Your TSA PreCheck number is in your Known Traveler Number (KTN) confirmation email, on your membership card, or in your TSA account online
When you completed your TSA PreCheck enrollment, you received a confirmation email with your Known Traveler Number — that nine-character code is your TSA PreCheck number. If you still have that email, open it and look for the line that starts with "KTN:" or "Known Traveler Number:". The number looks like a mix of letters and numbers, such as ABC123DEF4.
If you cannot find the email, check your physical membership card. TSA mails a card to the address you provided during enrollment, and your KTN is printed on the front. The card typically arrives within two to three weeks of approval, though timing varies by location.
If you have neither the email nor the card, you can retrieve your number through your TSA account at the official TSA website. Log in with the same email and password you used during enrollment, and your KTN will appear in your account dashboard under membership details.
Key Takeaways
- Your TSA PreCheck number is your Known Traveler Number (KTN), a nine-character code sent to you by email when your enrollment was approved.
- Check your confirmation email first — it contains your KTN and is the fastest way to find it if you still have access to that message.
- Your physical TSA PreCheck membership card also displays your KTN on the front and arrives by mail within a few weeks of approval.
- You can log into your TSA account online at the official TSA website to view your KTN if you have lost both the email and card.
Checking your TSA account online
Go to the official TSA website and locate the login portal for TSA PreCheck members. You will need the email address and password you created when you enrolled. Once you are logged in, your account dashboard will show your membership status and your KTN in a section labeled "Membership Details" or "Known Traveler Information."
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. Check your spam folder if the email does not arrive in your inbox within a few minutes.
If you cannot remember which email address you used during enrollment, contact the TSA PreCheck customer service line. They can look up your enrollment record by name and date of birth and either confirm your email or help you regain access to your account.
What to do if your card is lost or damaged
If your physical card is lost, stolen, or too worn to read, you do not need to wait for a replacement to use your TSA PreCheck benefit. Your KTN is what matters at security — the card is straightforward a reference copy. Write down your nine-character KTN and keep it in your wallet or phone until a replacement arrives.
To request a replacement card, log into your TSA account and look for a "Request Replacement Card" or "Reorder Card" option. You will pay a replacement fee, which varies but is typically lower than the original enrollment cost. The new card will be mailed to the address on file.
If you cannot find the replacement option in your account, contact TSA customer service directly. They can process the replacement request over the phone and confirm the mailing address.
Using your KTN at the airport
When you book a flight, enter your KTN in the "Known Traveler Number" field during checkout. This field is usually found under "Frequent Flyer" or "Special Services" information. If you do not enter it at booking, you can add it to your reservation later through the airline's website or by contacting the airline directly.
At the security checkpoint, show your boarding pass along with your ID. The TSA officer will see that your KTN is linked to your reservation and direct you to the TSA PreCheck lane, where you can leave shoes, belts, and light jackets on, and keep laptops and liquids in your bag.
If your KTN is not showing on your boarding pass even though you entered it at booking, alert the TSA officer at the checkpoint. They can manually verify your membership using your ID and KTN.
If you cannot locate your number anywhere
If you have checked your email, cannot find your card, and cannot log into your account, contact the TSA PreCheck customer service line. Have your full name, date of birth, and the email address you believe you used for enrollment ready. Customer service can confirm whether your enrollment was approved and provide your KTN directly.
You can also visit a TSA PreCheck enrollment center in person with your ID and ask staff to look up your membership and provide your KTN. Enrollment centers are located at many airports and some travel agencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my TSA PreCheck benefit without my card or KTN written down?
Yes. Your membership is tied to your name and date of birth in the TSA system. If you do not have your KTN at the checkpoint, tell the TSA officer you have TSA PreCheck and provide your ID. They can look up your membership, though the process takes longer than scanning a boarding pass with your KTN already linked.
What if I entered my KTN wrong when booking my flight?
Contact the airline and ask them to correct your reservation. Provide your correct nine-character KTN. The airline can update it in their system, and your boarding pass will reflect the correction on your next check-in or print.
Is my TSA PreCheck number the same as my frequent flyer number?
No. Your KTN is specific to TSA PreCheck and is used only for security screening. Your frequent flyer number is separate and belongs to the airline. You can link them in your airline account so that both appear on your boarding pass.
How long is my KTN valid?
Your KTN is valid for the entire length of your TSA PreCheck membership, which is typically five years from the date of approval. When your membership expires, you will need to renew your enrollment to receive a new KTN.