Update your name through the TSA website or at an enrollment center

You can change the name on your TSA PreCheck account in two ways: online through your account on the TSA website, or in person at a TSA PreCheck enrollment center. The online method is faster and works if your legal name has changed but your identity documents are still valid. If you need to update your account because you lost your card, got a new passport, or had a significant legal change, you may need to visit an enrollment center instead.

The TSA PreCheck account system is separate from your airline accounts and your actual TSA background check. Changing your name in your PreCheck account does not automatically update it with airlines or the Department of Homeland Security — you will need to contact your airline separately and may need to update your passport or ID as well.

Key Takeaways

  • You can update your name online through your TSA PreCheck account if your legal documents match the new name.
  • Visit a TSA PreCheck enrollment center in person if you have a new passport, lost your card, or had a legal name change that requires document verification.
  • Updating your PreCheck account name does not change your name with airlines — contact them separately with your confirmation number.
  • The online process takes a few minutes, but enrollment centers may require an appointment and a small fee for certain updates.
  • Your TSA PreCheck benefits remain active during the name change process as long as your background check is still valid.

Change your name online through your TSA account

Go to the TSA PreCheck website and sign in to your account using your email address and password. If you do not remember your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page. Once you are logged in, look for a section labeled "Profile" or "Account Information" — the exact wording varies depending on when your account was created.

Click on the name field and enter your new legal name exactly as it appears on your current government-issued ID or passport. Do not use nicknames or shortened versions. Save your changes. The system will send you a confirmation email to the address on file. Your PreCheck number and benefits do not change — only the name associated with your account updates.

This method works if your legal name has changed but your passport, driver's license, or state ID is already updated to match. If your documents still show your old name, the TSA may flag the mismatch when you use your PreCheck at the airport, so update your government ID first.

Update your name in person at an enrollment center

Visit a TSA PreCheck enrollment center if you need to provide new documents, lost your PreCheck card, or want staff to verify your identity during the name change. You can find enrollment centers near you on the TSA website by entering your zip code. Most centers are located inside airports, but some are at passport acceptance facilities or private enrollment locations.

Call ahead or check the center's website to see if you need an appointment — many centers require one, especially in busy airports. Bring your current PreCheck card (if you still have it), your new government-issued ID or passport with your updated name, and proof of your legal name change if applicable (such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). There is no fee to update your name at an enrollment center if your PreCheck is still active.

The staff member will verify your documents, update your account in the system, and issue you a new PreCheck card on the spot if needed. The whole process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. Your new card will arrive in the mail within 1 to 2 weeks if the center does not print it when ready.

Update your name with your airline at the same time

Your airline reservation system is separate from TSA PreCheck. Changing your name in your PreCheck account does not change it in your airline's system, and the TSA does not share your PreCheck information with airlines. You must contact each airline where you have reservations or a frequent flyer account and update your name there as well.

Call the airline's customer service line or log into your frequent flyer account online and look for a "Profile" or "Account Settings" section. You will need your confirmation number for any active reservations. Some airlines let you change your name online up to 24 hours before your flight, while others require a phone call. Provide your new legal name exactly as it appears on your ID — the name on your ticket must match your ID at check-in, or you will not be allowed to board.

Update your government ID and passport

Before or at the same time you update your TSA PreCheck account, update your passport, driver's license, or state ID with your new legal name. The TSA compares the name on your PreCheck account to the name on the ID you present at the airport. If they do not match, TSA officers may question you or require additional verification, which can slow down your screening.

To update your passport, visit the State Department's passport website or go to a passport acceptance facility in person. To update your driver's license or state ID, visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. Both processes require proof of your legal name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or similar document) and take several weeks. Plan ahead so your new ID arrives before your next flight.

What happens if your name change is not processed

If you update your PreCheck account but your airline reservation still shows your old name, the TSA will let you through PreCheck screening because your account matches your ID. However, you will not be able to board the flight because your ticket name does not match your ID. Always update your airline reservation first, or at the same time as your PreCheck account.

If your PreCheck account name does not match your ID at the airport, TSA officers will direct you to standard screening instead of PreCheck lanes. This does not prevent you from flying, but you will lose the PreCheck speed benefit for that trip. Update your account as soon as possible after a legal name change to avoid this delay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay a fee to change my name on TSA PreCheck?

No. Updating your name online or at an enrollment center is free if your PreCheck membership is still active. You only pay a fee if you need to renew your entire PreCheck membership early because your card was lost or stolen.

How long does it take to change my name on TSA PreCheck?

Online changes take effect when ready — you will see the update in your account right away. If you change your name in person at an enrollment center, the update is when ready in the TSA system, but your new card may take 1 to 2 weeks to arrive by mail.

Will changing my name affect my TSA PreCheck benefits?

No. Your PreCheck number and benefits stay the same. Only the name associated with your account changes. You can use your PreCheck at the airport as soon as your account is updated, even if your new card has not arrived yet.

What if I changed my name but my passport still shows my old name?

Update your passport first before updating your TSA PreCheck account. The TSA compares your PreCheck name to your ID at the airport. If they do not match, you may be pulled out of PreCheck screening. Update your government ID, then update your PreCheck account to match.

Can I change my name online if I have a new passport?

Yes, as long as your new passport is already in your possession and shows your updated name. Log into your PreCheck account, update the name field to match your new passport, and save the changes. You do not need to visit an enrollment center unless you also lost your PreCheck card.