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

If your legal name has changed due to marriage, divorce, adoption, or court order, you need to update it in the TSA PreCheck system before your next flight. The TSA does not automatically sync name changes from state ID databases, so you have to report the change yourself. You can do this online through your TSA PreCheck account or by scheduling an appointment at a local enrollment center.

The process is straightforward and usually takes a few minutes online. You will need your current legal name document—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, adoption papers, or court order—to prove the change. Once you submit the update, the TSA typically processes it within a few business days, though you should allow extra time if you are traveling soon.

Key Takeaways

  • Log into your TSA PreCheck account at tsa.gov and update your name in your profile; you do not need to pay again or reapply.
  • You will need to upload a scanned copy of your legal name-change document—marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers.
  • Processing usually takes a few business days, but plan ahead if you are flying within the next week.
  • If you prefer in-person service, you can visit a TSA enrollment center with your documents and have staff update your record on the spot.
  • Your TSA PreCheck membership remains valid; you are only updating the name associated with your existing membership.

Updating your name online through your TSA account

Go to tsa.gov and sign in to your TSA PreCheck account using your username and password. If you do not remember your login, use the "Forgot Username" or "Forgot Password" link on the sign-in page. Once you are logged in, look for a section labeled "Profile" or "Account Information"—the exact wording varies slightly depending on when your account was created.

Click on the field that shows your current name and select the option to edit or update it. Enter your new legal name exactly as it appears on your state ID, passport, or other government-issued document. Then upload a clear image or PDF of the document that proves your name change. The TSA accepts marriage certificates, divorce decrees, court orders, and adoption papers. Make sure the document is readable and shows your old name and new name, or shows your new name with an official seal or signature.

After you submit the update, you will see a confirmation message. The TSA will send you an email when the change has been processed. You do not need to pay any fee or reapply for TSA PreCheck; your membership straightforward continues under your new name.

Updating your name in person at an enrollment center

If you prefer to handle the change face-to-face, you can visit a TSA PreCheck enrollment center. Find the nearest center by going to tsa.gov, clicking "Find an Enrollment Center," and entering your zip code. Centers are located at airports, some police departments, and other government offices. Hours vary by location, so check the center's schedule before you go.

Bring your current government-issued ID and the original or certified copy of your name-change document. You do not need an appointment at most centers, but some do require one—the website will tell you. A TSA officer will review your documents, verify your identity, and update your record in the system while you wait. The change is usually complete within minutes, though it may take a day or two to appear in the TSA database.

What documents prove a legal name change

The TSA accepts several types of documents to verify a name change. A marriage certificate is the most common; it must be an official copy issued by the county or state where you were married. A divorce decree works if it shows your maiden name or previous name and your new name. A court order for a legal name change must be a certified copy from the court that issued it. An adoption decree is used if you changed your name as part of an adoption.

Photocopies are acceptable online, but they must be clear and legible. If you are updating in person, bring the original document or a certified copy. The TSA will not accept a photo of a document taken on your phone unless it is clear enough to read every word. If your document is in a language other than English, bring a certified English translation along with the original.

How long the update takes and what to do if you are flying soon

Online updates usually process within three to five business days. In-person updates at an enrollment center are often faster—sometimes the same day—but may take up to two business days to appear in the TSA system. If you are flying within the next week, do the update as soon as possible and keep a copy of your name-change document with you when you travel.

If your name has not updated in time for your flight, bring your old government ID and your name-change document to the airport. Show both to the TSA officer at the PreCheck lane. They can manually verify your identity using the documents and let you through PreCheck screening. This is not ideal, but it prevents you from losing PreCheck benefits while the system catches up.

What happens if your name does not update

If you submitted your update online and it has been more than a week with no confirmation email, log back into your account and check whether the update went through. Sometimes the upload fails silently if the file was too large or in the wrong format. Try uploading again, or visit an enrollment center to update in person.

If you are at the airport and your name still does not match the TSA system, tell the officer at the PreCheck checkpoint that you recently changed your name and have submitted an update. Show your old ID and your name-change document. The officer can look up your record manually and verify you are the same person. You may be sent to standard screening instead of PreCheck, but you will not be denied boarding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay again to change my name on TSA PreCheck?

No. Changing your name does not cost anything and does not require you to reapply or renew your membership. Your TSA PreCheck membership stays active; you are only updating the name in your profile.

Can I change my name online if I do not have a scanned copy of my document?

You will need to upload a scanned or photographed copy of your name-change document to update online. If you do not have one, visit a TSA enrollment center in person and bring the original or certified copy. The officer can update your record on the spot.

What if my name change document is from another country?

The TSA accepts foreign documents, but they must be certified or official copies. If the document is not in English, bring a certified English translation along with the original. An in-person update at an enrollment center is usually the safest route for foreign documents.

Will my TSA PreCheck number change when I update my name?

No. Your TSA PreCheck membership number and known traveler number (KTN) stay the same. Only your name in the system changes. You do not need to update your airline reservations or frequent-flyer accounts unless you want to match them to your new legal name.

Can I update my name if my TSA PreCheck is expired?

If your membership has expired, you will need to renew it before you can update your name. You can renew online or at an enrollment center. Once renewed, you can then update your name using the same process.