Where to find your TSA PreCheck number

Your TSA PreCheck number is a nine-digit code issued when you complete your background check and in-person appointment. You can find it in three places: your approval email from TSA, your Known Traveler Number (KTN) card if you ordered a physical one, or your TSA account online at tsa.gov/precheck.

The easiest route is to log into your TSA PreCheck account. Go to tsa.gov, select "Manage Your TSA PreCheck," and sign in with the same credentials you used when you enrolled. Your number appears at the top of your account dashboard. If you cannot remember your login information, use the "Forgot Password" link on that page.

If you have your approval email, search your inbox for "TSA PreCheck" or "Known Traveler Number." The email from TSA will contain your nine-digit number in the body of the message. This email is sent to the address you provided during enrollment, so check the email account you used to register.

Key Takeaways

  • Your TSA PreCheck number is a nine-digit code you receive after passing your background check and completing your in-person appointment.
  • The fastest way to find it is to log into your TSA PreCheck account at tsa.gov and look at your account dashboard.
  • Your approval email from TSA contains your number and can be found by searching your inbox for "Known Traveler Number."
  • If you ordered a physical KTN card, your number is printed on the front of the card.
  • You need this number to add TSA PreCheck to your airline reservations before you travel.

Using your number when you book a flight

Once you have your nine-digit number, add it to your airline reservation so TSA knows you are enrolled. When you book a flight online, look for a field labeled "Known Traveler Number," "KTN," or "TSA PreCheck Number" in the passenger information section. Enter your number exactly as it appears on your approval email or card.

If you have already booked your flight, you can add your number later through your airline's website or by calling the airline directly. Log into your reservation, find the passenger details section, and update your Known Traveler Number there. Some airlines also let you add it at the airport check-in counter, though doing it before you arrive is faster.

What to do if you cannot find your number

If you cannot locate your number in your email or online account, contact TSA directly. Call the TSA PreCheck program at 1-855-347-8371, or visit an enrollment center in person with your ID. TSA staff can look up your account and provide your number over the phone.

If you enrolled more than a few weeks ago but never received an approval email, check your spam or junk folder first. If it is not there, your account may not have been fully processed. Call the number above to confirm your enrollment status and ask TSA to resend your approval information.

Physical KTN cards and digital alternatives

TSA stopped issuing physical Known Traveler Number cards in 2021. If you enrolled before that date, you may have received a card in the mail with your number printed on it. The nine-digit number on the front of the card is the same one you use for airline reservations.

Today, TSA PreCheck approval is digital only. You do not receive a physical card, but you still get a nine-digit number that works exactly the same way. You can save a screenshot of your approval email or write your number down and keep it with your ID for reference when you travel.

Keeping your number safe and updated

Your TSA PreCheck number is tied to your identity, so treat it like you would a frequent flyer number — keep it private and do not share it with people you do not trust. You do not need to memorize it, but it is useful to have it written down or saved in your phone for quick reference at the airport.

Your number does not change unless your TSA PreCheck membership expires or is revoked. TSA PreCheck lasts five years from your approval date. About 90 days before your membership expires, you will receive an email reminding you to renew. When you renew, you will receive a new nine-digit number.

Troubleshooting common problems

If you added your number to your airline reservation but do not see "TSA PreCheck" on your boarding pass, the airline may not have processed it correctly. Check your reservation again to make sure the number was entered without spaces or dashes — it should be nine digits in a row. If it looks correct, contact your airline to ask them to verify the entry.

If your boarding pass still does not show TSA PreCheck after the airline confirms the number is correct, your enrollment may not be complete. This can happen if your background check is still pending or if there was an issue with your in-person appointment. Log into your TSA account to check your status, or call 1-855-347-8371 to confirm you are fully enrolled.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I lost my approval email?

Log into your TSA PreCheck account at tsa.gov and select "Manage Your TSA PreCheck." Your number is displayed on your account dashboard. You can also call 1-855-347-8371 and TSA will provide your number over the phone.

Can I use my TSA PreCheck number if I travel with my family?

No, your number is unique to you and cannot be used by anyone else. Each family member who wants TSA PreCheck benefits must enroll separately and receive their own nine-digit number. Children under 18 can enroll with a parent or guardian present.

Do I need my TSA PreCheck number at the airport if I have my ID?

TSA can look you up by your ID alone, but adding your number to your airline reservation before you travel is the most reliable way to may support TSA PreCheck appears on your boarding pass. This guarantees you will go through the expedited security line.

What happens if I enter my number wrong when I book my flight?

If you enter an incorrect number, TSA PreCheck will not appear on your boarding pass. You can update your reservation through your airline's website or by calling them. Make sure the number is entered as nine digits with no spaces or dashes.