Change your name in your TSA PreCheck account through the official TSA website or by contacting the TSA directly

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. The TSA keeps your name on file to match against your ID when you travel, so a mismatch can cause delays or prevent you from using your PreCheck benefits at security.

You have two main routes: update your information online through your TSA account if you enrolled after 2016, or contact the TSA by phone or mail if you enrolled earlier or prefer not to use the online system. The process is straightforward and usually takes a few minutes, though processing the change can take up to two weeks.

Key Takeaways

  • Log into your TSA PreCheck account at tsa.gov/precheck and select "Update Profile" to change your name online if your account was created after 2016.
  • You will need to upload a copy of your legal name-change document—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order—to verify the change.
  • If you cannot update online, call the TSA at 1-855-347-8371 during business hours to request a name change by phone.
  • Your TSA PreCheck benefits remain active while your name change is being processed, so you can continue traveling with your current known traveler number.
  • Make sure your airline reservation and government ID match your updated TSA PreCheck name to avoid security delays.

Update your name online through your TSA account

If you created your TSA PreCheck account through the TSA website (rather than at an enrollment center), you can update your name yourself in minutes. Go to tsa.gov/precheck, sign in with your username and password, and look for the "Update Profile" or "Edit Profile" option. Click it and locate the name field.

Enter your new legal name exactly as it appears on your government ID—first name, middle name (if any), and last name. Do not use nicknames or abbreviations. You will then be asked to upload a document that proves your name change. Acceptable documents include a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or naturalization certificate. Take a clear photo or scan of the document and upload it as a PDF or image file.

After you submit the change, the TSA will review your document and update your record. This usually takes five to fourteen business days. You will receive an email confirmation once the change is complete. Your TSA PreCheck benefits do not expire during this time, so you can continue using your known traveler number at airport security.

Request a name change by phone or mail

If your account was created at an enrollment center before the online system was fully launched, or if you prefer to handle the change over the phone, call the TSA at 1-855-347-8371. Have your TSA known traveler number ready, along with your new legal name and the name-change document you plan to submit. The TSA representative will walk you through what they need and explain the next steps.

You can also mail your request to the TSA. Send a letter that includes your full name, TSA known traveler number, new legal name, and a copy of your name-change document to the address provided on the TSA website. Include a return address and allow three to four weeks for processing. Mailing is slower than calling or updating online, so use this method only if you cannot reach the TSA by phone or do not have online access.

Make sure your airline reservation matches your updated name

Once your TSA PreCheck name change is complete, update your airline reservations to match. Your airline ticket name must match your government ID, and your government ID should now reflect your legal name change. If these three do not align—your airline ticket, your ID, and your TSA PreCheck record—you may be stopped at security or denied boarding.

Contact each airline where you have upcoming reservations and ask them to update your name on file. Most airlines allow you to change your name online through your account or by calling their customer service. Do this as soon as your TSA PreCheck update is complete, ideally at least a week before your flight.

What to do if you cannot access your online account

If you forgot your TSA PreCheck login credentials or cannot access your account for any reason, you cannot update your name online. Instead, call 1-855-347-8371 and ask the TSA representative to help you reset your password or process the name change directly over the phone.

If you have an older account that does not support online updates, the TSA representative will let you know and will guide you through the phone or mail process. Have your known traveler number and a photo of your name-change document ready so the call moves quickly.

Timeline and what happens while your change is processing

Online updates typically take five to fourteen business days. Phone requests take seven to ten business days. Mail requests take three to four weeks. During this time, your TSA PreCheck benefits remain active—you can still use your known traveler number at airport security even though your name change is pending.

You will receive an email once your name change is approved. Check your email (including spam folders) for this confirmation. If you do not hear back within the expected timeframe, call the TSA to confirm the change was received and processed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my TSA PreCheck while my name change is being processed?

Yes. Your known traveler number remains valid throughout the processing period. You can continue using TSA PreCheck at security checkpoints. Just make sure your airline ticket matches your current government ID to avoid boarding issues.

What if my name change document is not in English?

You will need to submit a certified English translation along with the original document. Contact the TSA at 1-855-347-8371 to confirm the format they accept before you mail anything.

Do I need to renew my TSA PreCheck after changing my name?

No. A name change does not require renewal. Your TSA PreCheck membership stays active for its full five-year term. You only update the name on file; you do not reapply or pay a new fee.

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

Your TSA PreCheck record will no longer match your government ID, and security may not recognize your known traveler number. You could be pulled out of the PreCheck line or delayed while your identity is verified. Update your name as soon as your legal name change is final.

Can I update my name at an enrollment center instead of online?

Some enrollment centers may accept name-change requests in person, but this is not may provide. Call 1-855-347-8371 or check tsa.gov/precheck to find an enrollment center near you and confirm whether they handle name changes. The online or phone method is usually faster.