Your TSA PreCheck number comes from TSA PreCheck, a program you pay for once every five years

A TSA PreCheck number is a credential number assigned to you after you complete the TSA PreCheck program. It is not something you request separately — you get it as part of enrolling in the program itself. The number appears on your approval letter and in your TSA PreCheck account, and you use it when you book flights so TSA knows to screen you through the faster PreCheck lane at airport security.

The program costs $78 to $85 depending on your location and which enrollment center you use, and it lasts five years. You do not need to do anything special to "get" the number — it is automatically issued once your background check clears and your enrollment is complete.

Key Takeaways

  • You receive your TSA PreCheck number automatically after you complete the enrollment process and pass the background check, usually within one to two weeks.
  • The number appears on your approval letter and in your online TSA PreCheck account, where you can view it anytime.
  • You enter your TSA PreCheck number when booking flights so the airline and TSA know to route you through PreCheck screening.
  • The credential lasts five years from the date of approval, and you will receive a renewal notice about four months before it expires.

How to enroll in TSA PreCheck and receive your number

To get a TSA PreCheck number, you first enroll in the program through the official TSA PreCheck website or by visiting an enrollment center in person. The online process takes about 10 minutes and asks for your name, date of birth, citizenship status, and contact information. You will also answer questions about your background and criminal history.

After you submit your online process, you schedule an in-person appointment at a TSA PreCheck enrollment center. At that appointment, a TSA officer will verify your identity using a government-issued ID, take your fingerprints for a background check, and take a photo. The appointment usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. You pay the enrollment fee at this time — most centers accept credit cards, debit cards, and checks.

Once your background check is complete, typically within one to two weeks, TSA sends you an approval letter by mail. This letter contains your TSA PreCheck number, which is a nine-digit code. You can also log into your TSA PreCheck account online to view your number, your approval status, and your expiration date.

Where to find your TSA PreCheck number once you have it

Your TSA PreCheck number appears in three places: on your approval letter, in your online TSA PreCheck account, and on your Known Traveler Number (KTN) notification if you linked your PreCheck to a frequent flyer account.

The easiest way to find it is to log into your TSA PreCheck account on the official website using the email address and password you created during enrollment. Your account dashboard shows your approval status, your number, and your expiration date. If you cannot find your approval letter and do not remember your account password, you can reset your password on the login page.

If you enrolled in person but never received an approval letter, contact the enrollment center where you completed your appointment. They can print a copy or direct you to retrieve it from your online account.

How to use your TSA PreCheck number when booking flights

When you book a flight online or by phone, the airline will ask for your Known Traveler Number (KTN). Your TSA PreCheck number is your KTN — enter it exactly as it appears on your approval letter, with no spaces or dashes. Some airlines call this field "TSA PreCheck Number" or "Known Traveler Number," but they mean the same thing.

If you book through a travel website like Expedia or Kayak, look for a field labeled "Frequent Flyer" or "Known Traveler Number" and enter your TSA PreCheck number there. If you already have a frequent flyer account with an airline, you can link your TSA PreCheck number to that account in your airline profile, and it will automatically populate on future bookings.

Entering your number at booking tells TSA and the airline that you are PreCheck-may be able to access, so when you arrive at the airport, you will be directed to the TSA PreCheck security lane. You will not need to remove your shoes, belt, or light jacket, and you can leave your laptop and liquids in your carry-on bag.

What happens if you lose or forget your TSA PreCheck number

If you forget your number, the fastest way to find it is to log into your TSA PreCheck account online. If you do not remember your password, click "Forgot Password" on the login page and follow the email instructions to reset it.

If you lost your approval letter and cannot access your online account, contact the TSA PreCheck enrollment center where you completed your appointment. They can look up your number using your name and date of birth. You can also call the TSA PreCheck customer service line, though wait times are often long.

You do not need to pay again or re-enroll to retrieve your number — it is permanently tied to your account for the five-year validity period.

Renewing your TSA PreCheck number before it expires

TSA will send you a renewal notice by mail about four months before your credential expires. The renewal process is faster than the initial enrollment — you can renew entirely online without visiting an enrollment center, and the fee is the same ($78 to $85 depending on location).

To renew online, log into your TSA PreCheck account and follow the renewal prompts. You will answer updated background questions and pay the renewal fee. TSA will conduct another background check, which usually takes one to two weeks. Once approved, you will receive a new approval letter with a new TSA PreCheck number and a new five-year expiration date.

If you miss the renewal window and your credential expires, you will need to enroll in the full program again as a new applicant, including an in-person appointment at an enrollment center.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my TSA PreCheck number before I receive my approval letter?

No. You can only use your TSA PreCheck number once you have received your approval letter or confirmed your approval status in your online account. TSA's system must show you as approved before the airline will accept your number at booking.

What if the airline says my TSA PreCheck number is invalid?

Double-check that you entered the number exactly as it appears on your approval letter, with no spaces or dashes. If it is correct and the airline still rejects it, log into your TSA PreCheck account to confirm your approval status. If your account shows you are approved, contact the airline's customer service — sometimes there is a system delay of a few hours after approval.

Do I need to show my TSA PreCheck number at the airport?

No. You do not need to show anything at the airport. When you check in, the airline's system will see your number and flag you as PreCheck-may be able to access. TSA will see the flag and route you to the PreCheck lane. You only need your boarding pass and ID, just like any other passenger.

Can I have more than one TSA PreCheck number?

No. Each person gets one TSA PreCheck number per enrollment. If you enrolled twice by mistake, contact TSA to cancel the duplicate enrollment and receive a refund for the duplicate fee.