Your TSA PreCheck number is in your confirmation email or on the TSA website using your process details

When you completed your TSA PreCheck process, you received a confirmation email with your Known Traveler Number (KTN) — that is your TSA PreCheck number. If you cannot find that email, you can retrieve the number by logging into your TSA PreCheck account on the official TSA website using the same email address and password you used to register. The number appears in your account dashboard and on any documents labeled "Known Traveler Number" or "KTN".

Your TSA PreCheck number is nine digits long and looks similar to this format: 12A4B5C6D. You will need this number when you book flights, check in at the airport, or update your airline reservation. Having it ready before you arrive at the airport speeds up the security process and ensures you get the expedited screening benefits you paid for.

Key Takeaways

  • Your TSA PreCheck number was sent to you by email when your process was approved, and that email is the fastest place to look first.
  • If you cannot find the email, log into your TSA PreCheck account on the official TSA website using your registered email and password to view your number.
  • Your TSA PreCheck number is nine digits long and is also called your Known Traveler Number or KTN.
  • You must enter this number when booking flights or checking in at the airport to receive expedited security screening.

Check your email for the approval notice

Start by searching your email inbox for messages from the TSA or from the enrollment center where you completed your in-person appointment. The subject line usually says something like "TSA PreCheck process Approved" or "Your Known Traveler Number." Search for keywords like "TSA," "PreCheck," "KTN," or "Known Traveler" if you do not remember the exact subject line.

Check your spam or promotions folder if the email is not in your main inbox — TSA emails sometimes get filtered there. If you changed email addresses since you applied, the confirmation may have gone to an old account. Think back to which email address you provided during your process and check that account as well.

Log into your TSA PreCheck account online

Go to the official TSA PreCheck website at universalenroll.dhs.gov. Click "Sign In" and enter the email address and password you created when you started your process. Once you are logged in, your dashboard will display your Known Traveler Number prominently at the top.

If you forgot your password, click "Forgot Password" on the login page and follow the steps to reset it using your email address. You will receive a password reset link in your inbox. If you do not remember which email address you used to register, try the email addresses you commonly use and see which one the system recognizes.

Contact the TSA enrollment center where you applied

If you cannot find your number online or in your email, call or visit the enrollment center where you completed your in-person appointment. Have your driver's license or passport number ready — the staff member will look up your process using that information and provide your Known Traveler Number over the phone or in person.

You can find the phone number and hours for your enrollment center on the TSA PreCheck website by entering your zip code in the location finder. Most centers are open during business hours, though some have limited weekend hours. Calling is usually faster than visiting in person, especially during peak travel seasons.

What to do if your process was never approved

If you cannot find your number anywhere and do not remember receiving an approval email, your process may still be pending or may have been denied. Log into your account on the TSA PreCheck website and check the status section — it will tell you whether your process is still under review, was approved, or was denied.

If your process was denied, the status page will explain why. Common reasons include incomplete information, a background check issue, or a missing document. You can reapply, and the TSA will guide you through correcting whatever caused the denial. If your process is still pending after several weeks, contact your enrollment center to ask about the delay.

Where to enter your TSA PreCheck number when you travel

When you book a flight online, most airline websites have a field for "Known Traveler Number" or "TSA PreCheck Number" during the reservation process. Enter your nine-digit number there. If you book by phone, tell the agent your KTN when they ask for it.

At the airport, your TSA PreCheck number should already be linked to your reservation if you entered it during booking. If you did not add it online, you can tell the agent at check-in and they can add it to your ticket. At security, show your boarding pass along with your ID — the TSA officer will see that you have PreCheck and direct you to the expedited lane.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I lost my confirmation email and cannot log into my account?

Call the enrollment center where you completed your appointment with your driver's license or passport number ready. They can look up your process and give you your Known Traveler Number over the phone. You can also reset your password on the TSA PreCheck website using the "Forgot Password" link if you remember your registered email address.

Can I use my TSA PreCheck number before I receive it in the mail?

Your TSA PreCheck number is active as soon as your process is approved — you do not have to wait for anything to arrive in the mail. You can start using your nine-digit KTN to book flights and go through expedited security when ready after you receive the approval email or see it in your online account.

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

Yes. Known Traveler Number and TSA PreCheck number are the same thing — they are just different names for the same nine-digit identifier. You will see both terms used on the TSA website and by airlines, but they refer to the exact same number.

What if I entered the wrong email address when I applied?

If you used an incorrect email address during registration, you will not receive your approval email at the right place. Contact the enrollment center where you completed your in-person appointment with your ID and ask them to update your email address in the system and resend your confirmation.

Do I need to print my TSA PreCheck number or show it on my phone?

You do not need to print or show your TSA PreCheck number separately. Just enter it when you book your flight, and it will appear on your boarding pass. The TSA officer scans your boarding pass at security and sees that you have PreCheck — you do not need to provide the number again.