Can You Get TSA PreCheck With A Felony? | Eligibility Rules

If you have a felony conviction, you might assume TSA PreCheck is off the table entirely. That assumption is half right — some felonies do trigger permanent disqualification, but others only create a temporary ban with a clear end date.

The TSA splits disqualifying offenses into two categories with very different rules. One category means an automatic lifetime ban regardless of when the crime occurred. The other has a set time limit after which you may become eligible again. Here is what changes and what stays off the table.

Part A And Part B: How TSA Classifies Disqualifying Felonies

Part A covers crimes the TSA considers highest risk — espionage, sedition, treason, terrorism, and conspiracy to commit these acts. A conviction for any Part A offense results in permanent disqualification no matter how long ago it happened.

Part B covers a broader set of felonies including murder, kidnapping, robbery, arson, extortion, bribery, perjury, fraud, and certain firearms and explosives violations. These carry time-limited bans rather than lifetime ones.

The TSA also disqualifies anyone currently under indictment or wanted for a Part A or Part B felony. Being wanted or under indictment is enough — you do not need a conviction yet to be ineligible.

Why The 5-Year And 7-Year Windows Matter

Most people asking about a TSA PreCheck felony have a Part B conviction from years ago. That is where the waiting periods become the central question. Understanding which window applies to your specific offense makes the difference between wait-and-apply and permanent denial.

• Standard 5-year window: Murder, kidnapping, fraud, bribery, perjury, and most other Part B felonies disqualify you for 5 years from the conviction date or release from incarceration, whichever is later.
• Extended 7-year window: Robbery, burglary, theft, and certain explosives or firearms violations disqualify you for 7 years from conviction or release.
• Permanent Part B disqualification: A not-guilty-by-reason-of-insanity verdict for any Part B felony results in permanent disqualification regardless of the time limit.
• Indictment suspension: If you are currently under indictment for a Part B felony, you are disqualified until the case is resolved — even if the crime itself would normally fall inside the time window.

The TSA does not round down these windows. If your conviction was 4 years and 11 months ago for a 5-year Part B offense, you are still disqualified until that fifth anniversary. The clock starts from the later of conviction or release from incarceration.

What Happens When TSA Finds Disqualifying Information

TSA PreCheck enrollees undergo what the TSA calls recurrent criminal history vetting as a condition of membership. If new criminal records appear, TSA can suspend or permanently revoke your status even if you were initially approved.

When TSA identifies potentially disqualifying information, they send a Preliminary Determination of Ineligibility letter. This letter explains why you may be ineligible and gives you the chance to respond.

The resolution process typically takes less than 30 days, though it can extend up to 90 days in more complex cases. During this time your application or membership stays on hold while TSA reviews the information you provide.

How To Appeal Or Request A Waiver

The Preliminary Determination of Ineligibility letter is not the final word. You have two paths to challenge it, and you can use either or both.

1. File an Appeal: If you believe the disqualifying information is incorrect — a case of mistaken identity, an overturned conviction, or an error in TSA records — an appeal challenges the factual basis of the determination.
2. Request a Waiver: If the information is accurate but you believe your circumstances warrant an exception, a waiver asks TSA to grant eligibility despite the disqualifying offense. Waivers are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
3. Provide supporting documentation: Include court records, proof of conviction overturn if applicable, character references, or evidence of rehabilitation. The more complete your submission, the faster TSA can process it.
4. Wait for the written decision: TSA notifies you of the outcome in writing. If denied, the letter explains the reason and whether further options exist.

You cannot apply for PreCheck while an appeal or waiver request is pending. You must wait for TSA’s final decision before starting a new application.

When A Felony Does Not Disqualify You

A felony conviction does not always mean automatic denial. The most straightforward exception is a conviction that has been overturned on appeal — the TSA does not consider that a disqualifying criminal offense because the conviction no longer stands.

Time also matters. If your Part B conviction falls outside the 5-year or 7-year window and you are not currently under indictment, you may be eligible to apply. The TSA does not disqualify you for old Part B felonies once the window has closed.

The TSA notes that enrollees found to have committed a disqualifying offense may have their membership suspended or permanently revoked, which makes the distinction between temporary and permanent bans crucial for planning.

The Bottom Line

A felony conviction can block TSA PreCheck, but the outcome depends on which part of the TSA’s disqualifying list your offense falls under and how much time has passed. Part A means a lifetime ban regardless of age. Part B means waiting 5 or 7 years from conviction or release, after which you can reapply.

If you receive a Preliminary Determination of Ineligibility letter, the TSA’s redress process allows you to appeal or request a waiver — contact the enrollment center or review the TSA’s disqualifying offenses page for your specific situation before submitting any paperwork.