Your TSA PreCheck number is in your Known Traveler Number (KTN) email, on your membership card, or in the TSA PreCheck website using your login

When you complete TSA PreCheck, the Transportation Security Administration sends you a confirmation email with your Known Traveler Number (KTN)—that nine-character code is your TSA PreCheck number. If you have the physical membership card that arrived in the mail, the number is printed on the front. If you've lost both, you can retrieve it by logging into your TSA PreCheck account on the official TSA website.

The most common place people find it is in that first confirmation email. Check your email inbox and spam folder for a message from TSA with the subject line containing "Known Traveler Number" or "KTN." That email arrives within a few days of your background check approval.

Key Takeaways

  • Your TSA PreCheck number is your nine-character Known Traveler Number (KTN), sent to you by email after approval.
  • The number appears on your physical TSA PreCheck membership card if you have it available.
  • You can log into your TSA PreCheck account on the official TSA website to view your KTN if you've misplaced the email or card.
  • When booking flights, enter your KTN in the "Known Traveler Number" field during reservation to receive TSA PreCheck screening benefits.

Check your confirmation email first

The TSA sends your Known Traveler Number by email as soon as your background check is complete and approved. Search your email for messages from TSA or look for keywords like "Known Traveler Number," "KTN," or "TSA PreCheck approved." The email typically arrives within three to five business days of approval, though timing varies.

If you cannot find the email, check your spam or promotions folder—some email providers filter TSA messages there. If you still cannot locate it, do not worry; you have other ways to retrieve the number.

Look at your physical membership card

TSA mails a physical membership card to the address you provided during enrollment. The card is credit-card sized and displays your KTN prominently on the front, along with your name and the card's expiration date. The number is typically a nine-character code starting with letters or numbers.

If you have the card but cannot read the number clearly, hold it under good lighting or take a photo. The KTN is always in the same location on the card, making it straightforward to spot once you know what you are looking for.

Log into your TSA PreCheck account online

Visit the official TSA PreCheck website at tsa.gov/precheck and select the option to sign in or manage your account. You will need the email address and password you created when you enrolled. Once logged in, your account dashboard displays your Known Traveler Number.

This method works even if your card has not arrived yet or if you enrolled years ago and no longer have the original email. The TSA website keeps your account information current and accessible at any time.

What to do if you cannot find your number anywhere

If you have tried the email, card, and website login without success, contact the TSA directly. You can reach the TSA PreCheck customer service line at 1-855-347-8371. Have your driver's license or passport number ready when you call—the TSA will verify your identity and provide your KTN over the phone.

You can also visit a TSA PreCheck enrollment center in person if one operates near you. Staff there can look up your account and provide your number when ready. The TSA website has a locator tool to find enrollment centers by zip code.

How to use your TSA PreCheck number when booking

When you purchase a plane ticket, the airline's booking system includes a field labeled "Known Traveler Number" or "KTN." Enter your nine-character TSA PreCheck number there. This tells the TSA that you are enrolled and may be able to access for expedited screening at security checkpoints.

Enter the number the same way every time you book—do not add spaces or dashes unless the field prompts you to. If you book through a travel website or app, look for the same field in the passenger details section. Some airlines also let you save your KTN to your frequent flyer profile so it fills in automatically on future bookings.

Why your number matters and when you need it

Your TSA PreCheck number is what the TSA uses to match you against their approved enrollment database at airport security. Without it entered on your ticket, the screening officer has no way to know you are enrolled, and you will go through standard security screening instead of the faster PreCheck lane.

You need the number every time you fly, even on domestic flights within the United States. International flights departing from U.S. airports also require it. The number stays the same for the entire five-year validity period of your membership, so once you have it, you can use it for every flight during that time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I entered my TSA PreCheck number wrong on my ticket?

Contact your airline as soon as you notice the error. Most airlines can correct the KTN in your reservation before you check in. If you are already at the airport, go to the airline counter or TSA PreCheck enrollment desk and explain the mistake—they can often fix it before you reach security.

Is my TSA PreCheck number the same as my frequent flyer number?

No. Your Known Traveler Number is separate from any airline frequent flyer number. You enter both during booking—the KTN goes in the "Known Traveler Number" field, and your frequent flyer number goes in a different field. Both are useful, but they serve different purposes.

Can I use someone else's TSA PreCheck number?

No. Your KTN is tied to your identity and background check. Using someone else's number is fraud and can result in serious legal consequences. Each person must enroll separately and receive their own unique number.

How long does it take to get my TSA PreCheck number after I enroll?

The TSA typically sends your Known Traveler Number by email within three to five business days after your background check is approved. Your physical card arrives by mail within two to three weeks. You can start using your KTN as soon as you receive the email—you do not have to wait for the card.

What if my TSA PreCheck membership expired?

Your KTN stops working once your membership expires. You will need to renew your TSA PreCheck enrollment to receive a new number. The renewal process is shorter than the initial enrollment and can often be done online.