DCA Security: Checkpoints, Hours, PreCheck and CLEAR

DCA has three checkpoint locations.

• Terminal 1 (Gates A1 to A9): serves only Air Canada, Frontier and Southwest.
• Terminal 2 North (Gates B10 to E59): the checkpoint closest to American Airlines.
• Terminal 2 South (Gates B10 to E59): the checkpoint closest to Alaska, Delta, JetBlue and United. It also serves American.

Both Terminal 2 checkpoints lead to the same gate range, so pick the one closer to your airline's counter.

The airport's Security Information page lists these hours of operation.

• Terminal 1 checkpoint: 4:00 am to 9:00 pm.
• Terminal 2 North checkpoint: 4:00 am to 11:00 pm.
• Terminal 2 South checkpoint: 4:00 am to 9:00 pm.

The airport's FAQ says the Terminal 2 checkpoints generally open at 4:00 am and the Terminal 1 checkpoint generally opens at 4:30 am. For a first-thing flight from Terminal 1, plan around 4:30 am. For a late flight from Terminal 2, use the North checkpoint. The airport does not say what happens to flights after closing, so check with your airline if your departure is close to it.

The airport posts checkpoint wait times on its Security Information page, with a line for each checkpoint and separate General and TSA Pre columns for the Terminal 2 checkpoints. Terminal 1 shows a single time. Check it before you leave for the airport.

Wait numbers change by the minute, so they are not quoted here. The page also has a Directions link for each checkpoint.

TSA PreCheck is a dedicated lane where enrolled travelers can leave shoes and belts on and keep laptops and liquids in the carry-on. The airport says each of its checkpoints has a designated PreCheck lane, so look for the signs at the checkpoint. Its wait-time table shows a separate TSA Pre time for both Terminal 2 checkpoints and a single time for Terminal 1.

Eligibility and enrollment are handled by TSA at tsa.gov/precheck.

The renovated Terminal 1 checkpoint was expanded and has its own dedicated TSA PreCheck lane.

CLEAR is available at all three DCA security checkpoints. Look for the CLEAR logo or a CLEAR representative. Members verify their identity with a fingerprint or iris scan.

Enrollment kiosks are near each checkpoint. The airport also says CLEAR now offers TSA PreCheck enrollment and renewal at its locations. Check clearme.com for how to join.

The airport suggests arriving 90 to 120 minutes before your flight. Its FAQ also says to check with your airline and recommends 2 hours before a domestic flight, so use the longer time if you are unsure. This is general advice for the whole airport, not a separate figure for each checkpoint. Leave extra time if you are parking, because the Terminal 2 garage is connected to the terminal by covered walkways and the Economy lot needs a shuttle.

Everyone 18 and older needs a REAL ID or another acceptable photo ID, such as a passport or a Global Entry card. Since February 1, 2026, travelers without an acceptable ID must pay a $45 identity verification fee before they go through a TSA checkpoint, the airport says.

All DCA checkpoints are accessible. TSA Cares can assist travelers with disabilities, medical conditions or other special circumstances. Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyards can be picked up from the USO or the pre-security information desks, including the desks at the North and South checkpoints, between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm.

Dropping off a traveler with only a carry-on and a boarding pass for Alaska, American, Delta, JetBlue or United? Kiss & Fly is a pull-off area between the parking garages and the Metro station with easy access to the North and South checkpoints. Follow the purple signs.

Reagan National has a limited number of international flights. For these flights, all immigration and customs checks happen before boarding, at the airport where the flight starts. You go through the same DCA security checkpoints as everyone else.

The airport's pages list no security reservation program. Use the live wait times and pick the checkpoint that serves your airline and moves fastest.