Check your status online through the TSA website

The fastest way to learn about you have TSA PreCheck is to visit the official TSA PreCheck website at universalenroll.dhs.gov. You will need your Known Traveler Number (KTN), which is a nine-digit code issued when you enroll. If you have your KTN, you can look it up when ready. You can also search by your process receipt number if you enrolled recently and do not yet have your KTN.

The website will show you the status of your process — whether it is pending, approved, or expired. If your PreCheck is approved, your KTN will be displayed. Write this number down; you will need it when you book flights or check in at the airport. The status page updates in real time, so you will see changes the same day they happen.

If you cannot remember your receipt number or KTN, you can call the TSA PreCheck customer service line at 855-347-8371. They can look up your account using your name, date of birth, and the email address you used to enroll. Wait times vary, but the line is usually shorter in early morning hours.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit universalenroll.dhs.gov and search by your Known Traveler Number or process receipt number to see your PreCheck status when ready.
  • Your Known Traveler Number is a nine-digit code you received when your PreCheck was approved; you need it to use PreCheck benefits at the airport.
  • If you do not have your KTN or receipt number, call 855-347-8371 with your name, date of birth, and enrollment email address.
  • PreCheck approval typically takes three to five business days after your in-person appointment, though some applications take longer.
  • Your PreCheck is valid for five years from the approval date; the website will show you when yours expires.

What to do if your PreCheck is still pending

If the website shows your process is pending, it means the TSA is still reviewing your background check or waiting for you to complete your in-person appointment. Most applications move to approved status within three to five business days of your appointment. If your process has been pending for more than two weeks after your appointment, contact customer service at 855-347-8371 to ask whether there is a delay.

Some applications are held for additional review if the background check raises questions. The TSA will contact you by email or phone if they need more information from you. Check the email address you used to enroll, including your spam folder, in case a message landed there. Do not book flights assuming your PreCheck will be approved; wait until the website shows approved status before you add your KTN to your reservation.

How to find your Known Traveler Number if you already have PreCheck

If you know your PreCheck is approved but you cannot find your KTN, the TSA website is the easiest place to retrieve it. Log in at universalenroll.dhs.gov using the email address and password you created during enrollment. Your KTN will appear on your account dashboard. If you have lost your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page to reset it.

Your KTN is also printed on your PreCheck card if you received one by mail. Check your wallet, desk, or filing cabinet for the physical card. If you cannot locate the card and cannot access the website, call 855-347-8371 and have your name, date of birth, and Social Security number ready. The representative can read your KTN to you over the phone.

What happens if your PreCheck has expired

PreCheck is valid for five years from your approval date. The website will show you the exact expiration date. If your PreCheck has expired, you can no longer use it at airport security, and you will not receive expedited screening even if you enter your expired KTN when booking a flight.

To renew your PreCheck, you will need to enroll again through universalenroll.dhs.gov. The renewal process is the same as the initial enrollment: you pay the fee, complete an online form, and schedule an in-person appointment at an enrollment center. Some enrollment centers offer renewal appointments, which may be faster than a full new enrollment. Check the website to see which option is available near you.

Where to find your PreCheck information on your airline reservation

Once you have your KTN, you add it to your airline profile or enter it when you book your flight. When you check in at the airport, your boarding pass will show a TSA PreCheck indicator — usually a checkmark or the words "TSA PreCheck" printed on it. This tells the TSA agent at security that you are enrolled and may be able to access for expedited screening.

If your boarding pass does not show the PreCheck indicator even though you entered your KTN, contact the airline before you go to the airport. Sometimes the KTN does not sync properly between the airline system and the TSA database. The airline can reissue your boarding pass with the correct information. Do not assume you will receive PreCheck screening if the indicator is missing; you may be sent through standard security instead.

What to bring to the airport if you have PreCheck

When you arrive at security, have your boarding pass and a valid ID ready. Your boarding pass must show the TSA PreCheck indicator for you to use the PreCheck lane. The TSA agent will scan your boarding pass and ID and direct you to the appropriate security line. If your boarding pass does not have the indicator, ask the agent whether you can still use PreCheck; some airports allow it if your KTN is in the system, even if the boarding pass was not updated.

PreCheck allows you to keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on, leave your laptop and liquids bag in your carry-on, and move through security faster than standard screening. You still need a valid ID and a boarding pass. If you are traveling internationally, PreCheck only works on flights departing the United States; it does not explore to security screening in other countries.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get approved for TSA PreCheck after my appointment?

Most applications are approved within three to five business days of your in-person appointment. Some take up to two weeks. You can check your status anytime at universalenroll.dhs.gov. If your process has been pending for more than two weeks, call 855-347-8371 to ask whether there is a delay or if additional information is needed.

Can I use my PreCheck on international flights?

PreCheck works only on flights departing from the United States. It does not explore to security screening in other countries or on flights arriving in the U.S. from abroad. You will go through standard security screening for international travel, even if you have PreCheck.

What if my boarding pass does not show the TSA PreCheck indicator?

Contact your airline before you go to the airport. The airline can reissue your boarding pass with the correct information. Sometimes the KTN does not sync properly between airline and TSA systems. If the airline cannot fix it, ask the TSA agent at security whether you can still use PreCheck; policies vary by airport.

Do I need to renew my PreCheck before it expires?

Yes. PreCheck is valid for five years, and you cannot use it after the expiration date. You will need to enroll again through universalenroll.dhs.gov. Some enrollment centers offer renewal appointments, which may be faster than a full new enrollment. Check the website to see what is available near you.

What if I cannot find my Known Traveler Number?

Log in to universalenroll.dhs.gov using your enrollment email and password to view your KTN on your account dashboard. If you have lost your password, use the "Forgot Password" link to reset it. If you cannot access the website, call 855-347-8371 with your name, date of birth, and Social Security number, and a representative will provide your KTN.