You can change your name on TSA PreCheck through the official TSA website or by visiting an enrollment center in person

If your legal name has changed—through marriage, divorce, court order, or any other reason—you need to update it in your TSA PreCheck record before your next flight. The TSA will not match you to your PreCheck benefits if the name on your boarding pass does not match the name in their system. You have two routes: update it online through your TSA PreCheck account, or visit a local enrollment center with your new legal documents.

The online method is faster and requires no appointment. The in-person method takes longer but may be necessary if you cannot access your account or if the TSA asks you to verify documents in person.

Key Takeaways

  • Log into your TSA PreCheck account at universalenroll.dhs.gov, select "Update Profile," and change your legal name to match your current government ID.
  • You will need a valid government-issued ID showing your new name—a driver's license, passport, or state ID—before you start the process.
  • Online name changes usually take one to two business days to process, though the TSA may contact you if they need to verify your identity further.
  • If you cannot update online, you can visit any TSA PreCheck enrollment center with your old and new legal documents to change your name in person.
  • Your TSA PreCheck membership does not expire when you change your name; you keep the same Known Traveler Number (KTN) and benefits.

Updating Your Name Online Through Your TSA Account

Start by going to universalenroll.dhs.gov, the official TSA PreCheck enrollment website. Click "Sign In" and log in with the email address and password you used when you first enrolled. If you have forgotten your password, use the "Forgot Password" link to reset it.

Once you are logged in, look for the "Update Profile" or "Manage process" option. Click it and locate the field for your legal name. Delete your old name and type in your new legal name exactly as it appears on your current government-issued ID. Do not use nicknames or abbreviations. Save your changes.

After you submit the change, the TSA will send you a confirmation email. Your account will show a status of "Pending" or "Under Review" while the TSA processes the update. This usually takes one to two business days. You will receive another email when the change is complete and your account is active again.

What Documents You Need Before You Start

Have your current government-issued ID in front of you before you log in. The TSA accepts a valid U.S. passport, a state driver's license, a state ID card, or a military ID. The name on this document must match the name you are entering into your TSA PreCheck account.

If you do not yet have a government ID with your new name, you will need to obtain one before you can update your TSA PreCheck record. Contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to renew your driver's license or ID card, or explore for a passport through the U.S. State Department if you do not have one. These processes take several weeks, so plan ahead if you have an upcoming flight.

Changing Your Name at an Enrollment Center in Person

If you prefer to update your name face-to-face, or if you are having trouble with the online system, visit a TSA PreCheck enrollment center. You can find the nearest center by going to tsa.gov/precheck, clicking "Find an Enrollment Center," and entering your zip code. The map will show all centers near you, their hours, and whether they require an appointment.

Bring your current government-issued ID showing your new name and your old ID or a certified copy of your name-change document (such as a marriage certificate or court order). The enrollment agent will verify your identity, update your record on the spot, and you will walk out with your PreCheck benefits active. No appointment is required at most centers, but some do require one, so check before you go.

The in-person update is when ready—you do not have to wait for email confirmation. Your Known Traveler Number (KTN) remains the same, and you can use it on your next flight when ready after you leave the center.

What Happens to Your Known Traveler Number and Membership

Your Known Traveler Number (KTN) does not change when you update your name. This is the nine-digit number that airlines use to identify you as a TSA PreCheck member. When you change your name in the system, the TSA straightforward updates the name associated with that same KTN.

Your membership does not expire or reset. If your PreCheck membership was valid for five years from your enrollment date, that expiration date does not move. You keep all the same benefits—TSA PreCheck lanes at airport security, no need to remove shoes or light jackets, and no need to remove laptops or liquids from your carry-on bag.

When you book your next flight, make sure the name on your boarding pass matches the name now in your TSA PreCheck account. If you book before you have updated your account, contact the airline to change the name on your reservation to match your new legal name and your updated TSA record.

If the TSA Asks You to Verify Your Identity

Sometimes the TSA will contact you by email or phone after you submit a name change, asking you to verify your identity or provide additional documents. This happens when the system flags the change as unusual or when the TSA cannot confirm your new name through their databases. Do not ignore these requests—respond within the timeframe the TSA gives you, usually five to ten business days.

If you receive a call, verify that the caller is actually from the TSA by asking for their name and callback number, then hanging up and calling the TSA PreCheck customer service line at 1-855-347-8371 to confirm. Do not provide personal information to an unsolicited caller, even if they claim to be from the TSA.

If the TSA asks for documents, they will tell you exactly what they need—usually a copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order, plus a photo of your new government ID. Respond by uploading the documents through your account or by mailing them to the address the TSA provides. Once they receive and verify your documents, your name change will be finalized.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to change my name on TSA PreCheck?

Online changes usually take one to two business days. In-person changes at an enrollment center are when ready. If the TSA asks you to verify your identity, add five to ten business days for them to review your documents.

Can I change my name if my TSA PreCheck membership is about to expire?

Yes. Updating your name does not affect your expiration date. If your membership expires soon, you can renew it at the same time you change your name, either online or at an enrollment center.

What if I change my name but do not update my TSA PreCheck account before my flight?

You will not be able to use your PreCheck benefits because your boarding pass name will not match your TSA record. Contact your airline to change the name on your reservation to your old legal name, or update your TSA account and rebook your flight with your new name.

Do I need to pay a fee to change my name on TSA PreCheck?

No. Updating your name is free whether you do it online or at an enrollment center. You only pay a fee if you are renewing your membership after it expires.

Can I change my name if I have a pending TSA PreCheck process?

Contact TSA customer service at 1-855-347-8371 before you make any changes. If your process is still being processed, the TSA may ask you to update your name in the pending process rather than in an active account.