Published Jun 30, 2026, 9:00 PM EDT
A new law extends free TSA PreCheck to certain severely disabled veterans.
A new law extends free TSA PreCheck to certain severely disabled veterans. Active-duty members have always had it free through their Defense Department ID. Gold Star families qualify, too. Here is a complete breakdown of who gets what and what each group needs to do.
How to Get TSA PreCheck for Free
TSA PreCheck, the program that lets travelers keep their shoes on, skip the regular security line, and move through a dedicated fast lane at more than 200 airports, costs $85 for a five-year membership through the standard civilian process. For a growing number of military-connected travelers, it costs nothing. Understanding who qualifies for free enrollment and who does not matters, because the VA's recent announcement about the benefit has created some confusion about how broadly it applies. The short answer is that free TSA PreCheck is not available to all veterans. It is available to active-duty military members automatically, to Gold Star families who apply, and — under a law that took effect in 2025 and whose enrollment process the VA formally announced in June 2026 — to certain severely disabled veterans who meet specific medical criteria. Everyone else in the military and veteran community either pays the standard fee or finds other ways to reduce the cost. Read More: Military Travel Discounts
