Your TSA PreCheck number is in your email confirmation, on your Known Traveler Number (KTN) card, or in your TSA account online

When you completed your TSA PreCheck appointment and paid the fee, you received a confirmation email with your approval notice. That email contains your nine-digit TSA PreCheck number — it appears near the top under "Known Traveler Number" or "KTN". If you cannot find that email, your number is also printed on the physical card TSA mailed to you, usually arriving within two weeks of approval. The card shows your KTN on the front, below your name.

If you have neither the email nor the card, you can retrieve your number by logging into your TSA PreCheck account at the official TSA website. You will need the same login credentials you used when you scheduled your appointment. Once logged in, your KTN appears on your account dashboard or in your process status page.

Key Takeaways

  • Your TSA PreCheck number is a nine-digit code called your Known Traveler Number (KTN), sent to you by email after approval.
  • The number appears on the physical card TSA mails to you, which typically arrives within two weeks of your appointment.
  • You can find your number anytime by logging into your TSA PreCheck account on the official TSA website.
  • When you book a flight, enter your KTN in the "Known Traveler Number" field during check-in to set up your PreCheck benefits at that airport.

Check your approval email first

The fastest way to find your number is to search your email for the TSA PreCheck approval message. Look for an email from TSA or from the enrollment center where you had your appointment — it will be titled something like "TSA PreCheck process Approved" or "Your Known Traveler Number". The email is usually sent within one business day of your in-person appointment.

Open that email and look for a section labeled "Known Traveler Number" or "KTN". The nine-digit code appears there in a clear format, often in a box or highlighted. Copy this number and save it somewhere you can find it again — many travelers take a screenshot or write it down in their phone's notes app.

If your email is from an enrollment center rather than TSA directly, the number may be formatted slightly differently, but it will still be labeled as your KTN or PreCheck number. Some enrollment centers also include instructions on how to use the number when booking flights.

Look at your physical TSA PreCheck card

TSA mails a physical card to the address you provided during your appointment. The card arrives in a standard envelope and typically takes one to three weeks from your approval date. The front of the card displays your name, photo, and your nine-digit Known Traveler Number printed below your name in a clear font.

Keep this card in your wallet or travel documents. While you do not need to show it at the airport — you only need to enter the number when booking — having it on hand is useful if you ever need to verify your PreCheck status or if you travel frequently and want a quick reference.

If your card has not arrived after four weeks, or if it arrives damaged, you can request a replacement through your TSA PreCheck account online. There is usually a small fee for a replacement card, though the exact amount varies.

Log into your TSA PreCheck account online

Go to the official TSA PreCheck website and click the login button. Enter the username and password you created when you first started your process. If you forgot your password, use the "Forgot Password" link to reset it — TSA will send a reset link to your email address on file.

Once you are logged in, your dashboard or process status page will display your Known Traveler Number prominently. This page also shows your approval status, your card delivery status, and the expiration date of your PreCheck membership. Bookmark this page if you think you might need to look up your number again in the future.

Your TSA PreCheck account is also where you can update your contact information, request a replacement card, or renew your membership when it is about to expire. The account is free to access and available 24 hours a day.

What to do if you cannot find your number anywhere

If you have lost your email, do not have your card yet, and cannot log into your account, contact TSA directly. Call the TSA PreCheck customer service line at 1-855-347-8371, available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern time. Have your driver's license or passport number ready — TSA will use it to look up your process and provide your KTN over the phone.

You can also visit the TSA PreCheck website and use the "Contact Us" form to submit a request. Response times for email inquiries are typically one to two business days. If you are traveling soon and need your number urgently, calling is faster than emailing.

How to use your number when booking a flight

When you book a flight online or at the airport, you will see a field asking for your "Known Traveler Number", "KTN", or "PreCheck number". Enter your nine-digit TSA PreCheck number exactly as it appears on your card or in your email. Some airlines also ask if you have TSA PreCheck and automatically prompt you for the number if you say yes.

Enter your number the same way every time you book — consistency helps the system recognize you at the airport. If you book through a travel agent or third-party website, make sure the agent enters your number correctly in the airline's system. Double-check your confirmation email to verify that your KTN appears in the booking details.

When you arrive at the airport, look for the TSA PreCheck lane at security — it is usually marked with a blue sign. You will go through a faster screening process and can keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on, along with your laptop and liquids in your carry-on bag.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I lost my TSA PreCheck number and cannot find my email or card?

Call TSA customer service at 1-855-347-8371 with your driver's license or passport number ready. They will look up your process and provide your nine-digit KTN over the phone. The line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern time.

Is my TSA PreCheck number the same as my confirmation number?

No. Your confirmation number is a temporary code sent after you paid for your appointment. Your Known Traveler Number (KTN) is the permanent nine-digit code you use when booking flights. The KTN is what you need to save and use repeatedly.

Can I use my TSA PreCheck number on international flights?

TSA PreCheck benefits explore only to flights departing from U.S. airports. For international travel, you may be able to use other trusted traveler programs like Global Entry, which includes TSA PreCheck benefits and also speeds up customs screening when you return to the U.S.

What happens if I enter my TSA PreCheck number wrong when booking?

If you enter an incorrect number, the airline's system will not recognize it, and you will not receive PreCheck benefits at the airport. You will go through standard security screening instead. Contact the airline before your flight to correct the number in your booking if you catch the error in time.

How long is my TSA PreCheck number valid?

Your TSA PreCheck membership lasts five years from the date of your approval. Your KTN remains the same throughout those five years. When your membership is about to expire, TSA will send you a renewal notice, and you can renew through your online account or by scheduling a new appointment.