Check your status online using your Known Traveler Number or process receipt

The fastest way to check your TSA PreCheck status is through the official TSA PreCheck website. Go to tsa.gov/precheck and look for the "Check process Status" link. You will need either your Known Traveler Number (KTN) — the 10-digit number TSA gave you when you enrolled — or your process receipt number from when you first signed up.

Enter your information and the system will show you whether your process is pending, approved, or denied. If you were approved, the page will also display your KTN and the expiration date of your membership. This usually takes less than a minute. If you do not have your receipt number or KTN handy, you can search your email for the confirmation message TSA sent you when you submitted your process.

Key Takeaways

  • The TSA PreCheck website at tsa.gov/precheck has a status checker that works with your Known Traveler Number or process receipt number.
  • Processing times vary, but most applications show a decision within two to four weeks of your in-person appointment.
  • If your status shows "pending" after six weeks, contact the enrollment center where you had your appointment to ask about delays.
  • You can also call the TSA PreCheck customer service line at 1-855-347-8371 if the website is not working or you cannot locate your receipt number.

What to do if your status shows "pending"

A pending status means TSA is still reviewing your process. Most decisions come through within two to four weeks of your in-person appointment at an enrollment center. During this time, you will not yet have a KTN to use at airport security.

If more than six weeks have passed since your appointment and your status still shows pending, contact the enrollment center directly. You can find the phone number and hours on the TSA PreCheck website by searching for your location. Have your process receipt number ready when you call. The staff can tell you whether there is a delay or if TSA needs additional documents from you.

Understanding "approved" and "denied" statuses

An approved status means you have been enrolled in TSA PreCheck and your membership is active. The status page will show your KTN, which is the number you enter when booking flights. You can start using TSA PreCheck lanes at airport security when ready. Your membership lasts five years from the date of approval.

A denied status means TSA has reviewed your process and determined you do not meet the program requirements at this time. The status page may include a brief reason, such as a criminal history or immigration issue. If you believe the decision was made in error, you can request reconsideration by contacting the enrollment center where you applied. You will need to provide additional documentation to support your case.

What information you need to check your status

To use the online status checker, have one of these ready: your Known Traveler Number (a 10-digit code), your process receipt number (found in your confirmation email), or your date of birth and last name. Most people find it easiest to search their email for "TSA PreCheck" and look for the original confirmation message.

If you cannot find your receipt number and do not remember your KTN, you can still call customer service at 1-855-347-8371. They can look up your process using your name and date of birth. The phone 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.

Why your status might not update right away

The TSA PreCheck system does not update in real time. Even if you completed your in-person appointment, it can take several days for that information to appear in the online status checker. Do not be concerned if the website shows no record of your process for the first week after your appointment.

Background checks also take time. TSA runs a fingerprint check and reviews your criminal and immigration history. This process typically takes two to four weeks, but can take longer if there are questions about your background. If you have a common name or if there are any flags in your record that need clarification, the review may take six weeks or more.

Checking status by phone or in person

If the website is down or you prefer to speak with someone, call the TSA PreCheck customer service line at 1-855-347-8371. Have your receipt number or KTN ready. The representative can tell you your current status and answer questions about processing times or next steps.

You can also visit the enrollment center where you had your appointment in person. Bring your receipt number or identification, and staff can look up your status on their system. This is useful if you need to discuss a denial or if your process has been pending longer than expected.

What to do after you are approved

Once your status shows approved, write down your KTN — the 10-digit number on your status page. When you book a flight, enter this number in the "Known Traveler Number" field during checkout. Airlines will then mark your boarding pass with "TSA PreCheck," which tells security you are enrolled.

You do not need to do anything else. You will not receive a physical card or document in the mail. Your KTN is your proof of membership. Keep it handy for future bookings. Your membership is valid for five years from your approval date, after which you will need to renew.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Most applicants receive a decision within two to four weeks of their in-person appointment. Some applications take up to six weeks if TSA needs to conduct additional background review. If you have not heard back after six weeks, contact your enrollment center to check on the status.

Can I use TSA PreCheck before my status shows approved?

No. You can only use TSA PreCheck lanes once your status shows approved and you have your KTN. Using a KTN before approval is not possible because the system will not recognize it at the airport.

What does "pending" mean and how long does it last?

Pending means TSA is still reviewing your background and has not yet made a decision. Most pending applications move to approved or denied within two to four weeks. If your status remains pending after six weeks, contact the enrollment center to ask if there is a delay or if they need more information from you.

What should I do if my status says denied?

A denial means you did not meet the program requirements. The status page may explain the reason. You can request reconsideration by contacting the enrollment center where you applied and providing additional documentation. Some denials can be overturned if you can show the information was incorrect.

Is there a fee to check my TSA PreCheck status?

No. Checking your status on the TSA PreCheck website or by phone is free. The only fee is the initial enrollment fee, which you pay when you submit your process at an enrollment center.