You can change your name on TSA PreCheck through the TSA website or by mail, but the method depends on whether you have already renewed your card since the name change

If your legal name has changed since you enrolled in TSA PreCheck — through marriage, divorce, court order, or other means — you need to update it in the system before your next flight. TSA will not let you use a boarding pass that does not match your PreCheck account name, even if your ID is current.

The fastest route is the TSA website if you have not yet renewed your card since the name change. If you have already renewed, or if you prefer to handle it by mail, you will need to contact TSA directly and may need to provide legal documents. Either way, the process takes a few weeks, so plan ahead if you have travel coming up.

Key Takeaways

  • You can update your name online through the TSA website if you have not renewed your card since the name change occurred.
  • If you have already renewed your card with your old name, you must request the change by mail or phone and will need to provide proof of the legal name change.
  • Legal documents such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order are required to verify the name change.
  • Plan for two to four weeks for processing, and do not book flights until the change is confirmed in your account.

Updating your name online through the TSA website

Go to the TSA PreCheck website at universalenroll.dhs.gov and sign in with your existing account. Look for the option to update your profile or account information — this is usually labeled "Manage process" or "Update Information." You will be asked to confirm your current legal name and then enter your new name.

This online method works only if your card has not been renewed since your name changed. If you renewed your card after the name change but before updating your account, the system will flag the mismatch and direct you to mail in your request instead. Have your new legal name document ready — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — because you may be asked to upload an image of it during the process.

After you submit the change online, TSA will send you a confirmation email. Your account will update within a few business days, and your PreCheck benefits will work with your new name on your boarding pass. You do not need a new physical card unless yours is expiring soon.

Requesting a name change by mail

If you have already renewed your card since the name change, or if you prefer not to use the online system, you can request the change by mail. read the TSA PreCheck Name Change Request Form from the TSA website, or call the TSA PreCheck customer service line at 855-347-8371 to request one by phone.

Fill out the form completely with your current PreCheck enrollment number, your old name, and your new legal name. Attach a clear photocopy of your legal name change document — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Do not send originals; TSA will not return them. Mail the form and copies to the address listed on the form, which is usually the TSA PreCheck enrollment center in Arlington, Virginia.

Include a note with your preferred contact phone number and email address so TSA can reach you if they need clarification. Processing by mail typically takes two to four weeks. You will receive a confirmation email or letter once the change is complete.

What documents you need to prove the name change

TSA requires official documentation showing your legal name change. The most common documents are a marriage certificate (if you took a spouse's name), a divorce decree (if you reverted to a former name), or a court order for name change (if you changed your name through a legal petition). A copy of your new driver's license or state ID that reflects the name change is also acceptable in most cases.

The document must be an official copy issued by the government body that recorded the change — not a photocopy you made yourself, though you can send a photocopy to TSA. If your document is in a language other than English, bring it to a notary public and have them certify an English translation. Keep the original for your records and send only copies to TSA.

What happens if your name change is not processed before your flight

If you have a flight scheduled before your name change is confirmed in the TSA system, you will not be able to use PreCheck on that trip. Your boarding pass will not match your account name, and TSA will treat you as a standard passenger at security. You can still fly — just expect the regular screening line and longer wait times.

To avoid this, submit your name change request at least four weeks before your next flight. If you have already booked a flight and your name change is still pending, contact the airline to update your reservation with your new legal name. Your boarding pass will then match your ID, even if it does not yet match your PreCheck account.

Updating your name if you have Global Entry or SENTRI

If you hold Global Entry or SENTRI (find Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection) in addition to TSA PreCheck, those programs share the same enrollment system. A name change in one updates all of them automatically. You do not need to file separate requests for each program.

However, if your Global Entry or SENTRI card was issued after your name changed but before you updated your account, you will have the same mismatch problem as with PreCheck. Follow the same process — update online if you have not renewed, or mail in your request with legal documents if you have.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name over the phone?

TSA does not process name changes over the phone, but you can call 855-347-8371 to request a form or ask questions about the process. The agent can confirm whether you should update online or by mail based on your renewal history.

How long does it take to update my name?

Online updates usually process within a few business days. Mail requests take two to four weeks. Do not book flights until you receive confirmation that the change is complete.

Do I need a new TSA PreCheck card after a name change?

No, your existing card remains valid. You only need a new card if yours is expiring soon or if it was damaged. Your PreCheck number stays the same.

What if I made a typo when I first enrolled and want to correct it?

If the error is minor — a misspelled middle name, for example — use the same process as a legal name change. If it is a significant error that does not match your ID, contact TSA by phone at 855-347-8371 to discuss your options before submitting a formal request.

Can my spouse update my name if I am out of the country?

No, you must submit the request yourself or authorize someone in writing. TSA requires your signature on mail requests. If you are abroad, submit your request online through the TSA website, which does not require a physical signature.