Service-disabled veterans may qualify to enroll for free in TSA PreCheck, making them eligible for a faster trip through airport security.

The Transportation Security Administration program – already available for free to uniformed servicemembers and military survivors – was expanded to cover some disabled veterans at no cost via the 2025 VETS (Veterans Expeditated TSA Screening) Safe Travel Act. To qualify, veterans must:

• Be enrolled in VA health care.
• Have a service-connected disability resulting in permanent blindness, loss of (or loss of the use of) a limb, or paralysis (full or partial).
• Require a wheelchair or a prosthetic limb because of a service-connected disability.

PreCheck Application Process

Veterans who meet the above qualifications should receive a letter from the VA which would waive their TSA PreCheck fee. The letter is available through the eligible veteran’s account at VA.gov; visit this VA webpage for details on accessing and downloading the letter.

Veterans must enroll in TSA PreCheck using IDEMIA. The process involves completing a series of online forms as well as an in-person visit where the applicant’s fingerprints are taken along with a photo. As part of the process, veterans must email their VA fee waiver letter to IDEMIA with “VETS Safe” in the email subject line.

[MORE DETAILS: TSA PreCheck for Qualifying Disabled Veterans]

Not all veterans with qualifying disabilities will be eligible for TSA PreCheck, according to a June 18 VA.gov news article, including those who do not provide full or accurate application information, who have “disqualifying criminal offenses,” or who fail a background check for other reasons.

Veterans with disabilities can request assistance at airport security via the TSA Cares program regardless of TSA PreCheck status.