Where Your TSA PreCheck Number Appears

Your TSA PreCheck number is a nine-digit code printed on your physical TSA PreCheck card. The number appears in the bottom right corner of the card's front side. If you have your card in front of you right now, that nine-digit sequence is what you need.

You can also find this same number in your TSA PreCheck account online. When you log into the official TSA PreCheck website using your credentials, your account dashboard displays your membership number prominently. This is the fastest way to look it up if your card is lost or packed away.

Some travelers confuse their TSA PreCheck number with their Known Traveler Number (KTN). They are the same thing — TSA PreCheck number and KTN are two names for the identical nine-digit code.

Key Takeaways

  • Your TSA PreCheck number is a nine-digit code printed on the bottom right of your physical card.
  • You can retrieve your number by logging into your TSA PreCheck account at the official TSA website without needing your card.
  • Your TSA PreCheck number and your Known Traveler Number (KTN) are the same nine-digit code.
  • Airlines need your TSA PreCheck number when you book a flight to show you are enrolled in the program.
  • If your card is lost or expired, you can still use your number until your membership officially ends.

Logging Into Your TSA PreCheck Account Online

Go to the official TSA PreCheck website and select "Sign In" at the top of the page. You will need the email address and password you created when you first enrolled. If you do not remember your password, click "Forgot Password" and follow the steps to reset it using your email.

Once you are logged in, your membership number displays on your account dashboard. You do not need to dig through any menus or subpages — it is visible as soon as you land on your main account screen. Write it down or take a screenshot so you have it handy when you book flights.

If you cannot remember the email address you used to enroll, check your email inbox for messages from TSA PreCheck. Look for confirmation emails from when you first signed up or any renewal notices. The email address in those messages is the one linked to your account.

What to Do If You Cannot Access Your Online Account

If you have forgotten both your password and the email address associated with your account, you will need to contact TSA PreCheck customer service. Call 1-855-347-8371 during business hours. Have your identification ready — they will ask for your name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity before sharing your membership number.

You can also visit a TSA PreCheck enrollment center in person if one is located near you. Staff at these centers can look up your account and provide your number. Find enrollment centers by searching your city on the TSA PreCheck website's location finder.

Using Your Number When You Book a Flight

When you purchase a plane ticket online or over the phone, airlines ask for your Known Traveler Number (KTN). This is where you enter your nine-digit TSA PreCheck number. Entering it correctly ensures the TSA PreCheck indicator appears on your boarding pass, which tells airport security you are enrolled.

If you forget to add your number when you book, you can usually update it after purchase. Log into your airline account, find your reservation, and look for an option to add or edit your KTN. Some airlines allow you to add it up to 24 hours before departure, though policies vary by carrier.

Double-check that your number was recorded correctly on your boarding pass before you go through security. The TSA PreCheck logo or the letters "TSA PRE" should appear on your pass. If it does not, show your physical card to the TSA officer at the checkpoint and they can manually verify your enrollment.

If Your Card Is Lost or Expired

Your TSA PreCheck number remains valid even if your physical card is lost or your membership has expired. You can still use the number to book flights and go through TSA PreCheck lanes at security until your membership officially ends. The nine-digit code itself does not change when you lose the card.

If your membership is expiring soon, you will receive a renewal notice by email. Follow the instructions in that email to renew your membership and receive a new card. Your membership number may change when you renew, so check your new card or account once the renewal is complete.

If your card is lost and you want a replacement before your membership expires, contact TSA PreCheck customer service at 1-855-347-8371. They can mail you a duplicate card, though this usually takes several weeks. In the meantime, use your nine-digit number to book flights normally.

Common Mistakes When Using Your TSA PreCheck Number

The most common error is entering the number in the wrong field. Some airline websites have separate boxes for different types of traveler numbers. Make sure you are entering your TSA PreCheck number in the field labeled "Known Traveler Number," "KTN," or "TSA PreCheck Number" — not in fields for other programs like Global Entry or NEXUS.

Another mistake is transposing digits when typing the nine-digit code. The number is short enough that one wrong digit will prevent the TSA PreCheck benefit from showing on your boarding pass. Type slowly and double-check each digit before you submit your booking.

Do not assume your number is the same as your membership ID or confirmation number from when you enrolled. Your TSA PreCheck number is the nine-digit code on your card and in your online account — not any other reference number you may have received.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my TSA PreCheck number if my card is at home?

Yes. Your nine-digit number is all you need to book flights and receive the TSA PreCheck benefit on your boarding pass. You do not need the physical card to use the number. However, bring your card or a government ID to the airport so you can prove your identity at security.

Is my TSA PreCheck number the same as my confirmation number?

No. Your confirmation number is a reference code TSA sent you when you enrolled or renewed. Your TSA PreCheck number is the nine-digit code on your card. They are different. Use the nine-digit number when you book flights.

What if the airline says my TSA PreCheck number is invalid?

First, check that you entered all nine digits correctly and that you used the field labeled for TSA PreCheck or KTN. If the number is correct and the airline still rejects it, your membership may have expired. Log into your TSA PreCheck account to confirm your membership is still active.

Can I change my TSA PreCheck number?

No. Your nine-digit number is assigned to you when you enroll and does not change unless you renew your membership. If you renew, you may receive a new number with your new card. Check your new card and account to confirm your current number.

Do I need my TSA PreCheck number to go through security?

You need it on your boarding pass so security knows you are enrolled. If it is not on your pass, show your physical TSA PreCheck card to the TSA officer at the checkpoint and they can verify your enrollment manually.