Where to find your TSA Known Traveler Number

Your TSA Known Traveler Number (KTN) is a nine-character code assigned to you when you enroll in TSA PreCheck or another trusted traveler program. You can find it in three places: your trusted traveler program membership card, your email confirmation from TSA, or your online account at the TSA website.

If you enrolled in TSA PreCheck through the official TSA website (tsa.gov), log in to your account under "Manage Your Enrollment" to view your KTN. The number appears on the confirmation page and in any emails TSA sent you after approval. If you enrolled through a third-party enrollment provider like Idemia or LifeLock, check the card they mailed you — your KTN is printed on the front.

The easiest method is to check your email inbox and search for messages from TSA or your enrollment provider. Look for subject lines like "TSA PreCheck Approval" or "Your Trusted Traveler Program Confirmation." The KTN is usually displayed prominently in the email body.

Key Takeaways

  • Your KTN is a nine-character code printed on your TSA PreCheck membership card and included in your enrollment confirmation email.
  • You can retrieve your KTN by logging into your TSA account at tsa.gov under "Manage Your Enrollment."
  • If you enrolled through a third-party provider, check the physical card they mailed to you or contact them directly for your number.
  • You need your KTN when booking flights to receive TSA PreCheck screening benefits at airport security.

Checking your TSA account online

The fastest way to retrieve your KTN is through your TSA account. Go to tsa.gov and click "Manage Your Enrollment" in the top navigation menu. You will need to log in with your username and password — if you do not have an account, you can create one using your email address.

Once logged in, your dashboard will display your enrollment status and your KTN. The number appears in a box labeled "Known Traveler Number" or "Your KTN." You can take a screenshot, write it down, or copy it to your phone for reference when you book flights.

If you cannot remember your login credentials, click "Forgot Password" on the login page. TSA will send a reset link to the email address associated with your account. This process usually takes a few minutes.

Finding your KTN on your membership card

When you complete TSA PreCheck enrollment, TSA mails you a physical membership card. Your KTN is printed on the front of the card in large text, usually below your name. The card is valid for five years from the date of issue.

If you have misplaced your card, you can request a replacement through your TSA account. Log in, go to "Manage Your Enrollment," and look for an option to order a duplicate card. There is typically a small fee for replacement cards, though the exact amount varies by enrollment provider.

Keep your card in your wallet or travel documents. While you do not need to show the physical card at the airport, having it on hand makes it straightforward to reference your KTN when booking or checking in for flights.

Locating your KTN in confirmation emails

TSA sends a confirmation email when your enrollment is approved. This email contains your KTN and other important details about your membership. Search your email inbox for messages from "tsa.gov" or the name of your enrollment provider.

If you cannot find the original email, check your spam or promotions folder — sometimes enrollment confirmations are filtered incorrectly. You can also search for keywords like "PreCheck," "KTN," or "Known Traveler" to narrow the results.

If you enrolled through a third-party provider like Idemia, LifeLock, or Clear, the confirmation email may come from that company instead of TSA directly. Check emails from all enrollment-related sources.

What to do if you cannot locate your KTN

If you have looked in all three places and still cannot find your KTN, contact TSA directly. Call the TSA PreCheck customer service line at 1-855-347-8371. Have your driver's license or passport number ready — TSA will use it to look up your account and provide your KTN over the phone.

You can also contact your enrollment provider if you enrolled through a third party. They have access to your enrollment records and can provide your KTN. Look for contact information on the confirmation email or the provider's website.

If your enrollment status shows as "pending" or "not found," you may not have completed the enrollment process. Some people submit their process but forget to pay the enrollment fee or schedule an in-person appointment. Check your TSA account to see what step is missing.

Using your KTN when you book flights

When you book a flight online or over the phone, you will see a field for "Known Traveler Number" or "KTN." Enter your nine-character code exactly as it appears on your card or in your TSA account. The airline will use this number to link your reservation to your TSA PreCheck status.

If you forget to enter your KTN when booking, you can usually add it later through your airline's website or mobile app. Go to "Manage My Booking" or "Reservation Details" and look for a field to add your KTN. You can also provide it at the airport check-in counter, though adding it online ahead of time is faster.

Some airlines also allow you to save your KTN in your frequent flyer profile so it is automatically added to every booking. This saves time if you fly regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my KTN is different on my card than in my email?

This should not happen — your KTN is permanent and does not change. If the numbers differ, you may be looking at two different documents from different enrollment periods. Check the issue dates on both documents. Use the KTN from your current, valid membership card or your active TSA account.

Can I use my KTN if my TSA PreCheck membership has expired?

No. Your KTN is only valid while your membership is active. If your membership has expired, you will need to renew your enrollment through TSA to receive a new KTN. You can renew online through your TSA account if you are may be able to access.

Do I need to memorize my KTN or can I just show my card at the airport?

You do not need to memorize it, but you do need to enter it when you book your flight. The airline uses the KTN to flag your reservation, not the physical card. If you forget to add it during booking, you can provide it at check-in, but adding it online ahead of time ensures you receive TSA PreCheck screening.

What is the format of a TSA Known Traveler Number?

A KTN is always nine characters long and consists of letters and numbers. The exact format depends on which trusted traveler program you enrolled in, but it will always be nine characters with no spaces or dashes. Enter it exactly as it appears on your card or in your account.