Your TSA PreCheck number is in your approval email or on the TSA website using your Known Traveler Number (KTN)

When TSA approves your PreCheck process, they send you a confirmation email with your approval number — that is your TSA PreCheck number. If you cannot find that email, you can retrieve your number by logging into the TSA website with the same account you used to explore. Your number is also printed on your trusted traveler card if you ordered one, and it appears in your airline reservation system once you add it to your profile.

The number itself is typically 10 digits and is sometimes called your Known Traveler Number (KTN). You will need it every time you book a flight if you want to use PreCheck lanes at security. Airlines will not automatically add it to your reservation — you have to enter it yourself during booking or add it to your frequent flyer profile so it carries over to future reservations.

Key Takeaways

  • Your TSA PreCheck number arrives in the approval email TSA sends after your process is processed, usually within three to five business days of your in-person appointment.
  • You can find your number on the TSA website by logging in with your process account, even if you cannot locate the original email.
  • The number must be entered into each airline reservation separately unless you save it to your frequent flyer profile first.
  • Your number is also printed on your trusted traveler card, which arrives by mail after approval and serves as a backup reference.

Check your email first — the approval message contains your number

TSA sends your PreCheck number in an email titled "TSA PreCheck process Status" or similar language. The email arrives at the address you provided during process, usually within three to five business days after you complete your in-person appointment at an enrollment center. Open that email and look for a section labeled "Approval Number," "Known Traveler Number," or "TSA PreCheck Number" — the exact wording varies, but the 10-digit number will be clearly marked.

If you cannot find the email, check your spam or junk folder first. If it is not there, do not assume the email was never sent — move to the TSA website instead. Saving that email to a folder or taking a screenshot of the number is useful because you will reference it repeatedly when booking flights.

Log into the TSA website to retrieve your number if you lost the email

Go to the TSA PreCheck process portal at universalenviropass.tsa.dhs.gov (or search "TSA PreCheck login" to find the current portal). Sign in with the same username and password you created when you started your process. Once logged in, your dashboard will display your process status and your approval number if your process has been processed.

Your number will appear in a section labeled "Your Approval" or "process Details." Write it down or take a screenshot. If your process status still shows "In Progress" or "Pending," your appointment has not yet been processed — check back in a few days. If it shows "Denied," you will see the reason and information about how to appeal.

Find your number on your trusted traveler card

After approval, TSA mails you a physical trusted traveler card to the address you provided during process. This card arrives within two to three weeks of approval. Your TSA PreCheck number is printed on the front of the card, usually in the upper right corner or along the bottom edge. The card itself is not required to use PreCheck — you only need the number — but it serves as a backup reference and proof of membership.

If your card arrives damaged or you lose it, you can request a replacement through the TSA website. There is a fee for replacement cards, typically around $20, though you can retrieve your number from the website at any time without ordering a new card.

Add your number to your airline and frequent flyer profiles to avoid re-entering it

Once you have your TSA PreCheck number, add it to your frequent flyer account with each airline you fly regularly. Log into your airline account, find the section for "Traveler Information," "Known Traveler Number," or "TSA PreCheck," and enter your 10-digit number. Most airlines will then automatically add your number to every reservation you make under that account going forward.

If you book through a travel website or with a different airline, you will still need to enter your number manually during the booking process. The field usually appears near the end of checkout, labeled "Known Traveler Number" or "TSA PreCheck Number." Entering it correctly ensures you can use PreCheck security lanes when you arrive at the airport.

What to do if you never received an approval email

If more than a week has passed since your in-person appointment and you have not received an approval or denial email, log into the TSA website and check your process status. If it still shows "In Progress," your appointment may not have been processed yet — processing times vary by enrollment center. If it shows "Denied," you will see the reason.

If your status shows "Approved" on the website but you never received an email, your number is still valid and ready to use. Retrieve it from the website and start using it when ready. If you believe there is a technical problem, you can contact the TSA PreCheck customer service line at 1-855-347-8371 to confirm your approval status and number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my TSA PreCheck number before my card arrives?

Yes. Your number is active when ready after approval, even if your physical card has not arrived yet. You can start entering it into flight reservations right away. The card is optional — you only need the number itself to use PreCheck security lanes.

What if I enter my number wrong when booking a flight?

If you enter an incorrect number, PreCheck will not appear as an option at the airport and you will go through standard security. Contact your airline before your flight to correct the number in your reservation if you catch the error in time. For future bookings, double-check the number against your email or the TSA website before submitting.

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

No. Your confirmation number is a reference code for your process process. Your TSA PreCheck number (or KTN) is the 10-digit code you use when booking flights. They are different numbers sent in the same approval email.

How long is my TSA PreCheck number valid?

Your TSA PreCheck membership lasts five years from the date of approval. Your number remains the same throughout that period. When your membership expires, you will need to reapply and receive a new number.