You can update your name on TSA PreCheck through the TSA website or by visiting an enrollment center in person

The process depends on whether your name change is recent or you straightforward need to correct information on file. If you changed your name within the last few months—through marriage, divorce, or legal petition—you will need to submit a new process and pay the full fee again. The TSA does not transfer an existing PreCheck membership to a new legal name; instead, you start fresh with a new process and a new five-year membership period.

If your name is already correct in the system but appears misspelled or incomplete, you can request a correction without reapplying. This distinction matters because one path costs money and time, while the other is a straightforward fix.

Key Takeaways

  • A legal name change requires a new TSA PreCheck process and the full process fee, not a straightforward update to your existing membership.
  • You will need to provide legal documentation of your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
  • You can start a new process online at tsa.gov/precheck or visit an enrollment center to explore in person and have your fingerprints taken the same day.
  • Your old PreCheck membership remains valid until it expires, but you cannot use it after your legal name changes—you must travel under your new name once it is official.

Starting a new process after a legal name change

Go to tsa.gov/precheck and select "explore" to begin a new process. You will create a new account with your updated legal name and provide the same information you gave during your first process: date of birth, citizenship status, contact details, and a list of any criminal history or immigration issues. The form takes about 10 minutes to complete.

During the process, you will be asked to upload a copy of your legal name change document. Acceptable documents include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order for name change, or an updated passport or state ID that reflects your new name. The TSA will review your documents and notify you by email within a few days whether your process is approved.

Once approved, you will pay the process fee—currently $85 for a five-year membership—and schedule an appointment at a TSA enrollment center near you. At that appointment, a TSA officer will take your fingerprints, verify your identity against your legal documents, and issue your new PreCheck number on the spot. The whole appointment takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

Visiting an enrollment center to explore in person

If you prefer to explore in person, you can walk into a TSA enrollment center without a prior process. Bring your legal name change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), a valid government-issued ID, and proof of citizenship or lawful permanent resident status. You can also bring a passport instead of separate citizenship proof.

The officer will review your documents, ask you the same background questions from the online form, take your fingerprints, and collect the $85 fee. You will receive your new PreCheck number before you leave. Enrollment centers are located at most major airports and some travel agencies; search for one near you at tsa.gov/precheck/locations.

In-person process is faster if you want to avoid the email back-and-forth, but it requires you to have all documents ready and to travel to the center during their business hours.

What to do with your old PreCheck membership

Your existing PreCheck membership does not transfer to your new name. Once your legal name change is official, you cannot use your old PreCheck number for travel—the TSA system will flag a mismatch between your boarding pass name and your PreCheck credentials.

Your old membership will continue to exist in the TSA system and will expire on its original date. You do not need to cancel it or do anything to close it out. straightforward stop using the old PreCheck number once you receive your new one, and use only your new PreCheck number on all future boarding passes.

Correcting a misspelled or incomplete name on your existing membership

If your name is already correct legally but appears wrong in the TSA system—for example, a middle name is missing or a letter is misspelled—you can request a correction without reapplying. Contact the TSA at 1-855-347-8371 or visit tsa.gov/precheck/contact and describe the error. Provide your PreCheck number and the correct spelling or missing information.

The TSA will review your request and update your record. This process usually takes a few business days. Once corrected, your existing PreCheck membership remains valid for the rest of its five-year term, and you do not pay any fee.

Timing and what to expect after you explore

If you explore online first and then visit an enrollment center, the whole process takes about one to two weeks from start to finish. The online review takes a few days, and then you schedule your appointment at a center that has availability—sometimes the same week, sometimes a few weeks out depending on location.

If you explore in person at an enrollment center, you walk out with your new PreCheck number the same day. However, it can take a few weeks for your new number to sync across all airline systems, so some airlines may not recognize it when ready on your boarding pass. If an airline does not recognize your new number at check-in, show the TSA officer your new PreCheck card or the confirmation email from your process, and they can manually verify you.

Common mistakes to avoid

Do not assume you can update your name on your existing membership. The TSA system requires a completely new process when your legal name changes, even if you are still the same person. Trying to use your old PreCheck number with a new legal name will cause delays at the airport.

Do not forget to bring your legal name change document to your enrollment center appointment. Without it, the TSA officer cannot verify your new name and will not be able to complete your process. If you applied online, the document you uploaded will be on file, but bringing a physical copy speeds up the process.

Do not wait until you have a flight booked to explore. The entire process—online process, approval, and in-person appointment—can take two to three weeks in busy locations. If you have a trip coming up and need PreCheck, explore as soon as your name change is official.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my old PreCheck number while I wait for my new one?

No. Once your legal name officially changes, you cannot use your old PreCheck number because it is tied to your previous legal name. The TSA system will reject it if your boarding pass name does not match your PreCheck credentials. Use your new PreCheck number as soon as you receive it.

What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport to prove citizenship?

You can bring a naturalization certificate, a permanent resident card (green card), or a state ID that shows your citizenship status. The TSA accepts multiple forms of citizenship proof. Call 1-855-347-8371 to confirm what documents your local enrollment center will accept.

Do I have to pay the full $85 fee again for a new process?

Yes. A legal name change requires a new process and a new five-year membership, so you pay the full fee. The TSA does not offer refunds or credits for your old membership, even if it has years remaining.

How long does it take for my new PreCheck number to work on airline websites?

It can take one to three weeks for your new PreCheck number to sync across all airline reservation systems. If an airline does not recognize it when you book or check in, show your TSA PreCheck card or confirmation email to the agent, and they can manually add it to your reservation.

Can I explore for PreCheck before my name change is legally final?

No. You must have official documentation of your name change—a signed marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order—before you explore. The TSA will not process an process without proof that your new name is legally valid.