You can change your name on TSA PreCheck through the TSA website or by phone, but the process depends on whether your legal name changed or you made a mistake on your original process
If your legal name changed—through marriage, divorce, court order, or any other reason—you will need to update it in the TSA system before your PreCheck expires. The TSA does not automatically sync with vital records offices, so you must report the change yourself. If you straightforward made a typo when you first applied, the fix is faster and can often happen without a new process fee.
The exact steps depend on how much time is left on your current PreCheck membership and what documents you have on hand. Most name changes can be handled online through your TSA PreCheck account, though some situations require a phone call or an in-person visit to an enrollment center.
Key Takeaways
- Log into your TSA PreCheck account at universalenroll.dhs.gov to update your name if you have a current membership and your legal name has changed.
- You will need to upload a copy of the document that proves your name change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or updated state ID.
- If your PreCheck is expired or about to expire, you may need to renew rather than update, which costs the standard renewal fee.
- Call the TSA at 1-855-347-8371 if you cannot access your account online or if your name change was due to a legal proceeding that is not yet reflected in your state ID.
- A straightforward typo on your original process can sometimes be corrected without a new fee by contacting the TSA directly.
Update your name online through your TSA PreCheck account
Go to universalenroll.dhs.gov and sign in with the same username and password you used when you first applied. Once logged in, look for a section labeled "Update process" or "Manage process"—the exact wording varies slightly depending on when you enrolled. Click into your profile and select the option to edit your personal information.
When you change your name field, the system will ask you to upload a document proving the change. Acceptable documents include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, updated state driver's license, or updated passport. Take a clear photo or scan of the document and upload it as a PDF or JPG file. The file should show your full legal name and the date of the change.
After you submit the update, the TSA will review your request. This usually takes 3 to 5 business days. You will receive an email confirmation once the change has been processed. Your TSA PreCheck number and expiration date do not change—only your name in the system is updated.
Call the TSA if you cannot update online or have an expired membership
If you cannot log into your account, if your PreCheck has already expired, or if your name change is very recent and not yet showing on your state ID, call the TSA PreCheck customer service line 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 current TSA PreCheck number ready, along with your date of birth and the document that proves your name change. The TSA representative can often process a straightforward name update over the phone and email you a confirmation. If your membership has expired, they will tell you whether you can update the existing record or whether you need to submit a renewal process.
If your PreCheck expired more than five years ago, you will need to renew rather than update. Renewal costs the same as a new process and requires you to visit an enrollment center or explore online through the same universalenroll.dhs.gov website.
Visit a TSA PreCheck enrollment center if you need in-person verification
Some name changes—particularly those from a recent court order or a legal proceeding—may require you to show original documents in person. You can find the nearest enrollment center by visiting tsa.gov/precheck and clicking "Find an Enrollment Center." Enter your zip code to see locations near you, hours, and whether appointments are required.
Bring your current TSA PreCheck card or number, a government-issued photo ID, and the original or certified copy of the document proving your name change. The appointment usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. The enrollment agent will verify your documents, update your record on the spot, and you will leave with confirmation that your name has been changed in the system.
If you cannot visit an enrollment center and your situation requires in-person verification, call 1-855-347-8371 to ask whether the TSA can accept documents by mail or whether a phone call with a representative will be sufficient.
Understand the difference between updating and renewing
An update changes your name in an existing PreCheck membership that is still active or within a short grace period. It does not cost money and does not change your PreCheck number or expiration date. You can update online or by phone in most cases.
A renewal is required if your PreCheck has been expired for more than a few months or if you are explore for a new membership. Renewal costs the same as a new process—the fee varies by state but is typically around $78 to $85 for five years. You will receive a new PreCheck number and a new expiration date five years from the renewal date.
If you are unsure whether your membership is still active, log into universalenroll.dhs.gov and check the expiration date shown on your account. If it is within the next few months, you can update. If it has already passed, you will need to renew.
What happens if you fly with an outdated name on your PreCheck
If your legal name has changed but your TSA PreCheck record still shows your old name, the TSA computer system may not recognize your PreCheck number when you check in at the airport. This can happen because the airline's system cross-checks your name against the TSA database, and a mismatch can flag your reservation.
You may still be allowed to fly, but you could be pulled aside for additional screening or asked to verify your identity. To avoid this, update your name in the TSA system before your next flight. If you have already booked a ticket under your new legal name, update your PreCheck as soon as possible—ideally at least a week before you travel.
Your airline ticket must match your government-issued ID, which should already show your new legal name. Your TSA PreCheck record should match both of those. If all three align, you will move through security smoothly.
Correct a typo or error from your original process
If you made a spelling mistake when you first applied—for example, you typed "Micheal" instead of "Michael"—you can request a correction without paying a new fee. Call 1-855-347-8371 and explain the error. The TSA representative can often correct straightforward typos in the system when ready.
For a typo correction, you do not need to upload a new document or visit an enrollment center. The TSA will update your record based on your verbal confirmation and the information already on file. You will receive an email confirmation of the correction.
If the error is more complex—for example, you listed the wrong middle name or spelled your last name differently than it appears on your ID—the TSA may ask you to upload a copy of your government-issued ID to verify the correct spelling. This still does not cost a new fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to update my name on TSA PreCheck?
Online updates through universalenroll.dhs.gov usually take 3 to 5 business days. Phone updates can sometimes be processed the same day, though you will receive written confirmation by email within a few days. In-person updates at an enrollment center are completed during your appointment.
Do I have to pay a fee to change my name on TSA PreCheck?
No. Updating your name on an active PreCheck membership is free. You only pay a fee if your membership has expired and you need to renew, which costs the standard renewal amount.
What if my name change document is not in English?
You will need to provide a certified English translation along with the original document. Contact the TSA at 1-855-347-8371 before you submit to confirm the translation format they accept.
Can I change my name on TSA PreCheck if I am renewing at the same time?
Yes. When you renew through universalenroll.dhs.gov, you can update your name in the same process. Upload the document proving your name change along with your renewal materials, and both will be processed together.
What if I lost my TSA PreCheck card and also need to change my name?
Update your name first through your online account or by phone. Once your name is updated, you can request a replacement card through the same universalenroll.dhs.gov account. There is a small fee for a replacement card, separate from the name update.