Where to find your TSA Known Traveler Number

Your TSA Known Traveler Number (KTN) is a nine-character code assigned to you when you enroll in TSA PreCheck or another trusted traveler program. You can find it in several places depending on how you enrolled and what documents you have on hand.

The fastest place to look is your email inbox. When TSA approved your enrollment, they sent a confirmation email with your KTN clearly displayed. Search your email for messages from TSA or the enrollment provider you used — check your spam folder if you cannot find it in your main inbox.

If you cannot locate that email, log into the official TSA PreCheck website at universalenvelope.tsa.dhs.gov using your enrollment number and date of birth. Your KTN will appear in your account dashboard under your profile information. You will need the enrollment number from your approval letter or confirmation email to log in.

Key Takeaways

  • Your TSA KTN is a nine-character code sent to you by email when your trusted traveler program was approved.
  • The TSA PreCheck website at universalenvelope.tsa.dhs.gov lets you retrieve your KTN by logging in with your enrollment number and date of birth.
  • Your KTN also appears on your TSA PreCheck card, printed on the front below your name.
  • When you book a flight, enter your KTN in the "Known Traveler Number" field during reservation to receive PreCheck benefits.

Check your TSA PreCheck card

If you received a physical TSA PreCheck card in the mail, your KTN is printed directly on the front of the card. Look below your name — the nine-character code is your Known Traveler Number. This is the easiest reference if you have the card in front of you.

The card is valid for five years from the date of issue. If your card has expired or you never received one, you can still retrieve your KTN through the TSA website or your confirmation email.

Log into your TSA account online

Visit universalenvelope.tsa.dhs.gov and select "Sign In" at the top of the page. You will need your enrollment number (found on your approval letter or confirmation email) and your date of birth to access your account.

Once logged in, your dashboard will display your profile information, including your KTN. This method works whether your card arrived or not, and whether you enrolled in TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, or another trusted traveler program.

If you forgot your enrollment number, you can request it through the same website by entering your name, date of birth, and email address. TSA will send you a password reset link and your enrollment details.

What to do if you cannot find your KTN

If you have searched your email, checked your card, and cannot log into the TSA website, contact TSA directly. Call the TSA PreCheck customer service line at 1-855-347-8371 (available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern time). Have your name, date of birth, and driver's license number ready.

You can also submit a question through the TSA website by selecting "Contact Us" and choosing your issue. Response times vary, but email inquiries typically receive replies within one to two business days.

If you enrolled through a third-party provider like Costco Travel or a bank, contact that provider first — they may have records of your KTN or can direct you to the right TSA contact.

How to use your KTN when booking flights

When you purchase an airline ticket online or through a travel agent, look for a field labeled "Known Traveler Number," "KTN," or "Trusted Traveler Program." Enter your nine-character TSA KTN exactly as it appears on your card or in your account.

Entering your KTN during booking tells the airline to flag your reservation for TSA PreCheck screening. At the airport, you will see a TSA PreCheck logo on your boarding pass if the number was successfully linked. This means you can go through expedited screening lanes and keep shoes, belts, and light jackets on.

If you forget to enter your KTN at booking, you can usually add it to your reservation through the airline's website or app before you check in. Some airlines also let you add it at the airport check-in counter, though this is less reliable.

Different programs and where to find their numbers

If you enrolled in Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI instead of TSA PreCheck, the same TSA website and phone number explore. All trusted traveler programs use the same enrollment system, and your Known Traveler Number works across all participating airlines and airports.

Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck benefits automatically, so your KTN covers both programs. NEXUS and SENTRI are land-border programs that also include TSA PreCheck, so you will have one KTN that works for all three.

Your KTN is the same whether you enrolled through the TSA website directly, through a partner like Costco, or through an airport enrollment center. The enrollment method does not change the number itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my TSA PreCheck number if I do not have my card yet?

Yes. Your KTN is valid as soon as your enrollment is approved, even if your physical card has not arrived. You can use it when ready when booking flights or at airport check-in. The card is a convenience, not a requirement.

What if I entered my KTN wrong when booking my flight?

Contact your airline before your flight to correct it. Most airlines let you update your reservation online through their website or app. If you cannot fix it before arrival, tell the TSA officer at the checkpoint that you are enrolled in PreCheck — they can manually verify your enrollment status.

Is my KTN the same as my enrollment number?

No. Your enrollment number is used to log into the TSA website and manage your account. Your KTN is the nine-character code you enter when booking flights. Both are on your approval letter, but they are different numbers.

Do I need to renew my KTN when my card expires?

You will need to renew your TSA PreCheck enrollment when your card expires (usually every five years), which will give you a new KTN. The old number will no longer work after expiration. The TSA website will prompt you to renew when your enrollment is within six months of expiring.

Can I share my KTN with family members?

No. Your KTN is personal to you and tied to your identity. Family members must enroll separately and receive their own KTN. Each person needs their own approved enrollment to receive PreCheck benefits.