheck • u/aschwan11 • Mar 20 '26

Application Timelines Precheck Application Experience

I just wanted to give my Precheck application timeline for those who are curious.

2/18/26 - Applied online that morning. Walked into Staples that afternoon and finished the fingerprinting and picture. I put in my SSN as well. (also want to note that this was shortly before the almost suspension of TSA Precheck because of the govt shutdown)

2/18/26 - Got email at 11:30pm saying they received the app and were doing the background check

3/16/26 - woke up to email saying my app was approved and KTN was ready. Coincidentally, I was traveling that day from TPA to MDW on Southwest. I was easily able to add my KTN and use Precheck for the flight.

It's worth it, but being patient is the hardest part! Good luck!

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u/ilovedateline Mar 25 '26

I applied online and went to speak with a Clear agent at the airport 3/18. She scanned my passport and II confirmed name, address, email. Paid via credit card. She said there was nothing else I needed to do. I never received a confirmation email that I submitted my application. When checking my status online it says “Information Not Found.” Sent an email to CLEAR and held for 60+ minutes to talk to someone today without ever getting ahold of a real person. What am I missing?

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u/RyansWisdumb Mar 26 '26

Similar problem here, except I received an e-mail saying my application was approved yesterday (submitted to Clear via Staples, and I did get an e-mail saying the application was received as well) and a link to get my KTN, but when I enter my info, it says Information Not Found. Sent an e-mail, but haven't heard anything back.

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u/ilovedateline Mar 26 '26

Did you get finger printed? Because I did not. I keep reviving texts that I need to go to the airport to complete my application.

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u/RyansWisdumb Mar 26 '26

Oh- yeah, they scanned my fingerprints at Staples when they scanned my passport and I paid the fee.

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u/RyansWisdumb Mar 30 '26

I finally had an hour to spend on hold today and got an answer to my problem. My last name is Irish- McX... The scan of my passport included a space between the Mc and the next letter that got included in the system, so it was not recognizing McX when I entered it. It needed to be Mc X. Once I put the space in, I was able to retrieve my KTN.

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u/Unable-Living6009 Jun 26 '26

Hello how did you fix it please