You can change your name on TSA PreCheck through the 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 account. The TSA will not automatically sync your name with government records, so you have to make the change yourself. You can do this online through your TSA account or by visiting a PreCheck enrollment center with your new legal documents.

The process is straightforward, but the timeline matters: your updated name will not appear in the TSA system when ready, and you may need to show both your old and new identification at the airport during the transition period.

Key Takeaways

  • You can update your name online through your TSA account at tsa.gov or in person at any TSA PreCheck enrollment center.
  • You will need to provide legal documentation of your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
  • Online updates typically take 24 to 48 hours to process, though it can take longer during high-volume periods.
  • Until your new name appears in the TSA system, bring both your old and new identification to the airport to avoid delays.

Updating your name online through your TSA account

Log in to your TSA PreCheck account at tsa.gov using your username and password. If you do not remember your login, use the "Forgot Username" or "Forgot Password" link on the sign-in page. Once you are logged in, look for the "My Account" or "Profile" section, where you should see an option to edit your personal information.

Click on the name field and enter your new legal name exactly as it appears on your government-issued ID. Some accounts may ask you to upload a photo or scan of your legal name-change document — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — to verify the change. Follow the on-screen prompts to upload the file if requested. Submit the changes and you should receive a confirmation email within a few hours.

The TSA typically processes name changes within 24 to 48 hours, though during peak travel seasons or high process volumes, it can take up to a week. You can check the status of your update by logging back into your account and reviewing your profile.

Updating your name in person at an enrollment center

If you prefer to update your name face-to-face, visit any TSA PreCheck enrollment center. You can find the nearest center by searching your city or zip code on the TSA website under "Find an Enrollment Center." Most centers are located in airports, but some are in standalone locations or partnered facilities like UPS stores or travel agencies.

Bring your current TSA PreCheck card or membership number, your old government-issued ID, and your new government-issued ID or legal name-change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). An enrollment agent will verify your identity, update your name in the system, and provide you with a receipt. If your PreCheck card is still valid under your old name, you can continue using it until it expires; the TSA will issue a new card with your updated name when you renew.

In-person updates are usually processed when ready or within a few hours, making this the fastest option if you need the change reflected quickly.

What documents you need to prove your name change

The TSA requires official legal documentation showing your name change. Acceptable documents include a marriage certificate (original or certified copy), a divorce decree, a court order for name change, or a state-issued amended birth certificate. A photocopy is usually acceptable, but some enrollment centers may ask for the original to verify it.

If you are updating online, you will need to upload a clear photo or scan of one of these documents. Make sure the image is legible and shows the full document. If you are updating in person, bring the physical document with you. The enrollment agent will review it and return it to you.

What happens to your TSA PreCheck card when your name changes

Your existing TSA PreCheck card remains valid until its expiration date, even after you update your name in the system. However, your name in the TSA database will no longer match the name on your card. To avoid confusion or delays at airport security, bring both your old ID (matching your card) and your new ID (matching your updated TSA account) when you travel during the transition period.

When your PreCheck membership is due for renewal, you will receive a new card with your updated name. If you want a new card sooner, you can request one at an enrollment center, though this may involve an additional fee depending on your membership status.

Traveling with a name mismatch during the update period

After you update your name online, there is a window of time — usually 24 to 48 hours — before the change appears in the TSA system. During this period, your PreCheck card will show your old name, but your account will show your new name. This mismatch can cause delays or confusion at security.

To travel smoothly, bring your PreCheck card (with your old name), your new government-issued ID, and documentation of your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Show these to the TSA officer at security. They can verify that you are the same person and process you through PreCheck. Once your name fully updates in the system, you only need to bring your PreCheck card and current ID.

If your name change is not showing up in your account

If you submitted your name change online and it has been more than 48 hours without confirmation, log back into your TSA account and check your profile to see if the update went through. Sometimes the system processes the change silently without sending a follow-up email.

If your name still shows as your old name after 48 hours, contact the TSA directly. You can call the TSA at 1-855-347-8371 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern time) or visit an enrollment center in person to request an update. Have your membership number and the documentation of your name change ready when you call or visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to update my TSA PreCheck name if I got married?

Yes. The TSA will not automatically update your name when you change it legally. You must update it yourself through your account or at an enrollment center. Your PreCheck card will still work with your old name until it expires, but your account name should match your current legal name to avoid security delays.

Can I update my name online if I do not have a digital copy of my marriage certificate?

Some TSA enrollment centers allow you to update your name in person without uploading a document first. Visit a local enrollment center with your original or certified marriage certificate, and an agent can update your account on the spot. If you want to update online, you will need to scan or photograph your document and upload it.

Will I get a new TSA PreCheck card with my new name right away?

Your current card remains valid until it expires, even after you update your name. You will receive a new card with your updated name when you renew your membership. If you need a new card sooner, you can request one at an enrollment center, though this may involve a fee.

What if my name change is not processing after a week?

Contact the TSA directly at 1-855-347-8371 or visit an enrollment center. Bring your membership number and documentation of your name change. An agent can troubleshoot the delay and process the update manually if needed.

Do I need to update my name if I only changed it legally but have not gotten a new ID yet?

You can update your TSA PreCheck name as soon as you have legal documentation of the change, even if your government ID has not been reissued yet. Bring your court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree to an enrollment center, and they can update your account. When you travel, bring both your old ID and the legal document until your new ID arrives.