I got TSA PreCheck in just 5 minutes at Office Depot! Here’s how it works, what it costs, and why it’s totally worth it.
TSA PreCheck in 5 Minutes?! Here’s My Honest Experience
Mary here! Okay, I have to share this because I’m genuinely so impressed…
I finally signed up for TSA PreCheck for an upcoming vacation (and after seeing those crazy long airport lines lately 😅), and I cannot believe how fast and easy the whole process was.
Like… why did I wait this long?!
My 5-Minute Enrollment Experience
I signed up for an appointment online, and it took just a few minutes to fill out the form and book a time.
Then I headed to my local Office Depot (yes, seriously!!), and from the moment I walked in to the moment I walked out… it took maybe 5–10 minutes total.
- No long lines
- No stress
- No complicated paperwork
They quickly checked my ID, took my fingerprints, snapped a photo, and that was it. DONE. ✔️
What Is TSA PreCheck (and Why It’s Worth It)
If you’re not familiar with this service, TSA PreCheck is a program that lets you move through airport security so much faster. Think:
- No removing your shoes 👟
- No taking out laptops 💻
- No digging out liquids 🧴
- Shorter, faster lines 🙌
Basically… it makes airport security feel almost enjoyable (which I didn’t think was possible 😂).
How Much Does TSA PreCheck Cost?
It costs about $76.75–$85 for 5 years, which breaks down to roughly $15 per year.
For me, that’s 100% worth it for the time saved—and honestly, the reduced stress alone is priceless.
TSA PreCheck Enrollment Options (It’s Easier Than You Think!)
One thing I didn’t realize before signing up is that there are actually three different enrollment provider options – but don’t worry, they all lead to the same exact TSA PreCheck approval.
The only real difference? Where you go and what’s most convenient for you.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the 3 option:
- IDEMIA – The most widely available option, with hundreds of locations (including airports and enrollment centers). It’s been around the longest and is a very common choice.
- Telos – This is the option I used! It partners with places like Office Depot and OfficeMax, which makes it super convenient to squeeze into your regular errands.
- CLEAR – Yep, the same CLEAR you see at airports! They also offer TSA PreCheck enrollment at select locations. Just note this is separate from their paid CLEAR membership.
The key thing to know: No matter which one you choose, you’re applying for the same TSA PreCheck program – so just pick the location with the fastest appointment or closest drive.
The Process (Super Simple!)
Here’s all I had to do:
- Fill out a quick online application.
- Schedule an appointment nearby.
- Show up with my ID (I used my unexpired passport).
- Get fingerprinted and photographed.
That’s it! My Known Traveler Number (KTN) arrived within a few days.
I had no idea you could go to Office Depot for TSA PreCheck enrollment, but it made everything so convenient. There are tons of locations offering this now, so it’s definitely worth checking what’s near you.
If you travel even once or twice a year, I would absolutely recommend TSA PreCheck. The time saved (and stress avoided) is completely worth it – and if your experience is anything like mine, you’ll be in and out in minutes.
Honestly… this might be one of the easiest “life upgrades” I’ve done in a while. 🙌












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