Where to find your TSA PreCheck number once you're approved

Your TSA PreCheck number arrives in the mail as part of your Known Traveler Number (KTN) card, usually four to six weeks after your in-person appointment. The card itself is a physical credential about the size of a driver's license. Your nine-digit number is printed on the front of the card, below your name.

If you have already received your card but cannot locate the number, look at the front left side — it appears as a single line of nine digits. You will need this number every time you book a flight, so write it down or take a photo of the card for your records.

If your card has not arrived within six weeks of your appointment, or if you lost the card after receiving it, you have options to retrieve the number without waiting for a replacement.

Key Takeaways

  • Your TSA PreCheck number is a nine-digit code printed on the front of your Known Traveler Number card, which arrives by mail four to six weeks after your appointment.
  • You can look up your number online through the TSA's official website using your process receipt number and date of birth.
  • Calling the TSA PreCheck enrollment center directly will give you your number over the phone if you have your receipt number handy.
  • When you book a flight, enter your nine-digit TSA PreCheck number in the "Known Traveler Number" field to use your benefits when ready, even before your physical card arrives.

Retrieving your number online through the TSA website

The TSA PreCheck program has an online lookup tool on its official website. Go to tsa.gov/precheck and look for the "Check process Status" or "Retrieve Known Traveler Number" section. You will need two pieces of information: your process receipt number (this was sent to you by email after you submitted your online form) and your date of birth.

Enter both pieces of information into the form and submit. The system will display your nine-digit TSA PreCheck number on the screen. You can screenshot this or write it down when ready. This method works whether your physical card is on the way or has already arrived.

If you cannot find your receipt number, check your email inbox for messages from TSA PreCheck or the enrollment center you visited. The receipt number appears in the confirmation email sent after you completed your process online.

Calling the TSA PreCheck enrollment center

You can phone the TSA PreCheck customer service line to have an agent look up your number. Have your receipt number and date of birth ready before you call. The phone number is listed on the TSA PreCheck website under "Contact Us."

Wait times vary depending on the time of day and day of the week. Calling early in the morning on a weekday typically means shorter hold times. The agent will verify your identity using the information you provide and then read your nine-digit number to you over the phone.

Using your number before your physical card arrives

You do not have to wait for your card to use your TSA PreCheck benefits. When you book a flight online, most airlines have a field labeled "Known Traveler Number" or "KTN" in the passenger information section. Enter your nine-digit TSA PreCheck number there at the time of booking.

The number will be attached to your reservation and will appear on your boarding pass. TSA officers at the airport will see it and direct you to the TSA PreCheck lane, even if your physical card has not yet arrived. This means you can start using expedited screening as soon as you know your number.

If you book through a travel agent or third-party website, you may need to add the number after purchase. Check your airline's website or contact their customer service to add it to an existing reservation if the booking site did not have a field for it.

What to do if you lost your card or never received it

If your card was lost or damaged after arrival, you can request a replacement through the TSA PreCheck website. The replacement card costs a fee (typically around $85, though this varies). You will need to submit a form and pay online, and a new card will be mailed to you.

While waiting for your replacement card, your nine-digit number does not change. You can continue to use it on your boarding passes and in the TSA PreCheck lane at the airport. The physical card is a convenience, but the number itself is what grants you access to expedited screening.

If your card was never received and more than six weeks have passed since your appointment, contact the enrollment center where you had your appointment. They can confirm whether the card was mailed and help you file for a replacement if needed.

Entering your number correctly on airline websites

When you enter your TSA PreCheck number during booking, make sure you use the exact nine-digit code with no spaces or dashes. Different airlines format the field differently — some accept the number with or without spaces, but entering it without any formatting is the safest approach.

Double-check the number before you complete your booking. A single digit entered incorrectly will not match your TSA PreCheck record, and you will not receive the expedited screening benefit. If you notice an error after booking, log into your airline account and edit the passenger information to correct it.

Some airlines allow you to save your TSA PreCheck number to your frequent flyer profile, so it auto-fills on future bookings. This saves time and reduces the chance of entry errors on repeat trips.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my TSA PreCheck number if I do not have my physical card yet?

Yes. Your nine-digit number is all you need to use TSA PreCheck benefits at the airport. Enter it on your boarding pass during booking, and TSA officers will see it and direct you to the expedited lane. The physical card is a backup form of ID but is not required to use the program.

What if the online lookup tool says my process is still pending?

If your process status shows as pending more than six weeks after your in-person appointment, contact the enrollment center where you completed your appointment. There may be a delay in processing, or additional information may be needed. Do not assume the process failed — call to confirm the status before reapplying.

Is my TSA PreCheck number the same as my frequent flyer number?

No. Your TSA PreCheck number is a separate nine-digit code issued by the TSA. Your frequent flyer number belongs to the airline. You enter both numbers when you book — they go in different fields and serve different purposes. The TSA PreCheck number grants you expedited screening; the frequent flyer number tracks your miles and status with the airline.

What if I forgot to enter my TSA PreCheck number when I booked my flight?

Log into your airline account and edit your reservation to add the number to your passenger information. Most airlines allow you to make this change up to 24 hours before departure. If you cannot add it online, call the airline's customer service line and ask them to add it for you. Your boarding pass will update to reflect the number.

Do I need to memorize my TSA PreCheck number?

You do not need to memorize it, but it is helpful to have it written down or saved in your phone for quick reference when booking flights. Keep a photo of your card or a note with the number in a safe place so you can access it even if you do not have your physical card with you while traveling.