TSA PreCheck Enrollment Expands to 190 Staples Stores via CLEAR in 2026: Guide to Rights and Fees

Imagine you are planning a high-stakes business trip for next month, but the thought of the two-hour security queue at JFK or O'Hare is already causing stress. Instead of attempting to squeeze a government appointment into your hectic airport arrival, you realize you can finalize your trusted traveler status during a quick stop for office supplies at your local Staples. This shift in accessibility marks a significant change in how U.S. residents access expedited security.

The Expansion of Retail Enrollment Centers

The process of joining the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) expedited screening program has moved beyond the confines of airport terminals and sterile government offices. Through a strategic partnership with CLEAR, a sanctioned enrollment provider, TSA PreCheck sign-ups are now available at participating Staples retail locations.

The growth of this network has been aggressive. At the close of 2024, only 22 Staples stores offered this service. By August 2025, that number surged to over 190 stores across more than 190 different U.S. cities. This expansion ensures that travelers in hubs ranging from Boston and New York City to Dallas, San Diego, and Nashville can complete their biometric enrollment locally.

As of June 30, 2026, CLEAR has expanded its retail footprint even further, reporting a total of 280 non-airport enrollment sites. While Staples remains a primary partner, the network also includes other office supply retailers such as Office Depot and Office Max. These locations are now formally integrated into the TSA enrollment-center directory, appearing alongside traditional centers operated by providers like Telos and IDEMIA.

Enrollment Logistics and Required Documentation

One of the primary advantages of the Staples-CLEAR partnership is the removal of the appointment barrier. While CLEAR suggests starting the application online to reduce the time spent in-store, walk-ins are fully accepted.

The in-person visit is mandatory because the TSA requires biometric data—specifically fingerprints and a digital photograph—to conduct a security threat assessment. To avoid a wasted trip, applicants must present specific proof of citizenship or legal residency.

Accepted Primary Documentation (List A):

• Valid U.S. Passport (book or card)
• Permanent Resident Card (I-551/Green Card)
• Unexpired U.S. Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) or Enhanced Identification Card (EID)
• Unexpired Free and Secure Trade (FAST) Card
• Unexpired Enhanced Tribal Card (ETC)
• Unexpired Reentry Permit (I-327)
• Foreign Passport with a valid immigrant visa containing the I-551 annotation

If a traveler lacks a "List A" document, they may provide a combination of a valid government-issued photo ID and a secondary document that verifies citizenship or lawful permanent residency.

Financial Breakdown: Fees and Timelines

It is important for passengers to understand that while CLEAR facilitates the enrollment, the fees may vary depending on the provider chosen. For those utilizing the Staples/CLEAR pathway, the current pricing structure is as follows:

• New Enrollment (5-Year Term): $84.95
• In-Person Renewal: $84.95
• Online Renewal: $72.95

The $84.95 fee covers a five-year membership, making the effective annual cost significantly lower than many private travel subscriptions.

Regarding the timeline, passengers should not attempt to enroll at a Staples store the evening before a flight. While many applicants receive their Known Traveler Number (KTN) within three to five days, the processing window can extend up to 60 days. The KTN must be manually added to a flight reservation or a frequent-flyer profile for the "TSA PreCheck" indicator to appear on a boarding pass. For real-time tracking of your application status, passengers should refer to the Department of Homeland Security guidelines.

Decoding the Difference: TSA PreCheck vs. CLEAR+

A common point of confusion for travelers is the distinction between the government-backed PreCheck program and the private CLEAR+ service. Enrolling at Staples for TSA PreCheck does not automatically make you a CLEAR+ member.

TSA PreCheck (Government Program) This is a DHS Trusted Traveler program. Once approved, you use designated lanes where you generally do not need to remove shoes (though rules have shifted), belts, or light jackets. Most importantly, laptops and 3-1-1 compliant liquids can remain inside your carry-on luggage. It is accepted by over 90 airlines at more than 200 airports.

CLEAR+ (Private Membership) CLEAR+ is a biometric identity verification service. It does not bypass the TSA security screening itself; rather, it allows you to skip the ID check line and go straight to the physical screening (either the standard line or the PreCheck line).

For those wanting both, CLEAR offers a bundle for $219 for the first year, which includes five years of TSA PreCheck and one year of CLEAR+. Note that the CLEAR+ portion renews annually at the standard rate.

Rebooking and Security Strategy for 2026

With the TSA's 2025 policy change allowing most standard passengers to keep their shoes on, the "perceived" value of PreCheck has shifted. Some travelers have reported an increase in "random screenings" even within the PreCheck lanes. However, the primary value remains the time saved. CLEAR reports that 99% of PreCheck passengers wait less than 10 minutes at checkpoints.

For travelers facing immediate flight disruptions or delays, having a KTN on file is a logistical safeguard. When rebooking through a competitor airline during a disruption, ensure your KTN is transferred to the new booking immediately to maintain your expedited status. You can verify your current status and airport availability via FlightAware to see which terminals are currently experiencing the heaviest congestion.

FAQ: TSA PreCheck Enrollment 2026

Do I need an appointment to sign up at Staples? No. CLEAR accepts walk-ins at all participating Staples locations. However, completing the initial application online beforehand is recommended to speed up the in-person biometric process.

Can I get TSA PreCheck for a flight I am taking tomorrow? No. While some KTNs are issued in 3-5 days, others take up to 60 days. You must have your KTN added to your reservation before the flight to receive the benefit.

Is the $84.95 fee an annual charge? No. The $84.95 fee for new enrollment covers a full five-year period. Only the CLEAR+ private membership requires an annual subscription fee.

Do I have to use CLEAR if I want to sign up at Staples? Yes. The enrollment services provided at Staples stores are operated specifically by CLEAR. If you prefer another provider, you must visit a center operated by IDEMIA or Telos.

Stop treating airport security as a gamble and start treating it as a scheduled formality.

---

Related Travel Guides

• Eminönü vs Kabataş: Choosing the Best Bosphorus Cruise Departure Point in Istanbul 2026

• Mérida Emerges as Latin America's Hospitality Hub: Mexican Summit Attracts 400+ Professionals and Announces Massive Regional Expansion for 2027

• 32 Million Pilgrims Surge Into Europe 2026: Rome's Jubilee, Camino Trails, and Jerusalem Redefine Religious Tourism