Your TSA PreCheck number is in your approval email or on the TSA website using your login credentials

When you were approved for TSA PreCheck, the Transportation Security Administration sent you a confirmation email with your membership number. That nine-digit number is your TSA PreCheck number. If you cannot find the email, you can log into your TSA PreCheck account on the official TSA website and view your number there. You will need the same username and password you created when you first enrolled.

Your TSA PreCheck number is not the same as your Known Traveler Number (KTN), though they are related. The TSA PreCheck number identifies your membership status. The KTN is what you enter when you book a flight so the airline knows you are cleared for expedited screening. Many airlines will automatically add your KTN to your reservation if your account is linked to your frequent flyer profile.

Key Takeaways

  • Your TSA PreCheck number appears in the approval email sent to you after your background check cleared, and it is a nine-digit code.
  • You can retrieve your number by logging into your TSA PreCheck account on the official TSA website if you no longer have the email.
  • Your TSA PreCheck number is different from your Known Traveler Number (KTN), which is what you enter when booking flights.
  • You will need your TSA PreCheck number to renew your membership before it expires, which happens every five years.

Checking Your Email for the Original Approval Letter

Start by searching your email inbox for messages from the TSA. Look for subject lines that say "TSA PreCheck Approval" or "Your TSA PreCheck process Status." The email will come from an address like tsa.precheck@tsa.dhs.gov or a similar official TSA domain. Check your spam and promotions folders if you do not see it in your main inbox—approval emails sometimes get filtered incorrectly.

The approval email contains your nine-digit TSA PreCheck number near the top of the message. It will be clearly labeled as your membership number or PreCheck number. The email also tells you when your membership expires (five years from the approval date) and provides instructions for adding your number to airline reservations. If you find this email, take a screenshot or print it for your records.

Logging Into the TSA PreCheck Website

Go to tsa.gov/precheck and click the "Sign In" button. Enter the username and password you created when you enrolled. If you cannot remember your password, click "Forgot Password" and follow the steps to reset it using your email address.

Once you are logged in, your dashboard will display your membership details, including your nine-digit TSA PreCheck number. The number is usually shown prominently on the main page or under a "My Membership" or "My Account" section. You can also see your membership expiration date and any renewal options available to you.

What to Do If You Cannot Access Your Account

If you forgot your username or cannot log in, the TSA website has a password reset tool. Go to tsa.gov/precheck, click "Sign In," and then select "Forgot Username" or "Forgot Password." You will receive an email with instructions to reset your credentials. This process usually takes a few minutes.

If you still cannot access your account after resetting your password, contact the TSA PreCheck customer service line at 1-855-347-8371. They are available 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 identification ready when you call. They can verify your identity and provide your TSA PreCheck number over the phone.

Using Your Number When You Book a Flight

When you make a flight reservation, enter your TSA PreCheck number in the "Known Traveler Number" field during checkout. Most airlines have this field on their booking page, though the exact location varies. If you book through a travel website like Kayak or Expedia, look for a "Traveler Information" or "Special Services" section where you can add your KTN.

You can also add your TSA PreCheck number to your frequent flyer profile with each airline you fly. Once it is linked, the airline will automatically include it in your reservation when you book. This saves you from entering it manually each time. Check your airline's website under account settings or frequent flyer profile management to add your number.

Renewing Your Membership Before It Expires

Your TSA PreCheck membership lasts five years from your approval date. The TSA will send you a renewal notice by email about four months before your membership expires. The renewal process is faster than the initial enrollment—you do not need to visit an enrollment center in person. Instead, you can renew online through your TSA PreCheck account.

To renew, log into your account on tsa.gov/precheck and look for a "Renew" button or option. You will need to pay the renewal fee (currently $85 for five years, though this may vary) and answer updated background check questions. The renewal usually takes about two weeks to process. Your new TSA PreCheck number will be the same as your current one, so you do not need to update your airline profiles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my TSA PreCheck number the same as my Known Traveler Number?

No, they are different but related. Your TSA PreCheck number is your membership identifier. Your Known Traveler Number (KTN) is what you enter when booking flights so the airline knows you are cleared for expedited screening. The TSA PreCheck website will show you both numbers in your account.

What if I lost my approval email and cannot log into the website?

Call TSA PreCheck customer service at 1-855-347-8371 with your identification ready. They can verify your identity and provide your number over the phone. The line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern time, and weekends 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time.

Can I use my TSA PreCheck number right away after approval?

Yes. Once you receive your approval email with your TSA PreCheck number, you can start using it when ready when you book flights. You do not need to wait for a physical card or any other document to arrive.

What happens if I enter my TSA PreCheck number wrong when booking?

If you enter an incorrect number, the airline will not recognize you as TSA PreCheck cleared, and you will go through standard security screening. Double-check your nine-digit number before you submit your reservation. If you notice the error after booking, contact the airline to update your reservation.