Veterans may qualify for free TSA PreCheck
A new federal law now allows certain veterans with service-connected disabilities to receive TSA PreCheck enrollment at no cost. The VETS Safe Travel Act, signed into law on January 4, 2025, waives the standard enrollment fee for eligible veterans who meet specific criteria related to mobility and vision disabilities.
TSA PreCheck is a trusted traveler program that provides expedited security screening at participating airports across the United States. Travelers enrolled in the program can move through dedicated security lanes without removing shoes, belts, or light jackets, and can leave laptops and compliant liquids in their carry-on bags. For veterans with disabilities, this streamlined process can significantly reduce the physical demands and stress associated with airport security screening.
Eligibility for the free enrollment is limited to veterans who meet several specific requirements. The VA must have determined that the veteran has a service-connected disability requiring the use of a VA-issued wheelchair or prosthetic limb due to loss or loss of use of an extremity, full or partial paralysis, or permanent blindness. Additionally, eligible veterans must be enrolled in VA healthcare. The VA has sent TSA PreCheck enrollment letters to veterans who meet these criteria, and these letters can be accessed through the VA.gov website by navigating to the My HealtheVet section, selecting Medical Records, then VA Health Summary, and finally downloading the TSA PreCheck Application Fee Waiver PDF.
Receiving an eligibility letter from the VA does not guarantee enrollment in TSA PreCheck. Veterans must still meet TSA's standard citizenship and security requirements, including passing a background check. Applicants may be denied if they provide incomplete or false information, have certain violations of federal security regulations, or have disqualifying criminal offenses. The fee waiver itself is also subject to the availability of funds. Veterans who wish to enroll must visit the TSA website for detailed instructions and provide a copy of their VA eligibility letter during the enrollment process.
This benefit represents meaningful recognition of the additional challenges that veterans with significant mobility impairments and blindness face when traveling. While the eligibility criteria are narrow and tied to specific types of VA-issued equipment, the program acknowledges that airport security procedures can be particularly burdensome for those using wheelchairs or prosthetics. For disabled veterans who travel regularly for medical appointments, family visits, or other purposes, expedited screening can reduce both physical strain and the anxiety that often accompanies navigating crowded security checkpoints.
Veterans who believe they meet the eligibility requirements should check their VA records online for the enrollment letter and review the specific instructions provided by TSA for completing the application process. Even veterans who do not qualify for free TSA PreCheck enrollment should be aware that TSA Cares provides assistance for travelers with disabilities at security checkpoints. This service can be requested by calling TSA at least 72 hours before travel at 855-787-2227. For questions specifically about TSA PreCheck enrollment, veterans can call 866-289-9673, and general questions about the VETS Safe Travel Act eligibility can be directed to standard VA contact channels.