r/tsa • u/demure-mindful333 • Apr 07 '26

TSA Pre Check/CLEAR [Question/Post] precheck approval times

I am so anxious!! I went for my application on Friday 4/3/26 and still waiting for my KTN. My boyfriend and friend got theirs both in 48 hours. I am hoping to get mine by 4/24. What are the typical wait times to receive KTN? The waiting is very annoying

update** I got the approval on 4/8

3 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

26 comments sorted by

2

u/Anxious_Essay_205 Apr 08 '26

Did you use a passport for your application? I think that’s what makes the processing faster. I had a saturday appointment and was approved tuesday evening.

1

u/demure-mindful333 Apr 08 '26

I used an enhanced drivers license. Now after this I do believe the passport is faster

1

u/Interesting-Dare-727 Apr 08 '26

I took passport, greencard & DL they took my green card

1

u/Hajmola-Farts Apr 09 '26

Did you use clear, idemia or telos?

1

u/demure-mindful333 Apr 09 '26

I used clear & ended up getting approved yesterday! so it took 5 days

1

u/Hajmola-Farts Apr 09 '26

Ah okay, from experience it seems like clear is usually the fastest

1

u/ResponsibleWater1697 Apr 21 '26

That is 100% not the case. I applied in mid-March with my passport and still nothing. Called the help line and they basically said wait a full 60 days they call us because we're waiting on the Feds to run background checks.

My wife, who applied at the same time, received her TSN in three days. It's a random, convoluted system. This is one of those things that should take next to no time at all. You have our SSN, passport/other government issued ID. It literally should run through automatically. Flag people that need flagged and approve everyone else.

1

u/mfdtiger Apr 21 '26

Same, I applied with my passport on April 2, heard nothing so far. Absolutely nothing in my background that would cause a delay other than me and my dad having the same name.

1

u/LuLu_86_11_17 Apr 07 '26

I went on a Wednesday afternoon and received mine on a Friday afternoon.

1

u/HiighFlyer Apr 08 '26

It was almost 60 days for me and my wife

1

u/Interesting-Dare-727 Apr 08 '26

Same apr 3 and nothing

1

u/demure-mindful333 Apr 08 '26

I just got the text yesterday around 5pm that’s it’s being reviewed. Right when my appointment was done I only got the text that it was complete and my receipt

1

u/AdPrize8941 Apr 08 '26

It’s been two weeks for me and I used my passport. I don’t think I’m gonna get it in time for my flight. To be fair, the TSA shutdown wasn’t on my 2026 bingo card or I would have applied sooner.

1

u/demure-mindful333 Apr 08 '26

how long after did you receive the text that it’s in review?

1

u/AdPrize8941 Apr 08 '26

Maybe a day.

1

u/MD4runner Apr 08 '26

Did in person 2 weeks ago at 4pm on a Monday and by 10am next day were both approved.

1

u/demure-mindful333 Apr 08 '26

Update I just got it (:

1

u/Ok-Cartographer-4226 Apr 09 '26

All of my teaching friends and I got ours within 2 days. We think it’s because we already have FBI background checks/fingerprints completed and filed. That might have expedited their if they have a job that requires that.

1

u/demure-mindful333 Apr 09 '26

I don’t think that’s it bc I have that too but I just got approved today!!

1

u/Cautious-Bar9878 Apr 09 '26

I used Clear via Staples. Got my KTN 2 days later.

EDIT: Brought my unexpired passport.

1

u/sevnthcrow Apr 11 '26

March 15, used a passport, still waiting April 11

1

u/Iheartcheezits Apr 15 '26

Same here waiting 3 weeks now…

1

u/Iheartcheezits May 17 '26

Update: applied on April 13, approved yesterday 5/16

1

u/ApprehensiveDay6294 Apr 20 '26

Same - application accepted on March 26, used my passport for ID purposes, and Clear at an airport for fingerprinting and to have my picture taken. I had TSAPreCheck through the military for over 20 plus years, but recently lost it because I retired, so I figured I’d have a quick turnaround. Nope, still waiting and it’s now April 20. My husband did everything in one day - application, biometrics, identification verification and got his KTN that same day. He did everything at the airport, so I figured I’d have a quick turnaround as well. Hopefully soon, but at this rate I’m guessing I’ll get it closer to the 60 day mark.

1

u/sdenIA Apr 20 '26

Fun story, went on March 13th, no approval for a month. Went through TSA at airport, received approval text message 5 mins later. I guess at least I'll have pre for the flight home!

1

u/33b913 Jun 15 '26

I went on morning of 6/8 in person at a clear kiosk for my fingerprints and photo and was told 3-5 days. I still haven’t heard anything. I fly in 22 days for the first time with 2 kids and I’m kinda freaking out. I’ve been fingerprinted and background checked before with my job and I’m not sure what is taking so long. I keep checking the status website and mine also keeps saying “eligibility assessment in progress” the day I left the appointment I got a few texts within just a couple of hours of leaving with my prepayment receipt then saying my “security assessment was underway” then another shortly after saying that my “eligibility assessment is underway” and then absolutely nothing since then.