You can change your name in TSA PreCheck by submitting a request through your TSA PreCheck account or by mail, but the process depends on whether you've already renewed your membership or are still within your five-year term.

If your legal name has changed due to marriage, divorce, court order, or any other reason, you need to update it in the TSA PreCheck system before your next airport visit. The fastest route is through your online account at universalenroll.dhs.gov, where you can request a name change without paying the renewal fee—as long as you're still within your five-year membership window. If your membership has expired or you prefer to update by mail, you'll submit a form to your local enrollment center along with proof of your legal name change.

The key difference from a full renewal is that a name-only change doesn't require you to repeat the in-person interview or pay the $78 to $85 renewal fee. However, you do need to provide documentation showing your new legal name, and TSA will verify the change before updating your Known Traveler Number (KTN).

Key Takeaways

  • Log into your TSA PreCheck account at universalenroll.dhs.gov and select "Update My Information" to request a name change online if your membership is still active.
  • You must provide a government-issued ID or court document that shows your new legal name—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or name change order all work.
  • Name changes made online typically process within two to four weeks; mail requests take longer and require you to visit an enrollment center or mail documents to TSA.
  • Your Known Traveler Number (KTN) stays the same after a name change, so you don't need to update airline reservations or frequent flyer accounts.
  • If your membership has already expired, you'll renew it instead of changing the name alone, which costs the standard renewal fee and may require an in-person visit.

Changing Your Name Online Through Your Account

The online method is the fastest and most straightforward. Go to universalenroll.dhs.gov, sign in with your username and password, and look for an option labeled "Update My Information" or "Manage My process." Select the name change option and enter your new legal name exactly as it appears on your government-issued ID or court document.

TSA will ask you to upload or describe the document that proves your name change. Acceptable documents include a current passport, state driver's license or ID card showing your new name, a marriage certificate, a divorce decree, or a court order for name change. Make sure the document is clear and legible—blurry photos or partial scans can delay processing.

Once you submit the request, TSA sends it to your enrollment center for verification. You'll receive an email confirmation with a reference number. Processing typically takes two to four weeks. During this time, your old name remains active in the system, so your current KTN will still work for travel. You don't need to do anything else unless TSA contacts you asking for additional documentation.

Updating Your Name by Mail or In Person

If you prefer not to use the online system or your membership has expired, you can request a name change in person at a TSA PreCheck enrollment center or by mail. Visit tsa.gov/precheck and use the "Find an Enrollment Center" tool to locate the center nearest you. Call ahead to confirm their hours and whether they accept walk-ins or require appointments.

Bring your current TSA PreCheck card or membership confirmation, a government-issued photo ID showing your new name, and the document that proves your legal name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The enrollment agent will verify your documents, update your record, and give you a receipt. Processing by mail is slower—typically four to six weeks—so in-person visits are preferable if you need the change quickly.

If you choose to mail your request, contact your local enrollment center to ask for the correct mailing address and whether they require a specific form. Include copies (not originals) of your current TSA PreCheck card, your government ID, and your name change document. Keep a copy of everything you send and consider using certified mail so you have proof of delivery.

What Happens If Your Membership Has Expired

If your five-year TSA PreCheck membership has already ended, you cannot straightforward change your name—you must renew your membership. The renewal process includes a name update, so you'll fill out a new process with your current legal name. Renewal costs the standard fee of $78 to $85 depending on your state and enrollment center.

You may be able to renew online through universalenroll.dhs.gov if you're renewing within 12 months of expiration. If it's been longer than 12 months, you'll likely need to schedule an in-person appointment at an enrollment center. Either way, you won't need to repeat the full background check or interview—renewal is a streamlined process—but you will pay the fee and your membership term will reset to five years from the renewal date.

Your Known Traveler Number Stays the Same

One important detail: your KTN does not change when you update your name. This nine-digit number is tied to your identity and background check, not to your name. After TSA processes your name change, your KTN remains exactly the same, and you continue using it for all future flights.

You do not need to update your airline reservations, frequent flyer accounts, or any other travel records with your new name in the TSA system. However, your airline ticket itself must match the name on your government ID when you travel. If your legal name has changed, make sure your airline reservation shows your new name before you check in for your flight.

Documents You Need for a Name Change

TSA requires proof that your legal name has actually changed. A single document is usually enough, but it must be official and current. The most common documents are:

  • A current U.S. passport or passport card showing your new name
  • A state driver's license or state ID card issued in your new name
  • A certified marriage certificate (if you changed your name due to marriage)
  • A certified divorce decree or court order showing your new legal name
  • A court order for legal name change

If your state driver's license or passport hasn't been updated yet, you can still use the marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order as your proof. Just make sure the document is certified (not a photocopy you made yourself) and clearly shows both your old and new names or your new name and the date of the change.

Timeline and What to Expect

Online name changes typically process in two to four weeks from the date you submit your request. In-person updates at an enrollment center may be faster—sometimes same-day or within a few days—but this varies by location and how busy the center is. Mail requests usually take four to six weeks because the documents have to travel to your enrollment center, be processed, and then returned to you or stored in your file.

You'll receive an email confirmation when your request is submitted and another email when the change has been approved and processed. If TSA needs additional information or clarification, they will contact you by email or phone using the contact information in your account. Check your email regularly during the processing period, and respond quickly if TSA asks for anything else.

Your KTN remains active and usable throughout the name change process. You don't need to wait for the update to be complete before you travel. Your airline may flag a mismatch between your reservation name and your ID at check-in, but TSA PreCheck benefits (expedited screening) are not affected by a pending name change.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, if your membership is still active within the five-year term. Name-only changes are free. If your membership has expired, you'll pay the standard renewal fee of $78 to $85 to renew and update your name at the same time.

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

You cannot change the name alone once your membership expires. You must renew your membership, which includes updating your name. Renewal costs the standard fee and may require an in-person visit depending on how long ago your membership ended.

Will my airline ticket need to match my new name?

Yes. Your airline reservation and ticket must match the name on your government-issued ID when you travel. Update your airline reservation with your new legal name before your flight, even though your TSA PreCheck KTN stays the same.

How long does it take to change my name online?

Online name changes typically process within two to four weeks. You'll receive email confirmations when you submit the request and again when the change is approved. Your KTN remains active during this time, so you can travel while the change is being processed.

What if I lost my TSA PreCheck card?

A lost card is a separate issue from a name change. You'll need to request a replacement card through your account or at an enrollment center. If you're also changing your name, you can do both at the same time—the new card will be issued with your updated name.