Your TSA PreCheck number is in your confirmation email or on the TSA website using your process details

When you completed your TSA PreCheck process and paid the fee, you received a confirmation email with your Known Traveler Number (KTN) — that is your TSA PreCheck number. If you cannot find that email, you can retrieve the number by logging into your TSA account at tsa.gov using the same email address and password you used to register. The number appears in your account dashboard under "My Applications" or "Known Traveler Number."

Your TSA PreCheck number is nine digits long and starts with a letter. You will need this number every time you book a flight, so it is worth saving it somewhere you can find it quickly — a note in your phone, your email, or your airline's frequent flyer profile all work well.

Key Takeaways

  • Your TSA PreCheck number was sent to you by email when your process was approved, and the email subject line usually says "TSA PreCheck process Status."
  • If you lost the email, log into tsa.gov with your process email address and password to find the number in your account dashboard.
  • Your TSA PreCheck number is nine digits starting with a letter and is the same as your Known Traveler Number (KTN).
  • You must enter this number when you book a flight to receive TSA PreCheck benefits at security.

Finding your number in your email

Search your email inbox for messages from "tsa.gov" or "TSA PreCheck." The approval email typically arrives within 24 hours of your background check clearing, and the subject line reads something like "TSA PreCheck process Status" or "Your TSA PreCheck process Has Been Approved." Open that email and look for a section labeled "Known Traveler Number" or "KTN" — the nine-digit code is printed there.

If the email went to spam or a different folder, check your spam, promotions, and archive folders. If you changed email addresses since you applied, search the email account you used when you submitted your process, not your current one.

Retrieving your number from the TSA website

Go to tsa.gov and click "Sign In" at the top right. Enter the email address and password you created when you started your TSA PreCheck process. Once you are logged in, look for a section called "My Applications," "process Status," or "Known Traveler Number" — the exact label varies depending on when you applied.

Your TSA PreCheck number will be displayed prominently on that page. If you forgot your password, click "Forgot Password" on the login screen and follow the steps to reset it using your email address. The reset link arrives in your inbox within a few minutes.

What to do if you cannot find your number

If you have searched your email and cannot log into the TSA website, contact the TSA directly. Call the TSA PreCheck customer service line at 1-855-347-8371 (available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern time). Have your driver's license number and the email address you used for your process ready when you call.

You can also submit a question through the TSA website by clicking "Contact Us" at the bottom of the page and selecting "TSA PreCheck" from the dropdown menu. Email responses typically take three to five business days, so calling is faster if you need the number soon.

Using your number when you book a flight

When you purchase a plane ticket online or over the phone, the airline will ask for your Known Traveler Number (KTN). Enter your nine-digit TSA PreCheck number in that field. Some airlines call it "TSA PreCheck Number," "KTN," or "Trusted Traveler Number" — they are all the same thing.

If you book through a travel website like Kayak or Expedia, look for a field labeled "Frequent Flyer" or "Loyalty Program" and enter your TSA PreCheck number there. You can also add your number to your airline frequent flyer profile so it is automatically included in every booking you make with that airline.

Saving your number for future use

Write your TSA PreCheck number down and keep it in a safe place — your wallet, a note on your phone, or a password manager all work. You will use this number for every flight you take for the next five years (the length of your TSA PreCheck membership), so having it readily available saves time at booking.

If you add your number to your airline frequent flyer account, it will be stored there permanently. Most major airlines (United, American, Delta, Southwest, and others) have a section in your online profile where you can enter your TSA PreCheck number once, and it will be included automatically on all future bookings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my TSA PreCheck number the same as my Known Traveler Number?

Yes. Known Traveler Number (KTN) and TSA PreCheck number are the same thing. Airlines and the TSA use both terms interchangeably. When you see a field asking for your KTN, enter your TSA PreCheck number.

What if I never received an approval email?

Check your spam and promotions folders first. If it is not there, log into tsa.gov to see your process status. If your process was denied or is still pending, the website will show that. If it shows approved but you have no email, call TSA customer service at 1-855-347-8371 to request your number be sent again.

Can I use someone else's TSA PreCheck number?

No. Your TSA PreCheck number is tied to your identity and background check. Using someone else's number is fraud and will result in serious consequences, including fines and criminal charges. Each person must have their own TSA PreCheck membership.

How long is my TSA PreCheck number valid?

Your TSA PreCheck membership lasts five years from the date you were approved. Your number remains the same for the entire five years. When your membership is about to expire, the TSA will send you a renewal notice by email, and you can renew online.

What if I lost my TSA PreCheck number and my flight is tomorrow?

Call the TSA PreCheck customer service line at 1-855-347-8371 right away. They can provide your number over the phone within minutes. You can also try logging into tsa.gov — if you can reset your password, your number appears when ready in your account. Have your driver's license ready either way.