You can change your name on TSA PreCheck through the TSA's online account portal or by contacting TSA directly, but the process depends on whether your legal name has actually changed

If your legal name has changed—through marriage, divorce, court order, or another legal process—you will need to update it in your TSA PreCheck account. The fastest way is to log into your account on the TSA PreCheck website, go to your profile, and update your name there. If you cannot access your account online or the change does not process, you can contact the TSA PreCheck customer service line at 1-855-347-8371 to request the update by phone.

The key thing to know: you must have legal documentation that shows your new name before TSA will process the change. This means a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or updated state ID. Without it, the system will not accept the update. If you have already received your TSA PreCheck card or Known Traveler Number (KTN), the name change will update your account but will not automatically reissue your card—you may need to request a new one depending on how your account is set up.

Key Takeaways

  • Log into your TSA PreCheck account online at the official TSA website and update your name in your profile if you have legal documentation of the change.
  • You must have a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or updated state ID to prove your legal name change before TSA will process it.
  • If you cannot update your name online, call TSA PreCheck customer service at 1-855-347-8371 to request the change by phone.
  • A name change in your account does not automatically issue a new TSA PreCheck card; you may need to request one separately depending on your enrollment status.

Updating Your Name Online Through Your TSA PreCheck Account

The easiest route is to handle the change yourself through the TSA PreCheck website. Go to the official TSA PreCheck enrollment portal, log in with your username and password, and navigate to your profile or account settings. Look for a section labeled "Personal Information" or "Profile Details"—this is where your current name appears. Click the option to edit or update your name, enter your new legal name exactly as it appears on your legal documentation, and save the changes.

The system will ask you to confirm the change. Once you submit it, TSA will verify that the name matches records they have on file. This verification can take a few business days. You will receive an email confirmation once the update is complete. Keep that confirmation email—you may need it if there are questions later about your account or if you need to request a replacement card.

What Legal Documents You Need to Have Ready

TSA will not process a name change without proof that your legal name has actually changed. The documents that count are: a certified marriage certificate (if you changed your name through marriage), a final divorce decree (if you changed your name back after divorce), a court order for a legal name change, or a state-issued ID or driver's license that already shows your new name. A copy is usually fine—you do not need to mail originals.

If you are updating your name online, you typically do not need to upload the document; TSA cross-references your name against state records. However, if you are updating by phone or mail, have your legal document ready to reference or to send. Some TSA PreCheck enrollment centers may also ask to see the original or a certified copy in person if there is any question about the change.

Changing Your Name by Phone or Mail

If you cannot log into your account, do not have online access, or the system rejects your update, contact TSA PreCheck customer service at 1-855-347-8371. The line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern time, and Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time. Have your TSA PreCheck confirmation number or Known Traveler Number (KTN) ready, along with your legal name change document.

The agent will verify your identity, confirm your legal name change, and update your account over the phone. This usually takes a few minutes. You will receive a confirmation email within a few business days. If TSA asks you to mail documentation, send copies (not originals) to the address they provide. Keep a record of what you sent and when, in case you need to follow up.

Whether You Need a New TSA PreCheck Card After a Name Change

If you have an active TSA PreCheck card with your old name, a name change in your account does not automatically trigger a new card. However, your account will be updated, and you can use your KTN at airport security even if the name on your card does not match your current legal name—TSA will cross-reference your KTN in their system. That said, it is cleaner to have a card that matches your current name.

To request a replacement card with your new name, log into your account and look for an option to "Renew" or "Request a New Card." Some accounts allow you to order a replacement directly; others require you to contact customer service. If you cannot find the option online, call 1-855-347-8371 and ask the agent to send you a new card. There is usually no additional fee if your current card is still valid—TSA treats it as a replacement, not a new enrollment.

What Happens If Your Name Change Does Not Go Through

Sometimes the system rejects a name change because the name does not match state records, because there is a typo, or because TSA's database has not yet synced with your state's records. If your update fails, you will usually see an error message. Try again after a few days—state records can take time to update. If it fails a second time, call customer service at 1-855-347-8371 and ask them to manually process the change.

When you call, be ready to spell your new name letter by letter and to describe your legal name change (marriage, divorce, court order, etc.). The agent may ask you to mail a copy of your legal document if there is any discrepancy. This adds a week or two to the process, but it will resolve the issue. Once the agent confirms the change in their system, your account will be updated within a few business days.

Using Your TSA PreCheck While Your Name Change Processes

If you have submitted a name change request and it is still processing, you can still use your TSA PreCheck at airport security. Your KTN is tied to your account, not to the name on your card. When you go through security, provide your KTN (or let the agent scan your card), and they will look up your account in TSA's system. The system will show your updated name, and you will be processed under your new legal name.

The only time this becomes a problem is if you are traveling internationally or if you are using a passport or ID that still shows your old name. In that case, bring your legal name change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) with you when you travel. Show it to the TSA agent at security along with your ID, and explain that your legal name has changed but your ID has not been updated yet. TSA agents are trained to handle this situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name on TSA PreCheck if I have not updated my state ID yet?

Yes. You do not need a new state ID to update your TSA PreCheck account—you just need legal proof of the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. Once you have that document, you can update your TSA PreCheck account when ready. Your state ID can be updated separately and on its own timeline.

How long does it take for a name change to show up in my TSA PreCheck account?

If you update online, the change usually processes within a few business days. If you update by phone, it may take up to a week. If TSA asks you to mail documentation, allow two to three weeks for the change to be processed after they receive your documents. You will receive an email confirmation once the update is complete.

Do I have to get a new TSA PreCheck card if my name changes?

No, you do not have to. Your KTN will work at airport security even if your card shows an old name, because TSA looks up your account in their system. However, you can request a replacement card with your new name at no extra cost if you want one that matches your current legal name.

What if I changed my name but TSA PreCheck says my name does not match their records?

This usually means your state's records have not synced with TSA's database yet, or there is a typo in how you entered your name. Wait a few days and try again. If it still does not work, call 1-855-347-8371 and ask an agent to manually update your account. Have your legal name change document ready to reference.

Can I use my TSA PreCheck while my name change is being processed?

Yes. Your KTN is active regardless of whether your name change is still processing. When you go through airport security, provide your KTN and your current ID. TSA will look up your account and process you under whatever name is currently in their system. You do not have to wait for the name change to be fully processed to travel.