You can change your name on TSA PreCheck through the TSA website or by phone, but the method depends on whether you've renewed your membership recently

If your legal name has changed since you enrolled in TSA PreCheck, you need to update it in the system before your next flight. The fastest way is to log into your TSA PreCheck account online at universalenroll.dhs.gov and update your profile yourself — this takes about five minutes and costs nothing. If you cannot access your account or prefer to speak with someone, you can call the TSA PreCheck customer service line at 1-855-347-8371 and request a name change over the phone.

The key difference is timing: if you update online, the change takes effect when ready in most cases. If you call, the agent will process it, but you should allow a few business days for the update to appear in the system before you travel. Either way, you do not need to pay a renewal fee or restart your membership — a name change is a free update to your existing account.

Key Takeaways

  • Log into your TSA PreCheck account at universalenroll.dhs.gov and edit your profile to change your name yourself in minutes.
  • If you cannot access your online account, call TSA PreCheck customer service at 1-855-347-8371 and ask an agent to update your name over the phone.
  • Name changes are free and do not require you to renew your membership or pay any additional fees.
  • After you update your name, make sure your airline ticket matches the name in the TSA system before you check in for your flight.
  • If your legal name changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the relevant document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) if you are asked to verify the change.

Updating Your Name Online Through the TSA Website

Go to universalenroll.dhs.gov and sign in with the same username and password you used when you first enrolled. Once you are logged in, look for a link or button labeled "Update Profile" or "Edit Account Information" — the exact wording varies slightly depending on when your account was created, but it is always in the account settings area.

Click on the name field and replace your old legal name with your new one. Type it exactly as it appears on your current government-issued ID — driver's license, passport, or state ID. Do not use nicknames or abbreviations. After you enter the new name, scroll down and click "Save" or "Submit." The system will confirm the change when ready, and your TSA PreCheck number remains the same.

Your updated name should appear in the TSA database within a few minutes to a few hours. Before you book your next flight, log back in and confirm the name change went through. Then, when you purchase your airline ticket, make sure you enter your name exactly as it now appears in the TSA system.

Changing Your Name by Phone

If you do not remember your login credentials or prefer not to update online, call TSA PreCheck customer service at 1-855-347-8371. The 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. Have your TSA PreCheck number ready — it is on your Known Traveler Number (KTN) card or in your enrollment confirmation email.

Tell the agent you need to update your legal name on your account. They will ask you to verify your identity by providing your date of birth, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and possibly your driver's license number. Once verified, the agent will update your name in the system and give you a confirmation number. Write it down in case you need to reference the change later.

Allow two to three business days for the name change to sync across all TSA systems. If you are traveling within that window, contact your airline before you check in and let them know your TSA PreCheck name was just updated — they can usually flag your reservation to avoid a mismatch at security.

Making Sure Your Airline Ticket Matches Your TSA PreCheck Name

After you update your name in the TSA system, your airline ticket must match it exactly. When you book your flight, enter your name in the first and last name fields the same way it appears in your government ID and in your TSA PreCheck account. If the names do not match, the TSA agent at security may not recognize your PreCheck status, and you could be sent to the regular security line.

If you have already booked a ticket under your old name and you have updated your TSA PreCheck name, contact your airline when ready and ask them to change the name on your reservation. Most airlines allow name corrections for free if the change is minor (for example, a middle initial or a hyphenated last name). Provide your confirmation number and the new name, and ask the agent to confirm the change was made before your flight.

What to Do If You Cannot Access Your Account Online

If you forgot your password, click the "Forgot Password" link on the universalenroll.dhs.gov login page. You will be asked to enter your email address, and TSA will send you a password reset link. Check your email (including spam and promotions folders) and click the link to create a new password.

If you do not remember the email address you used to enroll, or if you cannot reset your password, call customer service at 1-855-347-8371 and explain the situation. The agent can look up your account using your TSA PreCheck number and help you regain access. They can also update your name over the phone while they have your account open.

Name Changes Due to Marriage, Divorce, or Legal Order

If your name changed because of marriage, divorce, or a court order, you do not need to provide proof when you update your TSA PreCheck account online — the system will accept the change. However, keep your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order in a safe place. If TSA ever questions the name change or if there is a discrepancy between your documents, you will need to show proof that the change was legal.

When you update your government ID (driver's license or passport) to reflect your new name, update your TSA PreCheck account at the same time. This keeps everything in sync and prevents confusion at the airport. If your ID still shows your old name but your TSA PreCheck shows your new name, the mismatch can cause problems at security.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay to change my name on TSA PreCheck?

No. Name changes are free and do not require you to renew your membership or pay any fees. You are straightforward updating your existing account information.

Will changing my name affect my TSA PreCheck number?

No. Your TSA PreCheck number and Known Traveler Number (KTN) stay the same. Only your name in the system changes.

How long does it take for a name change to show up in the TSA system?

If you update online, the change is usually when ready. If you call, allow two to three business days for the update to appear in all TSA databases. If you are traveling soon, call your airline to let them know about the recent change.

What if my airline ticket name does not match my updated TSA PreCheck name?

Contact your airline and ask them to correct the name on your reservation. Most airlines correct names for free if the change is minor. Bring your updated government ID to the airport as backup.

Can I change my name if my TSA PreCheck membership is expired?

Yes. You can update your name even if your membership has expired. However, you will need to renew your membership before you can use TSA PreCheck at the airport again.