Your TSA PreCheck number arrives by mail after your background check clears

Once the Transportation Security Administration approves your TSA PreCheck process, they mail your Known Traveler Number (KTN) — your TSA PreCheck number — to the address you provided during enrollment. This number is printed on a physical card that typically arrives within two to three weeks of approval. You do not receive it by email or text, and there is no online portal where you can view it before the card arrives.

If you have not received your card yet, the first step is to check your process status on the TSA PreCheck website using your process receipt number. This receipt was emailed to you when you submitted your initial process. The status page will tell you whether your background check is still pending, approved, or if there is a problem that requires your attention.

Your TSA PreCheck number is nine digits long and begins with a letter. You will need this number to add TSA PreCheck to your airline reservations, so keep the card in a safe place once it arrives.

Key Takeaways

  • Your TSA PreCheck number arrives by mail on a physical card two to three weeks after your background check is approved.
  • You can check whether your process has been approved by visiting the TSA PreCheck website and entering your process receipt number.
  • The number is nine digits long and starts with a letter; you will need it to add TSA PreCheck to airline bookings.
  • If your card does not arrive within four weeks of approval, contact the TSA PreCheck customer service line at 855-347-8371.

How to check your process status online

Go to the TSA PreCheck website at precheck.tsa.dhs.gov and click "Check process Status." You will need your process receipt number, which was sent to your email when you completed your initial process. Enter that number and your date of birth, and the system will show you where your process stands.

The status page displays one of four outcomes: your process is still under review, your process has been approved, you have been conditionally approved (meaning you need to complete an in-person appointment), or your process was denied. If you see "approved," your card is on its way or has already been delivered. If the status says "conditionally approved," you still need to visit an enrollment center to complete your background check in person before you receive your number.

What to do if your card has not arrived

If your process status shows approved but you have not received your card within four weeks, contact TSA PreCheck customer service at 855-347-8371. Have your process receipt number ready when you call. The representative can confirm that your card was mailed and provide you with tracking information if available.

In some cases, cards are returned to TSA if the address on file is incorrect or if mail delivery failed. The customer service line can tell you whether this happened and help you update your mailing address so a replacement card can be sent.

Using your TSA PreCheck number before your card arrives

You do not have to wait for your physical card to start using your TSA PreCheck number. Once your process status shows approved, you can add your nine-digit Known Traveler Number to your airline reservations when ready. When you book a flight, look for a field labeled "Known Traveler Number," "KTN," or "TSA PreCheck" and enter your number there.

If you do not have your number yet but your process is approved, you can call the TSA PreCheck customer service line and they will provide it to you over the phone. Write it down and use it for your reservations right away. The TSA will recognize the number at the airport even if your physical card has not arrived.

Adding your number to existing reservations

If you booked a flight before your TSA PreCheck was approved, you can add your number to that reservation after approval. Log into your airline account, find the reservation, and look for an option to add or update your Known Traveler Number. Most airlines allow you to make this change online up to 24 hours before departure.

If you cannot add it online, call the airline directly with your confirmation number and TSA PreCheck number ready. They can add it to your reservation over the phone. Adding your number before you arrive at the airport ensures the TSA sees it and routes you to the PreCheck lane.

What happens if you lose your card

If your physical card is lost or damaged, you do not need to reapply for TSA PreCheck. Your approval and number remain valid for five years from the date of approval. You can request a replacement card by contacting TSA PreCheck customer service at 855-347-8371 or by visiting the TSA PreCheck website and submitting a replacement request through your account.

There is a fee for a replacement card, typically around $85, though this varies. In the meantime, you can continue to use your TSA PreCheck number at the airport by providing it to the TSA officer at the checkpoint, even without the physical card in hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my TSA PreCheck number before my card arrives?

Yes. Once your process status shows approved, you can add your nine-digit Known Traveler Number to airline reservations and use it at the airport when ready. You do not need to wait for the physical card.

What if I never received my TSA PreCheck card?

Check your process status on the TSA PreCheck website first. If it shows approved and more than four weeks have passed, call 855-347-8371 with your process receipt number. The TSA can confirm whether your card was mailed and help you request a replacement if needed.

Where do I find my TSA PreCheck number if I cannot find my card?

Call TSA PreCheck customer service at 855-347-8371 and provide your process receipt number and date of birth. They will give you your nine-digit number over the phone. You can also check your email for the approval notice, which sometimes includes the number.

How long is my TSA PreCheck number valid?

Your TSA PreCheck approval and number are valid for five years from the date your process was approved. You will need to renew before that date expires if you want to continue using TSA PreCheck.

Can I add my TSA PreCheck number to a flight I already booked?

Yes. Log into your airline account, find the reservation, and add your Known Traveler Number in the appropriate field. Most airlines allow this change up to 24 hours before departure. If you cannot do it online, call the airline with your confirmation number.