Your TSA KTN is in your airline account or confirmation email

Your TSA Known Traveler Number (KTN) is a nine-character code that TSA assigns when you enroll in PreCheck, Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI. The fastest way to find it is to log into your airline account and look at your frequent flyer profile — most airlines display it there once you've linked your PreCheck enrollment. If you enrolled through TSA directly, check the confirmation email TSA sent you after approval; the KTN appears in that message and stays the same for the life of your membership.

If you can't find the email, you can retrieve your KTN by logging into the TSA PreCheck or Global Entry website using the same credentials you used to enroll. Once you're logged in, your KTN will be visible on your account dashboard or in your membership details. Write it down or take a screenshot — you'll need it when you book flights or update your airline profiles.

Key Takeaways

  • Your KTN appears in the confirmation email TSA sent after your PreCheck, Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI enrollment was approved.
  • Log into your airline frequent flyer account and check your profile settings to find the KTN linked to your membership.
  • You can also retrieve your KTN by logging into the TSA PreCheck or Global Entry website with your enrollment credentials.
  • Once you have your KTN, add it to every airline profile where you book flights so TSA can match it to your reservation.

Check your airline frequent flyer account first

Most people find their KTN fastest by logging into their airline account. Go to your frequent flyer profile — on most airlines this is labeled "Profile," "Account Settings," or "Preferences" — and look for a field labeled "Known Traveler Number," "TSA PreCheck," or "TSA ID." The KTN will be displayed there if you've already linked your PreCheck enrollment to that airline.

If you see the field but it's empty, you haven't yet added your KTN to that airline's system. You'll need to enter it manually. Different airlines have different interfaces, but the process is usually: find the TSA or PreCheck field in your profile, click "Add" or "Edit," and paste in your nine-character code. Once you save it, TSA can match your KTN to your ticket when you book.

Log into the TSA PreCheck website to retrieve it

If you don't see your KTN in your airline account, go directly to the source. Visit the TSA PreCheck enrollment website (tsa.gov/precheck) and log in with the username and password you created when you enrolled. Your KTN will be displayed on your account dashboard, usually labeled "Your TSA PreCheck Number" or "Known Traveler Number."

If you enrolled in Global Entry instead of PreCheck, use the Global Entry website (globalentry.cbp.dhs.gov) and log in with your enrollment credentials. Your KTN will appear in your membership details. NEXUS and SENTRI members should use their respective program websites. All four programs issue the same type of KTN, so the retrieval process is similar across all of them.

Check your enrollment confirmation email

When TSA approved your PreCheck or Global Entry enrollment, they sent you a confirmation email. That email contains your KTN in the body of the message or in an attached document. If you still have that email, search your inbox for "TSA PreCheck," "Global Entry," or "Known Traveler Number" and look for the message from TSA or the enrollment program you used.

If you deleted the email or can't find it, don't worry — you can retrieve the KTN through your account on the TSA or Global Entry website instead. The confirmation email is just a backup; your KTN is permanently stored in your enrollment account and won't change.

Add your KTN to every airline you fly with

Once you have your KTN, the next step is to add it to your profile with every airline you book with regularly. When you book a flight, most airlines ask if you have a KTN and give you a field to enter it. You can also add it to your frequent flyer profile in advance so it's already there when you book.

Adding your KTN to your airline profile tells TSA that the person with that KTN is the same person on the ticket. Without it, TSA won't know to explore your PreCheck benefits to your reservation, and you won't get expedited screening at the airport. If you book through a travel agent or third-party site, make sure to enter your KTN in the TSA field during checkout, not just in your airline profile.

What to do if you can't find your KTN

If you've checked your airline account, your TSA account, and your email and still can't locate your KTN, contact TSA directly. Call the TSA PreCheck customer service line at 855-347-8371 (available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern time) or use the contact form on the TSA PreCheck website. Have your enrollment confirmation number or the email address you used to enroll ready when you call.

If you enrolled in Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI instead, contact the respective program's customer service. Global Entry uses the same phone line as TSA PreCheck. NEXUS and SENTRI have their own customer service lines listed on their program websites. Customer service can confirm your enrollment status and provide your KTN if it's not showing up in your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I have PreCheck but don't remember my password to log into the TSA website?

Click "Forgot Password" on the TSA PreCheck login page and follow the reset instructions. TSA will send a password reset link to the email address associated with your account. If you don't have access to that email address anymore, contact TSA customer service at 855-347-8371 and they can help you regain access to your account.

Is my KTN the same as my PreCheck membership number?

No. Your KTN is the nine-character code you use when booking flights. Your membership number or confirmation number is different and refers to your enrollment record. Always use your KTN when booking or updating airline profiles — that's the code TSA matches to your ticket.

Do I need to add my KTN to my profile every time I book a flight?

No. Once you add your KTN to your airline frequent flyer profile, it stays there. When you book a flight with that airline, the KTN is automatically included in your reservation. You only need to add it once per airline, unless you change airlines or create a new account.

What if my KTN shows in my airline account but I'm not getting PreCheck benefits at the airport?

Make sure your PreCheck enrollment is still active — memberships expire after five years. Check the expiration date on the TSA PreCheck website. If it's expired, you'll need to renew. If it's still active, contact your airline's customer service to confirm the KTN is correctly linked to your ticket, or call TSA at 855-347-8371 to verify your enrollment status.