You need to request a name change through the TSA directly, not through the airport or your airline

If your legal name has changed since you enrolled in TSA PreCheck, you cannot straightforward update it online or at the airport. The TSA requires you to submit a formal name change request to their Known Traveler Number (KTN) system. This involves contacting the TSA, providing proof of your legal name change, and waiting for the update to process — which typically takes several weeks.

The process differs depending on whether your TSA PreCheck membership is still active or has expired. If your card is still valid, you can request the change before renewal. If it has already expired, you will need to renew your membership with your new legal name instead of updating the old one.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact the TSA directly through their official website or by phone to request a name change; airlines and airports cannot process this for you.
  • You will need to provide a government-issued ID showing your new legal name and documentation of the name change (marriage certificate, court order, or divorce decree).
  • Name changes take several weeks to process, so submit your request well before your next flight if possible.
  • If your TSA PreCheck membership has already expired, you will renew with your new name rather than update the old enrollment.
  • Your Known Traveler Number (KTN) stays the same even after a name change, so you do not need a new card.

How to contact the TSA for a name change request

The TSA handles name changes through their customer service channels rather than through an online form. Visit the official TSA website and look for the "Contact Us" section, which provides phone numbers for different regions. You can also call the TSA's general customer service line to be directed to the right department for name changes.

When you call, have your current TSA PreCheck membership number (found on your card or in your enrollment confirmation) ready. The TSA representative will ask for your old name, new legal name, and the reason for the change. They will also tell you what documents you need to mail or upload to verify the change.

Documents you will need to provide

The TSA requires proof that your name change is legal and official. This means you must provide one of the following documents:

  • A certified copy of your marriage certificate (if you changed your name due to marriage)
  • A certified copy of your divorce decree (if you changed your name due to divorce)
  • A court order approving a legal name change
  • A certified copy of an amended birth certificate showing your new legal name

You will also need to provide a current government-issued ID showing your new legal name — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The TSA will not process the name change without both the legal documentation and the current ID.

If you do not have a certified copy of the document, you can usually request one from the county clerk's office or vital records office where the document was issued. There is typically a small fee for certified copies, usually between $10 and $25 depending on your location.

What happens if your TSA PreCheck has already expired

If your membership expired before you changed your name, you do not need to request a name change on the old enrollment. Instead, you will straightforward renew your TSA PreCheck with your new legal name. The renewal process is the same as a new enrollment — you will go through an approved enrollment center, provide your new legal name and documentation, and pay the renewal fee.

When you renew, you may receive a new Known Traveler Number (KTN), though sometimes the TSA will keep your existing number. Either way, you will have a valid KTN to use for future flights. The advantage of renewing rather than updating an expired membership is that the renewal process is faster than waiting for a name change request to be processed.

Timeline for processing your name change

After you submit your documents, the TSA typically takes two to four weeks to process the name change. During this time, your TSA PreCheck membership remains active under your old name, so you can still use your KTN at airport security. However, your boarding pass and ID must match your current legal name, so there may be a brief mismatch between your TSA records and your travel documents.

To avoid confusion at the airport, submit your name change request at least three weeks before your next flight. If you are traveling before the change is processed, inform the TSA agent at security that your name change is pending — they can verify your KTN in the system even if the name on your membership card does not match your ID yet.

What to do if you are traveling before the change is processed

If you have a flight scheduled before your name change is finalized, you can still use TSA PreCheck. Bring your current TSA PreCheck card or have your KTN ready, and inform the security officer that your name change is pending with the TSA. The officer can look up your KTN in the system to confirm your PreCheck status, even if the name on your card is outdated.

Make sure your boarding pass shows your current legal name — the name that matches your ID. This is what matters most at security. The TSA PreCheck benefit is tied to your KTN, not to the name on the card, so the mismatch will not prevent you from using PreCheck lanes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your Known Traveler Number stays the same, and you can continue using your current card at security. The TSA updates your name in their system, but the physical card does not need to be replaced. When your membership expires and you renew, you will receive a new card with your updated name.

What if I changed my name but do not have a certified copy of the document?

Contact the county clerk's office or vital records office in the location where your name change was recorded. They can issue a certified copy for a fee, usually $10 to $25. This is the official proof the TSA needs, so a photocopy or uncertified version will not work.

Can I update my name online through the TSA website?

No. Name changes must be requested by phone or through the TSA's official contact channels. You cannot update your name through an online portal or through an airline or airport system. Contact the TSA directly to start the process.

What if my name change was due to a court order, not marriage or divorce?

Provide a certified copy of the court order approving your legal name change. This counts as official documentation and the TSA will process your request the same way as any other name change.

Will my TSA PreCheck work at the airport if my name change is still being processed?

Yes. Your KTN remains active during processing, so you can use PreCheck lanes. Just inform the security officer that your name change is pending, and they can verify your status in the system using your KTN.