You can change your name on TSA PreCheck through your online account or by contacting TSA directly

If your legal name has changed—through marriage, divorce, court order, or any other reason—you need to update it in your TSA PreCheck account. The fastest way is to log into your account on the official TSA PreCheck website and edit your profile yourself. If you cannot access your account online or your name change involves a legal document you need to submit, you can also contact TSA by phone or mail.

The process takes a few minutes if you update online, but TSA may take several days to verify the change in their system. During that time, your PreCheck benefits should remain active, though you may want to bring your updated ID to the airport just in case.

Key Takeaways

  • Log into your TSA PreCheck account at universalenroll.dhs.gov and update your name in the profile section without paying a new fee.
  • You will need your current legal name document—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order—ready to upload or describe to TSA.
  • Online updates usually process within a few business days, but calling TSA at 1-855-347-8371 can speed up verification if you have a flight coming up.
  • Your TSA PreCheck membership remains valid during the name change process, so you can still use your Known Traveler Number at security.

Updating Your Name Online Through Your Account

Go to universalenroll.dhs.gov and sign in with your username and password. If you have forgotten your login, use the "Forgot Password" link on the homepage. Once you are logged in, look for "My Account" or "Profile" in the main menu and select it.

Find the section labeled "Personal Information" or "Name" and click "Edit." Enter your new legal name exactly as it appears on your current government-issued ID—driver's license, passport, or state ID. Do not use nicknames or informal versions. After you type the new name, you will see a prompt asking you to confirm the reason for the change (marriage, divorce, court order, or other). Select the reason that applies to you.

TSA will then ask you to upload or describe the legal document that proves your name change. If you have a digital copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order, upload it directly through the website. If you do not have a digital copy, you can describe the document—for example, "State of California marriage certificate, issued June 15, 2023"—and TSA will follow up by mail or phone if they need to see the original.

Click "Submit" and you will receive a confirmation message on screen. TSA will send you an email confirming that your request was received. Your account will show your new name within a few business days once TSA verifies the document.

Calling TSA to Report Your Name Change

If you cannot log into your account or prefer to report the change by phone, 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 TSA PreCheck Known Traveler Number (KTN) ready—it appears on your PreCheck card or in your account confirmation email.

Tell the representative your old name, your new legal name, and the reason for the change. They will ask you to describe the legal document that proves the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). You do not need to have the document in front of you, but you should know the state that issued it and the approximate date. The representative will note this in your file and may ask you to mail or email a copy of the document within a few days.

Phone updates usually process faster than online submissions because a representative can flag your account for priority review. If you have a flight within the next week, mention that to the representative—they may be able to expedite the verification.

Mailing Your Name Change Documentation

If you prefer to handle everything by mail, you can send your name change request and supporting documents to the TSA PreCheck enrollment center. Write a letter that includes your old name, new legal name, your TSA PreCheck Known Traveler Number, and a brief explanation of the reason for the change (marriage, divorce, court order, etc.). Include a copy of the legal document that proves the change—a certified copy is best, but a clear photocopy is usually acceptable.

Mail this package to the address listed on the TSA PreCheck website under "Contact Us" or "Mailing Address." Processing by mail typically takes two to four weeks, so use this method only if you do not have an upcoming flight. Include a return address and consider using certified mail so you can track the package.

What Happens to Your Known Traveler Number

Your TSA PreCheck Known Traveler Number (KTN) does not change when you update your name. You will continue to use the same KTN when you book flights and go through security. Your PreCheck benefits remain active throughout the name change process, so you can still use expedited screening lanes at the airport.

However, your name in the TSA system must match your current government-issued ID for security screening to work smoothly. If your ID shows your new name but TSA's system still shows your old name, you may be asked additional questions at the airport. This is why it is important to update your name in TSA's system as soon as your legal name change is official.

Updating Your Name on Your ID and Airline Reservations

Changing your name in TSA PreCheck is only one step. You also need to update your government-issued ID through your state's DMV or passport office, and you need to update your name with the airlines you fly with.

Contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to update your driver's license or state ID. You will need to bring your legal name change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) and your current ID. Processing usually takes one to two weeks.

For your passport, contact the U.S. State Department or visit a passport acceptance facility. You will need to submit your passport, your legal name change document, and a new passport photo. Processing can take several weeks, so plan ahead if you have international travel coming up.

Finally, log into each airline's website where you have frequent flyer accounts or upcoming reservations and update your name there as well. Your airline name must match your ID exactly, or you may be denied boarding.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not use a nickname or informal version of your name when updating TSA PreCheck. TSA requires your legal name exactly as it appears on your government-issued ID. If you enter "Bob" instead of "Robert," or "Liz" instead of "Elizabeth," TSA may reject the change or flag your account for manual review.

Do not forget to update your name with the airlines as well. Your TSA PreCheck name and your airline reservation name must match your ID. If they do not all match, you may have problems at check-in or security screening.

Do not wait until the day before your flight to report a name change. TSA can take several business days to verify the change, and if there is a delay, you may not have time to resolve it before your trip. Update your name as soon as your legal name change is official.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take TSA to update my name?

Online updates usually process within three to five business days. Phone updates may be faster if a representative flags your account for priority review. Mail updates typically take two to four weeks. If you have a flight coming up, call TSA at 1-855-347-8371 and explain your timeline—they may be able to expedite the process.

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

No. Updating your name on an existing TSA PreCheck account is free. You do not need to renew your membership or pay any additional fees. Your current membership and Known Traveler Number remain valid.

What if I do not have a copy of my marriage certificate or divorce decree?

Contact the vital records office in the state or county where the document was issued and request a certified copy. This usually costs between $10 and $30 and takes one to two weeks. In the meantime, you can call TSA and describe the document—they may accept a verbal description and follow up later if they need to see the original.

Can I change my name on TSA PreCheck if my legal name change is still pending?

No. TSA requires proof that your legal name change is already official. You cannot update your TSA PreCheck account until you have a signed court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or other official document showing the change. Once the document is issued, you can update your account right away.

Will my TSA PreCheck stop working while my name is being updated?

No. Your Known Traveler Number and PreCheck benefits remain active during the name change process. You can still use expedited screening lanes at the airport. However, make sure your name in TSA's system matches your current ID to avoid delays or questions at security.