Where to Find Your Known Traveler Number

Your Known Traveler Number (KTN) is a nine-character code issued by TSA PreCheck or Global Entry that you enter when booking flights. If you already enrolled in one of these programs, your number is in your enrollment confirmation email, on your membership card, or in the TSA PreCheck or Global Entry website portal under your account.

Log into the TSA PreCheck website using the same email and password you used to enroll. Your KTN appears on the "My Account" or "Membership" page. If you enrolled in Global Entry instead, log into the Global Entry website and look for your KTN in the same location. Both programs send your number by email when ready after approval, so check your inbox and spam folder if you cannot find it online.

If you have a physical membership card from either program, your KTN is printed on the front. The number is always nine characters and usually starts with a letter. Write it down or take a photo so you have it when you book your next flight.

Key Takeaways

  • Your KTN appears in your TSA PreCheck or Global Entry account portal under "My Account" or "Membership" after you are approved.
  • Check your enrollment confirmation email from TSA or Global Entry — your KTN was sent there when your membership was activated.
  • Your membership card displays your KTN on the front, and you can photograph it for future reference.
  • Enter your KTN when you book a flight to link your reservation to your PreCheck or Global Entry membership and receive expedited screening.
  • If you cannot find your number, contact TSA PreCheck or Global Entry customer service with your name and date of birth to retrieve it.

How to Use Your KTN When Booking

When you book a flight on an airline website or through a travel booking site, look for a field labeled "Known Traveler Number," "KTN," or "PreCheck Number" in the passenger information section. This field usually appears near your name and date of birth. Enter your nine-character number exactly as it appears on your card or in your account.

Some airlines place the KTN field on a separate page after you enter your basic information. If you do not see it during booking, check the "Frequent Flyer" or "Special Services" section. The field is optional — you can book without it — but entering it ensures TSA knows you are PreCheck-may be able to access when you check in.

After you book, your airline confirmation email should show your KTN linked to your reservation. If it does not appear, log back into your booking and add it before your flight. You can also add your KTN at check-in at the airport, though doing it during booking is faster and more reliable.

What to Do If You Cannot Locate Your Number

If you enrolled in TSA PreCheck but cannot find your KTN, visit the TSA PreCheck website and log in with your email and password. If you forgot your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page. Once you are logged in, your KTN should be visible on your account dashboard.

If you enrolled in Global Entry, log into the Global Entry website the same way. Both programs allow you to view your membership status and KTN online at any time. If the website does not show your number and you are certain you completed enrollment, your account may still be processing — approval typically takes one to two weeks after you submit your process and biometric information.

If your account shows you are approved but you still cannot see your KTN, contact TSA PreCheck or Global Entry customer service by phone or email. Have your name, date of birth, and the email address you used to enroll ready. Customer service can retrieve your number and send it to you by email within one business day.

Retrieving Your KTN After Losing Your Card

If your membership card is lost or damaged, you do not need a replacement to use your KTN — the number itself is what matters. You can look up your KTN online through your account portal at any time, and you do not need the physical card to enter it when booking.

If you want a replacement card, TSA PreCheck and Global Entry both charge a fee for reissuance. You can request a replacement through your online account or by contacting customer service. In the meantime, write down your KTN or take a photo of it from your account page so you have it for your next booking.

Entering Your KTN at the Airport

If you forgot to add your KTN during booking, you can still enter it at the airport during check-in. At the airline counter or kiosk, tell the agent you have TSA PreCheck or Global Entry and provide your KTN. The agent can add it to your reservation, and you will receive your PreCheck benefits on that flight.

At security, present your boarding pass along with your ID. If your KTN is linked to your reservation, your boarding pass will show a "TSA PreCheck" indicator or a TSA PreCheck logo. This tells the TSA officer that you are enrolled and may be able to access for expedited screening at that checkpoint.

Understanding Your KTN and Program Membership

Your KTN is unique to you and tied to your TSA PreCheck or Global Entry membership. It does not change unless you renew your membership or enroll in a different program. If you have both TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, you have two separate KTNs — one for each program — though Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck benefits, so you typically use only the Global Entry number.

Your KTN is valid for the length of your membership. TSA PreCheck memberships last five years, and Global Entry memberships last five years as well. When your membership expires, your KTN becomes inactive. You will need to renew your membership to receive a new KTN and continue using PreCheck benefits.

Do not share your KTN with other people. It is personal to your enrollment and your identity. If someone else books a flight using your KTN, they may be denied boarding or flagged at security because the name on the reservation will not match the name in the TSA system.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I have TSA PreCheck but do not remember my KTN?

Log into your TSA PreCheck account on the official TSA website using your email and password. Your KTN is displayed on your account dashboard. If you cannot log in, use the "Forgot Password" option. If you still cannot find it, call TSA PreCheck customer service with your name and date of birth.

Can I use someone else's KTN on my flight?

No. Your KTN is tied to your identity and your TSA PreCheck or Global Entry enrollment. If you use someone else's number, your name will not match the enrollment record, and you may be denied boarding or held at security. Each person must use their own KTN.

Do I need my KTN if I have a Global Entry card?

You do not need it to go through security — you can present your Global Entry card at the checkpoint instead. However, entering your KTN when you book a flight ensures your airline knows you are PreCheck-may be able to access, which can affect your boarding pass and seat assignment. It is still worth adding during booking.

What happens if I enter the wrong KTN when booking?

If you enter an incorrect KTN, your airline will not link your reservation to a valid PreCheck enrollment. You will not receive PreCheck benefits on that flight. You can contact your airline before your flight to correct it, or add the correct KTN at the airport during check-in.

Is my KTN the same as my TSA PreCheck membership number?

Your KTN is your TSA PreCheck membership number — they are the same thing. It is the nine-character code you use to link your flight reservations to your PreCheck enrollment. Some documents may call it a "membership number" or "confirmation number," but the KTN is what you enter when booking.