You can change your name on TSA PreCheck by submitting a new process and paying the renewal fee, even if your current membership hasn't expired

TSA PreCheck does not offer a straightforward name-change process. Instead, you must explore for a new membership under your correct legal name. This means paying the full renewal fee (currently $78 to $85 depending on your state) and going through the process process again, including an in-person appointment at an enrollment center. Your old membership will remain active until it expires, so you can use either card during the transition period.

The reason for this requirement is that TSA PreCheck is tied to your legal identity for security screening purposes. The system cannot straightforward update the name on an existing membership number—it requires a fresh background check and identity verification under your new legal name.

Key Takeaways

  • You must submit a new TSA PreCheck process under your legal name rather than modifying an existing membership.
  • The new process costs the standard renewal fee and requires an in-person appointment at a TSA enrollment center.
  • Your old TSA PreCheck card remains valid until its expiration date, so you can use either card while waiting for the new one.
  • Bring your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing your legal name change to your enrollment appointment.
  • Processing typically takes two to three weeks after your appointment, though this varies by location and current volume.

What documents you need for your enrollment appointment

Bring your current TSA PreCheck card or membership number so the enrollment agent can see your previous process. You will also need an original or certified copy of the document that shows your legal name change—this is usually a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. A certified copy means the document was issued by the court or government office and stamped as official; a photocopy you made at home will not work.

You will also need a valid government-issued photo ID that shows your new legal name. If your driver's license or passport has not yet been updated, bring both your old ID (with your previous name) and the court document or certificate proving the change. The enrollment agent will verify that your new name matches the legal document you bring.

Finding an enrollment center and scheduling your appointment

Go to the TSA PreCheck website and use the enrollment center locator to find the nearest location. Enter your city or zip code, and the tool will show all centers within a reasonable distance, along with their hours and whether they are currently accepting appointments. Some centers are at airports, some at passport acceptance facilities, and some at dedicated TSA offices.

Click on the center you choose and select "Schedule an Appointment." You will be asked to enter your current TSA PreCheck membership number or create a new account. The system will show available time slots for the next several weeks. Book a time that works for your schedule—there is no rush, since your old card remains valid. If all nearby centers are booked, check back in a few days, as new slots open regularly.

What happens at your in-person appointment

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early with all your documents. The enrollment agent will review your legal name change document and your government ID, then take a new digital photo and fingerprints. This is the same process you went through for your original TSA PreCheck membership. The appointment usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

You will pay the renewal fee at this time—currently $78 to $85 depending on your state. Some centers accept credit cards, debit cards, and cash; a few accept only certain payment methods, so check your center's details when you schedule. You will receive a receipt with a confirmation number. Keep this receipt; it proves you have an active process if anyone questions your status before your new card arrives.

Timeline for receiving your new card

After your appointment, TSA typically processes your process and mails your new card within two to three weeks. This timing can vary depending on how busy your local enrollment center is and whether TSA needs to request additional information from you. Check your email regularly—if TSA needs anything else, they will contact you at the email address you provided during your appointment.

Your new card will arrive by mail at the address you gave during your appointment. Once it arrives, you can use it when ready. Your old card will continue to work at airport security until its original expiration date, so you do not need to destroy it or do anything special with it. Some travelers keep both cards in their wallet during the transition period for backup.

If you changed your name but have not updated your ID yet

You can still attend your TSA PreCheck appointment even if your driver's license or passport still shows your old name. Bring both your old ID and the official document proving your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The TSA enrollment agent will accept this combination as proof of your legal name change.

However, you should update your government ID as soon as possible after your TSA PreCheck appointment. When you fly, your boarding pass name must match your ID name, so if your ID still shows your old name, your boarding pass will too. TSA PreCheck will be under your new name, but your ID will be under your old name, which can create confusion at the airport. Contact your state's DMV or your country's passport office to update your ID before your next flight.

What to do if you have already paid for a new membership

If you submitted a new TSA PreCheck process and paid the fee before reading this article, you do not need to do anything. Your process will proceed normally. When you attend your appointment, tell the enrollment agent that you are explore for a new membership due to a legal name change. They will process it as a standard new process, and you will receive a new membership number and card.

You will have two active TSA PreCheck memberships for a period of time—your old one under your previous name and your new one under your current name. This is fine; you can use whichever card you have with you when you travel. When your old membership expires, you can straightforward let it lapse. There is no penalty for having two active memberships at once.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my old TSA PreCheck card while I wait for the new one?

Yes. Your old card remains valid until its expiration date. You can use it at airport security checkpoints during the entire time you are waiting for your new card to arrive. Once your new card arrives, you can switch to using that one, or continue using your old card if you prefer—both will work.

What if I lost my marriage certificate or divorce decree?

Contact the court or government office that issued the document and request a certified copy. For a marriage certificate, this is usually the county clerk's office or vital records office in the state where you were married. For a divorce decree, contact the court that handled your divorce. Certified copies typically cost $10 to $25 and take one to two weeks to arrive by mail. You can often request them online or by phone.

Do I have to pay the full renewal fee, or is there a discount for a name change?

You pay the standard renewal fee. TSA does not offer a reduced rate for name changes. The current fee is $78 to $85 depending on your state. Some states charge slightly more or less, so check your enrollment center's details when you schedule your appointment.

What if my new name is not yet on my driver's license?

Bring both your current driver's license (with your old name) and the official document proving your name change. The TSA enrollment agent will accept this as proof of your legal name change and will process your process under your new name. You should update your driver's license separately through your state's DMV before your next flight.

How long does the whole process take from start to finish?

Scheduling your appointment can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks depending on how booked your local enrollment center is. Your in-person appointment takes about 15 minutes. Processing and mailing your new card typically takes two to three weeks. In total, plan for four to six weeks from the time you schedule your appointment to the time your new card arrives.