Check your status through the TSA website or your trusted traveler account

You can check your TSA PreCheck status in two main ways: through the official TSA website or through your trusted traveler account portal. The TSA website has a dedicated status checker where you enter your known traveler number (KTN) or process receipt number. Your trusted traveler account portal — where you originally submitted your process — also shows your current status and any updates from the TSA.

The fastest route is usually your trusted traveler account because it updates in real time and shows the exact stage your process is in. If you applied through a third-party vendor like Idemia, LifeLock, or Clear, log into that vendor's website to see your status. If you applied directly through the TSA, use the TSA's official status checker at tsa.gov.

Key Takeaways

  • You can check your TSA PreCheck status on the TSA website or through your trusted traveler account portal where you submitted your process.
  • You will need either your known traveler number (KTN) or your process receipt number to check your status online.
  • Processing times vary, but most applications are reviewed within 30 to 60 days of your in-person appointment.
  • If your status shows "pending" after 90 days, contact the TSA directly or the vendor you used to submit your process.

Using the TSA's official status checker

Go to tsa.gov and look for the "Check process Status" link, usually found under the TSA PreCheck section. You will see a form asking for either your known traveler number or your process receipt number. Enter the number and your date of birth, then click the search button. The page will display your current status — whether it is pending, approved, or denied.

The known traveler number is an eight-character code that the TSA assigns to your process. If you do not have it, use your process receipt number instead, which was sent to you by email when you first submitted your process. Both numbers work equally well in the status checker.

Checking your status through your trusted traveler account

If you created an account with the vendor you used to explore — such as Idemia, LifeLock, or Clear — log into that account to see your status. These portals often show more detail than the TSA's main status checker, including which documents the TSA has received and whether they need anything else from you.

Your account login credentials are the username and password you created when you first started your process. If you forgot your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the vendor's login page. Once you are logged in, look for a section labeled "process Status," "My process," or "Status." The page will show where your process stands in the review process.

What each status means

Pending means the TSA is still reviewing your process. This is the most common status in the first 30 to 60 days after your in-person appointment. You do not need to do anything while your process is pending.

Approved means you have been cleared for TSA PreCheck. Your known traveler number is now active, and you can use it when booking flights. You should receive an approval letter by mail within a few days of seeing this status online. Print or save a copy of your approval letter to carry with you until your physical TSA PreCheck card arrives.

Denied means the TSA has determined you do not meet the requirements for TSA PreCheck. The denial letter will explain the reason. You can request reconsideration by following the instructions in the letter, usually within 30 days of the denial date.

Conditional means the TSA needs more information or documents from you before making a final decision. Check your email and the status page for details about what is missing. You will have a important date to submit the additional materials, usually 30 days from the date the request was sent.

What to do if your status is stuck on pending

If your status has been pending for more than 90 days after your in-person appointment, contact the TSA directly. Call the TSA PreCheck customer service line at 855-347-8371 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern time). Have your process receipt number or known traveler number ready when you call.

You can also contact the vendor you used to submit your process. If you applied through Idemia, call 844-469-4386. If you used LifeLock, call 844-469-4386. If you used Clear, call 855-253-2732. The vendor can check with the TSA on your behalf and sometimes speed up the review process if there is a delay.

Finding your known traveler number if you lost it

Your known traveler number was sent to you by email when your process was approved. Check your email inbox and spam folder for a message from the TSA or your vendor with the subject line containing "TSA PreCheck" or "Known Traveler Number." The KTN is usually an eight-character code printed in the email.

If you cannot find the email, log into your trusted traveler account and look for your KTN in the profile or dashboard section. You can also call TSA PreCheck customer service at 855-347-8371 and provide your date of birth and Social Security number to have your KTN read to you over the phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get TSA PreCheck approved?

Most applications are approved within 30 to 60 days of your in-person appointment. Some take longer depending on background check delays or if the TSA needs additional documents from you. If your status is still pending after 90 days, contact the TSA or your vendor to ask about the delay.

Can I use my known traveler number before I receive my physical card?

Yes. Your known traveler number is active as soon as your status shows "approved" online. You can use it when ready when booking flights and at airport security. You do not need to wait for your physical TSA PreCheck card to arrive in the mail.

What if the status checker says my process receipt number is not found?

Double-check that you entered the number correctly — it is case-sensitive and should be exactly as it appears in your email. If you still cannot find it, try using your known traveler number instead. If neither number works, contact your vendor or the TSA to confirm your process was submitted.

Will my status change if I move to a different state?

No. Your TSA PreCheck status is not tied to your state of residence. You can move at any time without affecting your approval. Your known traveler number remains valid for five years from the date you were approved, regardless of where you live.