How to learn about you have TSA PreCheck

The fastest way to check is to log into your TSA PreCheck account at universalenroll.dhs.gov using the same email address you used when you enrolled. If you see your Known Traveler Number (KTN) and an approval status, you have active TSA PreCheck. If you cannot log in or see no account, you either have not enrolled yet or your enrollment did not go through.

You can also call the TSA PreCheck program directly at 855-347-8371 to confirm your status by phone. Have your driver's license or passport number ready. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern time, and Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time.

If you enrolled at an enrollment center, you should have received a confirmation email with your KTN within a few days. Check your email (including spam folders) for a message from TSA PreCheck. The email will say "Your TSA PreCheck process Has Been Approved" and will include your Known Traveler Number.

Key Takeaways

  • Log into universalenroll.dhs.gov with your enrollment email to see your Known Traveler Number and approval status when ready.
  • Your Known Traveler Number is a nine-digit code that proves you have TSA PreCheck; you need it to add PreCheck benefits to airline reservations.
  • If you enrolled at a TSA enrollment center, check your email for a confirmation message with your KTN within a few days of approval.
  • Call 855-347-8371 during business hours if you cannot access your online account or did not receive a confirmation email.

What your Known Traveler Number looks like

Your Known Traveler Number (KTN) is a nine-digit code that starts with numbers or letters. It appears in your TSA PreCheck approval email and in your online account. The number is unique to you and proves to the airline and TSA that you have paid for and been approved for PreCheck benefits.

When you book a flight, you enter this number in the "Known Traveler Number" field during reservation. Some airlines call this field "TSA PreCheck" or "Trusted Traveler Program." If you do not enter your KTN at booking, you will not get PreCheck screening even if you have an active membership.

Checking your approval status online

Go to universalenroll.dhs.gov and click "Sign In" in the top right corner. Enter the email address you used when you enrolled and your password. If you forgot your password, click "Forgot Password" and follow the reset link sent to your email.

Once you are logged in, your dashboard will show your process status. If it says "Approved," you have active TSA PreCheck. The page will also display your Known Traveler Number, your approval date, and your expiration date. TSA PreCheck is valid for five years from the approval date.

If your status shows "Pending," your process is still being reviewed. This can take up to two weeks from your enrollment appointment. If it shows "Denied," you will see a reason on the same page. You can contact TSA PreCheck customer service to ask about next steps.

What to do if you cannot find your account

If you cannot log into universalenroll.dhs.gov, first check that you are using the correct email address — the one you provided at your enrollment appointment. If you are not sure which email you used, try the main email addresses you have used in the past five years.

If you still cannot access your account, call 855-347-8371 and provide your driver's license or passport number. A representative can look up your account and tell you your status and KTN over the phone. They can also reset your password or help you create a new account if your original enrollment did not process.

If you enrolled more than two weeks ago and your status still shows "Pending," call the same number. Sometimes applications get stuck in the system and a representative can move them forward.

Understanding your approval email

Your TSA PreCheck approval email comes from the TSA and includes your Known Traveler Number, your approval date, and instructions on how to use your KTN with airlines. The email also tells you when your membership expires — usually five years from the approval date.

Save this email or take a screenshot of it. You do not need to print it or show it to anyone, but having the email handy makes it straightforward to find your KTN if you need it later. Some people forward the email to themselves or save it in a notes app on their phone.

If you did not receive an approval email within a few days of your enrollment appointment, check your spam and promotions folders. If it is not there, log into your online account at universalenroll.dhs.gov to find your KTN instead.

What happens if your PreCheck expires

TSA PreCheck memberships last five years. Your approval email and your online account both show your expiration date. If you want to keep PreCheck benefits after that date, you must renew before it expires.

You can renew online at universalenroll.dhs.gov starting 180 days before your expiration date. Renewal costs less than a new enrollment and usually takes only a few days. If you let your membership expire, you will lose your KTN and will have to go through the full enrollment process again to get a new one.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between my confirmation number and my Known Traveler Number?

Your confirmation number is a temporary code you receive when you schedule your enrollment appointment. Your Known Traveler Number is the permanent nine-digit code you get after you are approved. You use your KTN with airlines, not your confirmation number.

Can I use someone else's Known Traveler Number?

No. Your KTN is tied to your identity and your background check. Using someone else's number is fraud and can result in criminal charges. Each person who wants TSA PreCheck benefits must enroll separately and pay the enrollment fee.

What if my approval email says I need to do something else?

Some applicants are asked to provide additional documents or attend an in-person interview. If your email says this, follow the instructions in the email and contact the enrollment center listed. Do not ignore these requests — your approval depends on completing them.

Does TSA PreCheck show up on my airline ticket?

No, but it shows up in your airline reservation if you entered your KTN correctly at booking. When you check in, your boarding pass will print with a TSA PreCheck indicator (usually a checkmark or the words "TSA Pre"). This tells TSA screeners that you are may be able to access for expedited screening.

Can I check my status from outside the United States?

Yes. The universalenroll.dhs.gov website is accessible from anywhere. You can log in and check your status, renewal dates, and KTN from any country. You can also call 855-347-8371 from outside the U.S., though international calling rates may explore.