Can TSA see your criminal record?
Asked by: Terry Balistreri | Last update: November 27, 2025Score: 4.3/5 (57 votes)
The TSA Background Check The background check is thorough and is conducted at a State or Government Facility. However, one should note that the TSA does not view all criminal convictions equally, so we will look at what types disqualify and which do not. 💡 Check our Free TSA CBT test for practice questions.
Does TSA check criminal records?
You will not be able to get TSA PreCheck with certain felony convictions on record, including convictions for espionage, murder, threat, and Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) violations.
What shows up on TSA background check?
TSA may also determine that an applicant is not eligible if the security threat assessment process reveals extensive foreign or domestic criminal convictions, a conviction for a serious crime not listed in Part A or B below (including some lesser included offenses of serious crimes; e.g. murder/voluntary manslaughter), ...
What does TSA computer see when they scan your ID?
Your ID has information that identifies you, such as your name, date of birth, and other identifiers. Scanning your ID is a way to confirm that your identification is legitimate and that you are the same person who has the boarding pass to enter the plane.
What disqualifies you from TSA background check?
- Espionage.
- Sedition.
- Treason.
- A crime listed in U.S. Code, Title 18, Chapter 113B, such as terrorism, or a comparable state law.
- A crime involving a transportation security incident.
The Countries I can (and can't) travel to with a Criminal Record
How strict is the TSA background check?
The TSA Background Check
From checking credit rating to unpaid debts, and criminal convictions, there are a number of factors that can you lead to automatic disqualification. The background check is thorough and is conducted at a State or Government Facility.
What does TSA do when they check your ID?
The officer will insert each photo ID into the CAT unit where the ID is scanned and analyzed. CAT is linked electronically to the Secure Flight database, which confirms travelers' flight details, ensuring they are ticketed for travel that day.
Do they run your name at the airport?
Typically, the TSA doesn't verify your identification. However, they frequently perform routine checks to ascertain that the name on your identification matches the one on your boarding pass.
What can TSA see about you?
The scanners use "backscatter" or "millimeter wave" radiation to see through your clothes. A TSA agent in another room will see an image of your body that could include a revealing look at your entire body, including breasts, genitals, buttocks, and external medical devices.
What crimes disqualify you from TSA PreCheck?
If you commit certain violations of federal security regulations, such as assault, threat, intimidation, or interference with flight crew, physical or sexual assault or threat of physical or sexual assault of any individual on an aircraft, interference with security operations, access control violations, providing ...
What gets flagged at TSA?
- Booking a one-way ticket.
- Paying for a ticket with cash.
- Making flight reservations on short notice.
- Recent travel to certain countries.
- Holding a passport from a country that the U.S. does not have a good relationship with.
What are the disqualifying offenses for background checks?
A conviction for a serious offense, such as fraud, theft, violence, or drug-related crimes, may raise questions about an individual's reliability, trustworthiness, and potential risks to the workplace (especially workplace safety), ultimately resulting in disqualification from the hiring process.
Can felons fly on planes?
Can Convicted Felons Travel? Yes, but it depends on your country of citizenship. If you're a US citizen, then yes. You can travel to most countries worldwide as long as you have a passport and a visa (if necessary).
What is a disqualifying felony?
"Disqualifying offense" means a conviction for: Any offense that is a felony; a sex offense as defined in this section; a crime against children or persons as defined in RCW 43.43.
Why does TSA ask if you are over 75?
Passengers 75 and older can receive some form of expedited screening through risk-based intelligence-driven security that allows TSA to better focus resources on passengers who more likely pose a risk. You may leave on your shoes however; removal of light jackets is required for Advanced Imaging Technology screening.
Does TSA know if you're a felon?
TSA PreCheck® enrollees undergo recurrent criminal history vetting as a condition of their TSA PreCheck® enrollment.
Can TSA see warrants?
People with outstanding arrest warrants usually cannot travel in the United States as the Transportation Security Agency (TSA) has access to many law enforcement databases including records on arrest warrants. With this access, TSA can screen and maybe hold those with active warrants at airport terminals.
What does the TSA ID scanner show?
The agency is using second-generation Credential Authentication Technology (CAT-2) scanners as travelers enter the screening process. This technology assists Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) in verifying the authenticity of a traveler's ID credential, as well as their flight status and vetting status.
What happens if you don't have an ID for TSA?
By providing additional information, TSA has other ways to confirm your identity so you can reach your flight. If your identity cannot be verified, you will not be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint.
What disqualifies a TSA background check?
Permanent Disqualifying Criminal Offenses
Sedition. Treason. A crime listed in U.S. Code, Title 18, Chapter 113B, such as terrorism, or a comparable state law. A crime involving a transportation security incident.
Will a felony show up on a background check after 10 years?
Under Cal. Civ. Code 1786.18(a)(7), California mandates that a conviction can't be reported when it's older than seven years. Arrests that didn't lead to convictions can't be reported regardless of how much time has elapsed.
Can I work for TSA with a felony?
An applicant will be disqualified if he or she was convicted, pled guilty (including 'no contest'), or found not guilty by reason of insanity for any of the following felonies regardless of when they occurred: Espionage or conspiracy to commit espionage. Sedition or conspiracy to commit sedition.