Where to find your TSA PreCheck number online

Your TSA PreCheck number is in your account on the TSA's official website. Go to tsa.gov, click "Manage Benefits" in the top navigation, and sign in with your credentials. Once logged in, your Known Traveler Number (KTN)—which is your TSA PreCheck number—appears on your account dashboard. Write it down or take a screenshot, because you'll need it when you book flights.

If you don't remember your login information, use the "Forgot Password" link on the sign-in page. The TSA will send a reset link to the email address associated with your account. If you can't access that email, you can also call the TSA at 1-855-347-8371 during business hours to verify your identity and have your number read to you over the phone.

Key Takeaways

  • Your TSA PreCheck number is your Known Traveler Number (KTN), found by logging into your account at tsa.gov under "Manage Benefits."
  • If you forget your login password, use the "Forgot Password" link or call the TSA at 1-855-347-8371 to retrieve it.
  • You can also find your number on your TSA PreCheck card or in confirmation emails sent when you enrolled.
  • Airlines need your KTN at booking time, so enter it in the "Known Traveler Number" field when you purchase your ticket.

Check your TSA PreCheck card or enrollment confirmation

If you have your physical TSA PreCheck card, your Known Traveler Number is printed on the front of it, usually in the upper right corner. The number is typically 10 digits long and begins with letters or numbers depending on your enrollment year.

You should also have received a confirmation email when you completed your TSA PreCheck enrollment. Search your email inbox for messages from TSA or the enrollment center where you applied (usually Idemia, Tsa PreCheck, or Clear). These emails contain your KTN and other enrollment details. If you can't find the email, check your spam or trash folders first.

What to do if you can't locate your number

Call the TSA at 1-855-347-8371 and have your identification ready. The TSA customer service team can look up your account using your name, date of birth, and the email address you used when you enrolled. They'll provide your Known Traveler Number over the phone. Wait times vary, but calling early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter holds.

You can also visit a TSA PreCheck enrollment center in person if you need when ready help. These are located at airports and other locations across the country. A staff member can print your number for you on the spot. Find the nearest center by searching your city on tsa.gov.

How to enter your number when booking a flight

When you purchase an airline ticket online or by phone, the booking system will ask for your Known Traveler Number. Look for a field labeled "Known Traveler Number," "KTN," or "TSA PreCheck Number." Enter your 10-digit number exactly as it appears on your card or in your TSA account. Do not add spaces or dashes unless the form specifically requires them.

If you book through a travel agent or third-party website, make sure the agent enters your KTN into the airline's system. Some booking sites don't automatically transfer this information, so confirm it was added before you complete your purchase. You can also add your KTN to your airline frequent flyer profile so it's saved for future bookings.

Your number expires—here's when to renew

TSA PreCheck membership lasts five years from the date you were approved. Your expiration date is shown in your TSA account and on your physical card. About 90 days before it expires, the TSA will send you a renewal notice to the email address on file. You can renew online through tsa.gov or at an enrollment center.

If your membership has already expired, your Known Traveler Number is no longer valid for TSA PreCheck benefits at security checkpoints. You'll need to renew before your next flight if you want to use the expedited screening lane. The renewal process is faster than the initial enrollment and usually costs less.

Troubleshooting: Your number isn't working at the airport

If you entered your KTN at booking but the TSA PreCheck indicator doesn't appear on your boarding pass, contact your airline before you go to the airport. Sometimes the number doesn't transfer correctly between booking systems. The airline can manually add it to your reservation. Check your boarding pass at home or on your airline app to confirm the TSA PreCheck indicator is there before you arrive.

At the security checkpoint, show your boarding pass and ID to the TSA officer. If your PreCheck status still doesn't appear, tell the officer you enrolled and provide your membership card or your Known Traveler Number. The officer can look it up manually, though this may take a few extra minutes. If your membership has expired, you won't be able to use the PreCheck lane that day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I lost my TSA PreCheck card?

You don't need the physical card to use TSA PreCheck—your Known Traveler Number is what matters. As long as you enter your KTN when you book your flight, you can go through the PreCheck lane at security. You can order a replacement card through your TSA account for a fee, but it's not required for airport screening.

Can I use someone else's TSA PreCheck number?

No. Your Known Traveler Number is tied to your identity and can only be used by you. The TSA verifies your information at the checkpoint, so using someone else's number will cause problems and may result in additional screening or other consequences.

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

No, they are different. Your Known Traveler Number is issued by the TSA, while your frequent flyer number is issued by the airline. You need to enter both when you book a flight—the KTN in the TSA PreCheck field and your frequent flyer number in the airline's loyalty program field.

What if I enrolled but never received a card?

Log into your TSA account to confirm your enrollment was approved. If it shows approved, your Known Traveler Number is active even without the physical card. You can use it when ready at the airport by providing your number to the TSA officer. Order a replacement card through your account if you want the physical version.