TSA wait times
ENDallas Fort Worth International Airport
DFW Security Checkpoints: PreCheck, CLEAR and Wait Times
DFW has several security checkpoints in every terminal and shows live predicted waits for each one at dfwairport.com/security. PreCheck is in Terminals A, C, D and E, and CLEAR is at checkpoint E18. The airport recommends arriving 1.5 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international one.
TSA wait times
How busy will DFW security be?
Pick your flight time: hour-by-hour forecast for every checkpoint, from official TSA data.
Check security
Your options at a glance
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Security checkpoint A7 on DFW's wait-time map. Hours not published; check the live map.
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Security checkpoint A21 on DFW's wait-time map. Automated screening lane. PreCheck Touchless ID lane. Hours not published; check the live map.
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Security checkpoint A35 on DFW's wait-time map. Hours not published; check the live map.
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Security checkpoint B9 on DFW's wait-time map. Hours not published; check the live map.
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Security checkpoint B30 on DFW's wait-time map. Hours not published; check the live map.
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Security checkpoint C10 on DFW's wait-time map. Hours not published; check the live map.
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Security checkpoint C11 on DFW's wait-time map. Hours not published; check the live map.
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Security checkpoint C20 on DFW's wait-time map. Hours not published; check the live map.
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Security checkpoint D18 on DFW's wait-time map. Automated screening lane. Hours not published; check the live map.
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Security checkpoint D22 on DFW's wait-time map. Automated screening lane. Hours not published; check the live map.
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Security checkpoint D30 on DFW's wait-time map. Automated screening lane. PreCheck Touchless ID lane. Hours not published; check the live map.
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Security checkpoint E8 on DFW's wait-time map. CLEAR enrollment center. Hours not published; check the live map.
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Security checkpoint E18 on DFW's wait-time map. Automated screening lane. CLEAR is available here. Hours not published; check the live map.
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Security checkpoint E33 on DFW's wait-time map. Hours not published; check the live map.
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Named by DFW as a PreCheck Touchless ID lane. Hours not published.
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Named by DFW as a PreCheck Touchless ID lane and CLEAR enrollment center. Hours not published.
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Available in Terminals A, C, D and E per DFW.
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Dedicated lanes at A21, C21, D30 and E16 for travelers enrolled through American, Delta or United.
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Lane at E18. Enrollment at E8, E16 and E18.
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For travelers without acceptable ID. $45 fee, pay on Pay.gov ahead of time.
- Price
- $45 checked Oct. 9, 2026
Where the checkpoints are
DFW says it has 14 checkpoints, several in each terminal, so you do not have to use the one nearest the door. Its wait-time map shows A7, A21, A35, B9, B30, C10, C11, C20, D18, D22, D30, E8, E18 and E33. DFW also names lanes at C21 and E16 for PreCheck Touchless ID and CLEAR enrollment; those are lanes, not extra checkpoints.
DFW does not publish which airline uses which checkpoint or opening hours for each one. Use the Find Your Flight tool on dfwairport.com/security to see the checkpoint that suits your flight, and check the posted hours at the checkpoint itself.
Where to see live wait times
DFW shows live wait times for each checkpoint on a map at dfwairport.com/security. Tap a checkpoint to see its wait. The map color-codes waits as 0 to 10 minutes, 11 to 20 minutes, or 20+ minutes, with views for General and TSA PreCheck lines.
The DFW Airport app also shows real-time TSA wait times once you sign in to a myDFW account. Walk to a different checkpoint in your terminal if one looks backed up. The wait on the map is a prediction, not a promise.
TSA PreCheck at DFW
DFW says TSA PreCheck is available in Terminals A, C, D and E. The airport does not list PreCheck in Terminal B, so do not count on a PreCheck lane there. Check the map for the lane marked TSA PreCheck at your checkpoint.
If you enrolled in PreCheck Touchless ID through a participating airline such as American, Delta or United, you can use dedicated lanes at checkpoints A21, C21, D30 and E16. These lanes use facial comparison instead of a document check.
CLEAR at DFW
CLEAR is available at checkpoint E18 in Terminal E. That is the only CLEAR checkpoint DFW names. You can ask about enrolling at the enrollment centers at checkpoints E8, E16 and E18.
If you fly out of another terminal, you may have to get to Terminal E to use CLEAR. Allow the extra time, and use the Terminal Link shuttle if you are outside security.
Automated screening lanes
DFW has automated screening lanes at checkpoints A21, D18, D22, D30 and E18. They are the airport's newer lanes and are meant to move people through faster. Crew members have separate Known Crewmember lanes.
When to arrive
DFW recommends arriving 1.5 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight. The airport says to allow time to park, check in, gather your documents and clear security.
If you park or take a shuttle, build that time in too. For prebooked parking, DFW recommends a parking start time 3 or more hours before departure.
Can you reserve a security slot?
DFW does not offer a reservation program for security lines. To get a shorter line, use PreCheck, CLEAR, or the checkpoint with the shortest posted wait.
Forgot your ID or no REAL ID?
Since February 1, 2026, travelers without an acceptable ID, including a state ID that is not REAL ID compliant, can use TSA ConfirmID. It costs $45. TSA recommends you pre-pay on Pay.gov before you get to the airport.
DFW says the check usually takes 10 to 15 minutes, and can take 30 minutes or more. If TSA cannot confirm who you are, you will not be allowed through the checkpoint. A REAL ID or a passport avoids the fee. Fees can change, so confirm on the TSA site.
Questions travelers ask
How long does security take at DFW?
It depends on the checkpoint and the hour. DFW posts live predicted waits for every checkpoint at dfwairport.com/security and in its app, in bands of 0 to 10, 11 to 20 and 20+ minutes. Check the map before you pick a line.
When should I get to DFW for my flight?
DFW recommends 1.5 hours before a domestic departure and 3 hours before an international one. Add time for parking and shuttles if you are not dropped at the curb.
Which DFW terminals have TSA PreCheck?
DFW lists PreCheck in Terminals A, C, D and E. It does not list Terminal B. PreCheck Touchless ID lanes are at checkpoints A21, C21, D30 and E16.
Where is CLEAR at DFW?
CLEAR is at Terminal E checkpoint E18. Enrollment centers are at checkpoints E8, E16 and E18.
Where can I see DFW security wait times?
On the map at dfwairport.com/security, where you tap a checkpoint for its wait, or in the DFW Airport app with a myDFW account.
What are the DFW security checkpoint hours?
DFW does not publish hours for individual checkpoints. Check the posted hours at your checkpoint, and look at the wait-time map, whose legend includes a Closed status.
What if I forgot my ID at DFW?
Use TSA ConfirmID for $45 if you have no acceptable ID. TSA advises paying on Pay.gov ahead of time. Verification usually takes 10 to 15 minutes but can take 30 or more.
Can I book a security appointment at DFW?
No. DFW has no security reservation program. Use PreCheck, CLEAR or the checkpoint with the shortest wait.
More at DFW
Sources and last check
Checked by our team on Oct. 9, 2026 against these official sources: