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Editor’s note: This post is continually updated.

What is Clear, and how does it work?

As an expedited security program, Clear allows you to bypass what is normally a two-step security process at the airport. You do this by completing the identity verification step via biometric authentication in a separate lane dedicated to Clear users only.

After you’ve successfully verified your identity with either a fingerprint or iris scan at a Clear kiosk, a Clear representative will take you to the security screening line — either the TSA PreCheck line or the regular TSA line.

As of June 2023, travelers can use Clear at 51 airports nationally, as well as at stadiums and mass venues across the U.S.

Who can sign up for Clear?

To sign up for Clear, you must meet three qualifications:

Be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident.
Be at least 18 years old.
Have one of the following forms of photo identification: U.S. driver’s license, U.S. passport, U.S. passport card, U.S.-issued permanent resident card, state-issued ID or U.S. military ID.

Travelers under 18, such as family members, may use the Clear line for free if accompanied by a Clear member.

Once you are a Clear member, you can log in to your account on Clear’s website and add up to three family members for $60 each per year.

How to sign up for Clear

To sign up for Clear, you can either start the enrollment process online and finish at a Clear location, or you can complete the entire process at a Clear location. Either way, users must complete the final enrollment steps in person at a Clear location.

The sign-up and enrollment process should only take a few minutes overall. In-person, users will be asked to verify their identities, attach their biometrics and show a valid photo ID.

New users can use this link to apply for a free two-month trial. You’ll be asked to enter your name, email address and payment information for the $189 enrollment fee.

CLEAR

Ways to save on Clear

In addition to receiving a free two-month trial of Clear using our link, Clear members who refer friends can also receive two months of free membership.

Additionally, there are a few credit cards that offer cardholders a free Clear membership among their perks. The following cards will reimburse you for up to $189 per year in Clear Plus membership costs:

American Express Green Card.
The Platinum Card® from American Express.
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express.
The Centurion Card from American Express.

The information for the Centurion Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Though not free, select United Airlines and Delta Air Lines credit card cardholders and frequent flyers can get Clear at a discounted rate.

Delta Diamond Medallion members and United’s Premier 1K members can get Clear for free.

Delta Platinum, Gold and Silver Medallion members, as well as United Platinum, Gold and Silver members, can pay a reduced rate of $149.

All other Delta SkyMiles members and United MileagePlus members get a discounted membership of $179.

Those with Delta and United (U.S. only) cobranded credit cards can use their cards to sign up for Clear at $149. This includes holders of the following cards:

Bottom line

BING GUAN/BLOOMBERG/GETTY IMAGES

Clear can save you time and lots of frustration when passing through security — not only at airports but at other mass venues throughout the U.S. The sign-up process is easy and worth the benefits, especially when using the right credit card can get it for you for free.

Related reading:

What is Clear airport security — and is it worth it?
Why you should get TSA PreCheck and Clear — and how you can save on both
7 ways to get free or discounted TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and Clear
Clear Reserve: How to reserve your spot in airport security
Guide to using the Amex Clear Plus benefit
TSA and Clear to launch single application for both programs
Heads up: You may have to reverify your identity to use Clear every 5 years
The cost of Clear is going up for some members, but remember that you can get it for ‘free’