Your TSA PreCheck number is in your confirmation email or on the TSA website using your process ID

When you completed your TSA PreCheck process, you received a confirmation email with an process ID number. That same email or a follow-up message will contain your actual TSA PreCheck number once your background check cleared and your membership was approved. If you cannot find the email, you can log into the TSA PreCheck website, enter your process ID and date of birth, and retrieve your number there. Your number is also printed on your physical membership card if you requested one.

The TSA PreCheck number is a nine-digit code that you enter when booking flights. It appears in your airline reservation under "Known Traveler Number" or KTN. You will need this number to get TSA PreCheck screening at airport security lines, so keeping it accessible is worth the small effort of finding it now.

Key Takeaways

  • Your TSA PreCheck number was sent by email when your process was approved, usually in the subject line or body of the confirmation message.
  • If you cannot locate the email, visit the TSA PreCheck website and log in with your process ID and date of birth to view your number.
  • Your nine-digit TSA PreCheck number must be entered in your airline reservation to receive expedited screening at security.
  • The number is also printed on your physical membership card if you chose to receive one by mail.

Checking your email for the confirmation message

Start by searching your email inbox for messages from TSA or from the enrollment center where you completed your in-person appointment. The confirmation email typically arrives within a few days of your background check being cleared. Search for keywords like "TSA PreCheck", "Known Traveler Number", or "approval" to narrow the results.

Check your spam or promotions folder if nothing appears in your inbox. Government emails sometimes land there by mistake. If you signed up using a work email address that you no longer use, you may need to access that old account or contact the enrollment center directly to request a resend.

Retrieving your number from the TSA PreCheck website

Go to the official TSA PreCheck website at tsa.gov/precheck. Look for a link that says "Check process Status" or "View Your process". You will need your process ID (a number you received when you first submitted your process online) and your date of birth.

Once you log in, your approval status will display along with your TSA PreCheck number. Write it down or take a screenshot so you have it handy when you book flights. The website also shows your membership expiration date — TSA PreCheck is valid for five years from the date you were approved.

What to do if you cannot find your process ID

Your process ID was sent to you by email when you first submitted your TSA PreCheck process online, before your in-person appointment. If you cannot find that original email, search your inbox for messages from the enrollment center or TSA with the subject line containing "process" or "confirmation".

If the search does not work, contact the enrollment center where you had your appointment. They can look up your process using your name, date of birth, and the date of your appointment. You can find the phone number for your local enrollment center on the TSA PreCheck website under "Locations".

Using your number when you book a flight

When you purchase a plane ticket online or through a travel agent, you will see a field for "Known Traveler Number" or "KTN". Enter your nine-digit TSA PreCheck number there. Some airlines call this field "Frequent Traveler Number" or ask for it under a different name, but it is always the same field.

If you add your number to your airline frequent flyer profile, it will auto-populate on future bookings with that airline. This saves you from typing it in each time. Double-check that the number appears on your boarding pass before you go to the airport — if it does not show up, you will not receive TSA PreCheck screening even if you have an active membership.

If your membership card never arrived

The TSA PreCheck program does not require a physical card to use your membership. Your nine-digit number is all you need. However, some people request a card for their wallet as a backup or for reference.

If you paid for a card and it has not arrived within 30 days of your approval, contact the enrollment center. Cards are mailed by standard mail and can take several weeks. In the meantime, you can use your number when ready — do not wait for the card to arrive before booking flights with your TSA PreCheck number.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I have an old TSA PreCheck number from a previous membership?

If your previous TSA PreCheck membership expired, you will have a new number when you renew. Do not use the old number — enter your new nine-digit number in your airline reservations. The TSA website will show you which number is currently active on your account.

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

Yes. The card is optional and not required to use TSA PreCheck. Your nine-digit number is the only thing you need to enter in your airline reservation to receive expedited screening at security checkpoints.

Where exactly do I enter my TSA PreCheck number when booking a flight?

During checkout, look for a field labeled "Known Traveler Number", "KTN", or "Frequent Traveler Number". It is usually near the passenger name and date of birth fields. If you cannot find it, call the airline or check their website help section — the location varies slightly by airline.

What if my TSA PreCheck number is not showing up on my boarding pass?

Contact your airline before you go to the airport. The number may not have been entered correctly, or the airline system may not have processed it. The airline can reissue your boarding pass with the correct information, or you can check in at the airport and ask the agent to add it manually.