Where to Find Your KTN

Your Known Traveler Number (KTN) is a nine-character code that TSA PreCheck gives you after you complete enrollment and pay the fee. You can find it in three places: your approval email from TSA, your printed membership card, or your TSA PreCheck account online.

The easiest place to look first is your email inbox. When TSA approves your process, they send a confirmation email that includes your KTN in the message body. Search your email for "Known Traveler Number" or the word "PreCheck" if you cannot find the original message. If you cannot locate the email, check your spam or promotions folder — some email providers filter TSA messages automatically.

If you have your physical membership card, your KTN appears on the front in the upper right corner, printed above your name. The card is wallet-sized and typically arrives in the mail within two weeks of approval. If you have already received your card but cannot find your email, this is the fastest way to get your number without logging in online.

Key Takeaways

  • Your KTN is a nine-character code that appears in your TSA PreCheck approval email, on your physical membership card, or in your online account dashboard.
  • Check your email inbox first, including spam and promotions folders, for the original approval message from TSA.
  • You can retrieve your KTN from the TSA PreCheck website by logging in with your enrollment number and password.
  • When booking flights, enter your KTN in the "Known Traveler Number" field during reservation to receive PreCheck benefits at security.

Accessing Your KTN Through Your TSA Account

If you cannot find your email or card, you can log into your TSA PreCheck account on the official TSA website. Go to tsa.gov/precheck and click the link to manage your account. You will need your enrollment number (a ten-digit code) and the password you created during enrollment.

Once you are logged in, your dashboard will display your KTN prominently at the top of the page. Write it down or take a screenshot before you close the browser. If you have forgotten your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page — TSA will send a reset link to the email address associated with your account.

Keep in mind that your account is only accessible if you completed the enrollment process and received approval. If your process is still pending, your KTN will not yet be visible in the system. You can check your process status on the same login page.

What to Do If You Never Received Your Card

TSA PreCheck cards typically arrive within two to three weeks of approval, but mail delays happen. If more than four weeks have passed since your approval email and you have not received your card, you can request a replacement through your online account.

Log into your TSA PreCheck account and look for a "Request Replacement Card" or "Reorder Card" option in your account settings. You may be charged a small fee for a replacement, though some cases are waived if the delay was TSA's fault. Even while you wait for the replacement, you can use your KTN when ready — you do not need the physical card to receive PreCheck benefits at airport security.

Using Your KTN When You Book a Flight

Once you have your KTN, enter it in the "Known Traveler Number" field when you book your airline ticket. This field appears on most airline websites during the passenger information step, usually near where you enter your name and date of birth. If you do not see it during booking, you can add your KTN to your reservation after purchase through your airline account.

Your KTN must match the name on your ticket exactly for TSA to recognize it at security. If you have changed your name since enrollment, contact TSA to update your account before your flight. When you arrive at the airport, look for the TSA PreCheck lane at security — it is usually marked with blue signage and moves faster because you can keep shoes, belts, and light jackets on.

Common Reasons Your KTN Might Not Work

If you enter your KTN at booking but do not see "TSA PreCheck" on your boarding pass, the most common cause is a mismatch between the name on your ticket and the name on your TSA PreCheck enrollment. TSA matches these automatically, and even small differences — like a middle initial or a hyphenated last name — can cause the system to reject the number.

Another reason is that you entered your KTN incorrectly. Double-check that you typed all nine characters without spaces or dashes. Some airlines also have a delay of a few hours between when you add your KTN and when it appears on your boarding pass, so try checking again a few hours later if you just added it.

If your PreCheck benefits still do not show up after correcting the name and KTN, contact your airline's customer service before your flight. They can manually add the notation to your reservation. You can also ask TSA officers at the security checkpoint to verify your PreCheck status, though this may delay your screening.

What Happens If You Lose Your KTN

Your KTN does not expire and does not need to be replaced if you lose it — you can retrieve it at any time using the methods above. Write it down and store it somewhere safe, like a notes app on your phone or a document on your computer, so you have it ready for future bookings.

If you are at the airport and realize you did not enter your KTN when you booked, tell the TSA officer at the security checkpoint. They can look up your PreCheck status using your driver's license and the name on your ticket, though this may take extra time. To avoid this, add your KTN to your airline profile so it is automatically included in all future reservations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my KTN right away after I get my approval email?

Yes. Your KTN is active as soon as TSA sends your approval email. You do not need to wait for your physical card to arrive. Start using it on your next flight by entering it during booking or adding it to your reservation afterward.

Is my KTN the same as my enrollment number?

No. Your enrollment number is a ten-digit code you use to log into your TSA PreCheck account. Your KTN is a nine-character code you enter when booking flights. Both are in your approval email, but they serve different purposes.

What if my name changed after I enrolled in TSA PreCheck?

Contact TSA to update your account with your new legal name before your next flight. You can do this through your online account or by calling the TSA PreCheck customer service line. Your KTN stays the same, but the name on your enrollment must match your ticket.

Do I need to show my physical card at airport security?

No. TSA does not require you to show your PreCheck card at security. Your KTN on your boarding pass is all you need. The card is mainly a backup form of identification and proof of your membership status.

Can I share my KTN with family members?

No. Your KTN is personal to you and tied to your identity. Each family member who wants TSA PreCheck benefits must enroll separately and receive their own KTN. Children under 18 can be added to a parent's account, but they receive their own number.