TSA Background Check Explained

💡 Check our Free TSA test for practice questions.

Some offenses will result in an automatic and permanent disqualification from TSA employment. Others may lead to a temporary disqualification of five to seven years, depending on the severity and timing of the offense. Below is a full breakdown of both categories.

If you've been convicted of—or pled guilty to—certain serious crimes, you are permanently ineligible for employment at the TSA. These include:

• Terrorism, Sedition, or Treason
• Murder
• Espionage
• Transportation Security Incidents
  Events that result in significant loss of life, environmental damage, or major system disruptions.
• Use or Possession of Explosive Materials
  Includes manufacturing, storing, or distributing explosive devices.
• Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO)
  Applies to those involved in organized crime, including kidnapping, bribery, arson, extortion, and gambling.

In addition to the permanent offenses listed above, the TSA also evaluates other criminal offenses that may result in a temporary disqualification period—usually five to seven years. These offenses are reviewed whether you were convicted or found to have conspired to commit them.

Weapons and Military Equipment
Unlawful possession, sale, transport, or manufacture of firearms or military-grade equipment can disqualify you.

Fraud, Extortion, and Bribery
Includes identity theft, money laundering, and extortion. Bribery—whether giving or receiving illegal incentives—is also disqualifying. Minor welfare fraud or bounced checks are typically excluded.

Immigration Violations
Working without proper authorization for more than 180 days within a five-year period, or illegal entry into the U.S., may lead to a temporary ban.

Drug-Related and Violent Offenses
Involvement with illegal drug distribution or use, especially if detected during drug testing, will disqualify you. Violent crimes such as voluntary manslaughter or assault with intent to kill are also included.

Sexual and Other Serious Crimes
Includes rape, aggravated sexual assault, arson, kidnapping, and armed robbery.

Warrants and Indictments
Even if you haven't been convicted, an active warrant or indictment related to any of the above offenses may prevent you from being hired until it is resolved.

In most cases, the TSA background check looks back seven years into your criminal, financial, and employment history. However, this can vary depending on the severity of the offense.

• For serious crimes (e.g., terrorism, violent offenses, or certain immigration violations), the review period may go back further or result in a lifetime disqualification.
• For financial or drug-related offenses, the typical disqualification period is five to seven years from the conviction date or prison release—whichever is more recent.

The TSA also reviews outstanding warrants or ongoing legal proceedings, regardless of how old the original offense may be.

If you're applying for a Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME) on a commercial driver’s license, you must undergo a specialized TSA background check known as a Security Threat Assessment (STA).

This includes:

1. Fingerprinting, sent to the FBI
2. A criminal history check
3. Immigration status verification
4. Mental health history review (in specific cases)
5. The goal is to ensure that anyone handling hazardous materials does not pose a national security threat.

TSA’s official criteria for disqualification are nearly identical to those for TSA employment but are enforced through the Hazmat Threat Assessment Program under 49 CFR Part 1572.

You can start this process through the TSA’s authorized enrollment provider, IdentoGO.

The TSA PreCheck background check is less intensive than the one used for employment. It focuses on:

• Criminal record
• Terrorist watchlist status
• Immigration status

Most applicants are approved unless they have serious recent convictions, are on the No-Fly List, or have provided false information during the application.

Unlike the employment check, PreCheck doesn’t typically disqualify for older or non-violent offenses. However, if you're denied, you’ll receive a written explanation and appeal instructions.

If you fail the TSA background check, the outcome depends on the nature of the offense:

• For permanent disqualifications, you’ll receive a formal denial and will not be eligible to apply again.
• For temporary disqualifications, you may become eligible after 5–7 years, depending on the offense date.
• If you believe you were disqualified in error, you can file an appeal or waiver request.

The TSA provides instructions in your denial letter, including how to submit supporting documentation and evidence of rehabilitation or mistaken identity.

There are several additional ways in which the TSA Background Checks are conducted per the Federal Aviation Administration Records (FAA.)

• Fingerprinting Law – The organization will submit your fingerprints to the FBI to ensure that no Federal crimes were committed.
• Buying, distributing or importing an illegal drug. It is unnecessary to add that taking an illegal drug will obviously be picked up during the drug test and will disqualify you as well.
• Medical Certificates – They will check all your medical claims against FAA records to ensure that you are on the up and up.
• Driving Record – Red flags including, vehicle violations, and license suspensions, will be examined.
• Identity Check – A wide range of records like your current address and social security will be checked for fraud.
• Former Workplace – Background checks are used to investigate any previous workplace accidents or financial settlements.
• References – Do you check out? Make sure your references are good because they will check.