What kind of background check does TSA PreCheck do?

Asked by: Casper Stracke  |  Last update: March 1, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (62 votes)

You must pass recurrent criminal history vetting covering domestic offenses as well as review against international agencies such as Interpol and terrorist watchlists.

What would make me fail a 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 kind of background check is done for TSA PreCheck?

Fingerprint-based background checks run fingerprint searches against both FBI and state criminal databases to create a complete criminal profile of the applicant.

What offenses disqualify you from TSA PreCheck?

Examples include but are not limited to:
  • Acts of terrorism or conspiracy to commit terrorism.
  • Espionage or conspiracy to commit espionage.
  • Murder or attempted murder.
  • Assault with a deadly weapon.
  • Felony drug offenses.
  • Felony firearms offenses.

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.

A Complete Guide to TSA PreCheck Process 2024 | Everything You Need To Know!

16 related questions found

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.

What will deny 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 does TSA PreCheck look for?

You will be fingerprinted and asked for a valid proof of identity and U.S. citizenship documents. Travelers who are foreign citizens must be able to provide certain residency documents to qualify. Once approved for TSA PreCheck status, you will receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN).

Can TSA see expunged records?

Thus, because the TSA likely already knows about your expunged criminal record, it is always best to be honest and forthright throughout the Global Entry application process and to admit to the expunged offense.

What does TSA screening look for?

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screeners at airports check passengers and personal items for dangerous items such as weapons, chemicals and liquids that are not allowed as carry-on items.

How long does a PreCheck background check take?

A background check typically takes 3-5 business days to complete, and turnaround time of drug screening results, if included, is determined by a variety of factors.

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.

What background check does TSA PreCheck do?

You must pass recurrent criminal history vetting covering domestic offenses as well as review against international agencies such as Interpol and terrorist watchlists.

What looks bad on a background check?

Warning signs on a background check include multiple periods of unexplained unemployment, inconsistent information, short periods of employment, minimal relevant job experience, no required education or training, professional license issues, dangerous criminal convictions, job-related criminal convictions, bad ...

What gets flagged TSA?

Reasons You May Be Flagged

Here are some reasons that are believed to get a person flagged on TSA's Selectee List. Booking a one-way ticket. Paying for a ticket with cash. Making flight reservations on short notice.

Is there a downside to TSA PreCheck?

But here's the catch: The TSA PreCheck approval process can be a test of patience. Aside from paying a hefty $78 fee (though reimbursable, thanks to some credit cards) and attending an in-person appointment, you also have to wait for approval.

How long does TSA PreCheck take to get approved?

How long does it take to get approved? Most applicants receive approval notification in 3-5 days, though some applications can take up to 60 days.

What is the 3-1-1 rule?

The rule is simple: 3-1-1 stands for 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item, 1 quart-sized bag, and 1 bag per passenger. This means you can bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in your carry-on bag and through the security checkpoint.

Can felons get TSA PreCheck?

Can you get TSA PreCheck with a felony? 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.

How hard is it to pass a TSA background check?

You cannot pass a TSA background check if you've served jail time (foreign or domestic) for longer than 365 consecutive days. You may also fail if you have a history of security-related offenses that violate transport safety regulations, for example, intimidating flight crew members.

What do they check with TSA PreCheck?

The TSA PreCheck interview usually takes less than 10 minutes. It is primarily meant to verify your identification documents and process your fingerprints. For most people, you'll need to bring your driver's license and passport.

What is a red flag on background check?

A red flag in a background check is anything alarming or concerning about a person's past. This could be a history of breaking the law, lying about work experience or education, or other serious issues. However, not all red flags are the same. Some might be small and not that serious, depending on the job.

What could ruin a background check?

Common Reasons for Disqualification:
  • You have a poor employment history. ...
  • You lied on your resume, or there are inconsistencies. ...
  • You have a criminal history. ...
  • You received bad references from previous employers. ...
  • You have a poor credit history. ...
  • You failed a drug or alcohol test. ...
  • You have a bad driving record.

What is considered a failed background check?

There are many reasons why a candidate may “fail” a background check, from criminal history to discrepancies in employment or education history, or an unsafe driving record or failed drug test.