What Clear is and how to register
Clear is a biometric identity verification service that uses your eyes and face to speed up airport security lines and access to certain venues. To register, you visit Clear's website, create an account with your email address, choose a membership plan, and then book an appointment at a participating airport or location to have your biometric data recorded. The whole process takes about five minutes at your appointment, and you can start using Clear within a few days.
Clear operates at major U.S. airports including Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York (JFK, LaGuardia, Newark), Chicago, Dallas, and others, plus some sports venues and entertainment locations. The service is optional — you do not need it to fly, but it lets you skip the ID-check line at security.
Key Takeaways
- Registration starts online at Clear's website with your email, but you must visit a participating airport in person to scan your eyes and face before the service activates.
- Clear offers monthly and annual membership plans, with annual plans costing less per month but requiring upfront payment.
- Your appointment at the airport typically takes five minutes, and you can book one immediately after signing up online.
- Clear works only at airports and venues where it operates, so check the location list before registering to make sure your home airport is included.
Step-by-step registration on Clear's website
Go to Clear's website and click the sign-up button, usually labeled "Get Clear" or "Join Now." You will be asked to enter your email address and create a password. Clear will send you a confirmation email — click the link to verify your address.
Next, you choose your membership plan. Clear offers a monthly option and an annual option. The annual plan costs less per month but requires you to pay the full year upfront. Both plans include a guest pass, which lets one other person use your Clear membership on a single trip. After you select your plan and enter payment information, you will see a list of airports and locations where you can complete your in-person appointment.
Booking and completing your in-person appointment
After you finish the online registration, you will be prompted to book an appointment at a participating airport. Clear shows available time slots for the next several weeks. Choose a time that works for you — appointments are available throughout the day at major airports. You do not have to book immediately; you can return to Clear's website later and book when you are ready.
At your appointment, a Clear representative will scan your iris (the colored part of your eye) and take a photo of your face. The scan takes about two minutes. You will need to bring a valid government ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. After the scan is complete, Clear will tell you when your membership becomes active, usually within a few days.
What happens after your appointment
Once your biometric data is recorded and your membership is active, you can use Clear at any participating airport. At security, look for the Clear lane, which is usually near the standard TSA checkpoint. Scan your eyes at the Clear kiosk, and the system will verify your identity. A Clear representative will then escort you to the front of the security line.
Your membership renews automatically on the date you signed up each month or year, depending on your plan. Clear will send you an email reminder before your renewal date. If you want to cancel, you can do so through your account settings on Clear's website at any time.
Checking if Clear operates at your airport
Clear does not operate at every U.S. airport. Before you register, visit the locations page on Clear's website to confirm that your home airport or the airports you use most often have Clear service. The list includes major hubs like Atlanta, Los Angeles, and New York, but smaller regional airports may not have it.
If your airport is not listed, you can still register and use Clear at other locations you travel to, or you can wait to see if Clear expands to your area. Clear occasionally adds new airports, so you can check back periodically.
Understanding Clear's membership plans and costs
Clear's monthly plan costs a set amount per month with no long-term commitment. You can cancel anytime. The annual plan costs more upfront but breaks down to a lower monthly rate if you use the service regularly. Both plans include one guest pass per trip, which means you can bring one other person through the Clear lane with you.
Clear occasionally runs promotions for new members, such as discounted first months or waived enrollment fees. Check the website or sign up for Clear's email list to learn about current offers. If you have a Clear membership and later decide it is not worth it, you can cancel through your account page without penalty.
Troubleshooting common registration issues
If you do not receive the confirmation email after signing up, check your spam folder. If it is not there, return to Clear's website and request a new confirmation email. Make sure you are using the correct email address — you will need access to it to reset your password later if needed.
If your biometric scan fails at your appointment, Clear will reschedule you for another attempt at no extra cost. This is rare, but it can happen if the lighting is poor or if you move during the scan. The Clear representative will guide you through the process again. If you have questions during registration or after your appointment, Clear offers customer support through its website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Clear if I do not have a passport or driver's license?
You need a valid government-issued ID to complete your in-person appointment. Acceptable forms include a driver's license, passport, passport card, or state ID card. If you do not have one of these, you will not be able to use Clear.
What if I move to a different state after I register?
Your Clear membership works at any participating airport in the country, so moving does not affect your account. You can use Clear at your new home airport as long as it is on Clear's list of locations. Your membership continues to renew on the same date each month or year.
Can I share my Clear membership with family members?
Each membership includes one guest pass per trip, which lets one other person use your Clear lane with you on a single flight. However, the guest must be with you at the time. If multiple family members want their own Clear access, each person needs their own membership.
How long does it take to get through security with Clear?
Clear gets you to the front of the security line, but you still go through the standard TSA screening process. The time savings depends on how busy the airport is. On busy travel days, skipping the ID-check line can save 10 to 20 minutes. On slower days, the difference may be minimal.
What if I lose my phone or forget my membership number?
You do not need your phone or a membership number to use Clear. At the airport, you simply scan your eyes at the Clear kiosk, and the system recognizes you. If you have trouble at a kiosk, a Clear representative can help you manually verify your identity using your government ID.