What a Known Traveler Number is and how to get one

A Known Traveler Number (KTN) is an identifier the TSA uses to link you to a trusted traveler program — TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI. When you enroll in one of these programs and receive your KTN, you can enter it when you book a flight, and the TSA will let you through expedited screening at U.S. airports without removing shoes, belts, light jackets, or taking out laptops and liquids.

You do not get a KTN on its own. You must first enroll in a trusted traveler program through the TSA or U.S. Customs and Border Protection, pay the program fee, pass a background check, and attend an in-person appointment. Once approved, the program issues your KTN, usually by email or in your online account.

The most common program is TSA PreCheck, which costs $78 to $85 for five years and covers domestic U.S. flights. Global Entry costs $100 for five years and covers international travel plus includes TSA PreCheck benefits. NEXUS and SENTRI are regional programs for travel to Canada and Mexico, respectively.

Key Takeaways

  • You must enroll in a trusted traveler program (TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI) before you receive a KTN.
  • Enrollment requires an online process, a background check, and an in-person appointment at an enrollment center.
  • TSA PreCheck costs $78 to $85 for five years; Global Entry costs $100 for five years and includes PreCheck benefits.
  • Once approved, you receive your KTN by email or through your online account and can use it when ready when booking flights.
  • You enter your KTN at the time of booking or add it to your airline frequent-flyer profile so it appears on every ticket automatically.

How to enroll in TSA PreCheck

Start by visiting the official TSA PreCheck enrollment website at tsa.gov/precheck. Click "Get TSA PreCheck" and create an account. You will provide your full legal name, date of birth, contact information, and citizenship status. You will also answer questions about your criminal history, immigration status, and security violations. Answer truthfully — the TSA conducts a thorough background check that includes FBI and Department of Homeland Security records.

After you submit your online process, you will receive a confirmation email with an process number. You then schedule an in-person appointment at a TSA PreCheck enrollment center. There are over 500 enrollment centers nationwide, including many at airports, post offices, and private security companies. During your appointment (which takes about 10 to 15 minutes), a TSA officer will verify your identity using your passport or driver's license, take your fingerprints, and photograph you.

The TSA typically notifies you of approval or denial within two weeks of your appointment. If approved, you receive your KTN by email and can also view it in your TSA PreCheck account online. If denied, the TSA will explain why and tell you how to appeal.

How to enroll in Global Entry

Global Entry is run by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, not the TSA, though it includes TSA PreCheck as a benefit. Visit the CBP Trusted Traveler Programs website at cbp.gov/travel and select Global Entry. Create an account and complete the online process, which asks similar questions to TSA PreCheck but also includes questions about international travel and customs violations.

After you submit your process, you will receive a conditional approval notification and can schedule an in-person interview at a Global Entry enrollment center. Most interviews take place at international airports or border crossings. During the interview, a CBP officer will review your process, verify your identity, and ask questions about your travel history and background. The interview typically lasts 15 to 20 minutes.

Once approved, you receive your KTN by email. Global Entry approval usually takes four to six weeks from your interview date, though it can take longer during peak travel seasons. Your Global Entry membership includes TSA PreCheck, so you can use expedited screening on domestic flights when ready.

NEXUS and SENTRI for regional travel

NEXUS is for travelers who frequently cross the U.S.-Canada border by air, land, or sea. It costs $50 for five years and includes TSA PreCheck benefits. You enroll through the CBP website, complete an online process, and attend an in-person appointment at a NEXUS enrollment center located near the U.S.-Canada border.

SENTRI is for travelers who frequently cross the U.S.-Mexico border by land. It costs $122.50 for five years and includes TSA PreCheck benefits. You enroll through the CBP website, complete an online process, and attend an in-person appointment at a SENTRI enrollment center in Arizona, California, New Mexico, or Texas.

Both programs follow the same approval process as Global Entry: online process, background check, in-person interview, and KTN issued by email upon approval. If you travel to both Canada and Mexico regularly, you can enroll in both programs, but you will receive separate KTNs for each.

Where to find enrollment centers and schedule appointments

For TSA PreCheck, visit tsa.gov/precheck and click "Find an Enrollment Center." You can search by city, state, or airport code. The map shows each center's address, hours, and phone number. Many centers are located inside airports, so you can schedule an appointment before or after a flight. Some private security companies and post offices also offer TSA PreCheck enrollment.

For Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI, visit cbp.gov/travel and select the program you want. Click "Find an Enrollment Center" and search by location. Global Entry centers are typically at major international airports. NEXUS centers are near the U.S.-Canada border. SENTRI centers are in the Southwest.

Appointment availability varies by location and season. During summer and the weeks before Thanksgiving and Christmas, enrollment centers book up quickly. Schedule your appointment as early as possible, especially if you need your KTN before a specific trip. Some centers offer walk-in appointments, but most require advance scheduling.

What to bring to your enrollment appointment

Bring a valid government-issued photo ID — a passport, passport card, driver's license, or military ID. Bring your Social Security card or a document that shows your Social Security number. Bring proof of citizenship or immigration status: a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, green card, or visa. If you have changed your name, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change.

Bring your process confirmation number or a printed copy of your online process. Bring payment for the program fee. Most enrollment centers accept credit cards, debit cards, and checks, but call ahead to confirm what payment methods they accept. Bring any documents related to criminal history or security violations if the TSA asked you about them in your process.

Do not bring weapons, explosives, or prohibited items. Do not bring children unless they are also enrolling in the program. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to allow time for check-in.

How to use your KTN when booking flights

When you book a flight online or by phone, look for a field labeled "Known Traveler Number," "KTN," or "Trusted Traveler Program." Enter your KTN exactly as it appears in your approval email or TSA PreCheck account. The airline will link your KTN to your booking, and it will appear on your boarding pass.

If you book through an airline's website, the KTN field is usually on the same page where you enter your name and date of birth. If you book through a travel website like Expedia or Kayak, the KTN field may appear after you select your flight or during checkout. If you do not see a KTN field, call the airline directly and provide your KTN over the phone.

You can also add your KTN to your airline frequent-flyer profile. Once you do, the airline will automatically include your KTN on every ticket you book under that profile, so you do not have to enter it each time. Log into your frequent-flyer account, find the "Trusted Traveler" or "Known Traveler Number" section, and enter your KTN. The change usually takes effect within 24 hours.

What happens if your KTN expires or you lose it

Your KTN is valid for the duration of your program membership — five years for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI. When your membership expires, your KTN expires with it. You will receive a renewal notice by email or mail about 90 days before your membership expires. You can renew online through your program account, and the renewal process is faster than the initial enrollment — you do not need another in-person appointment for TSA PreCheck renewal, though you may need one for Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI renewal depending on your program.

If you lose your KTN, log into your program account online and view your KTN there. You can also call the program's customer service line. For TSA PreCheck, call 1-855-347-8371. For Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI, call 1-877-CBP-5511. Do not share your KTN with anyone else, as it is tied to your identity and background check.

If you move, change your name, or update your contact information, log into your program account and update your profile. The TSA and CBP use your account information to contact you about renewals and program changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a KTN without enrolling in a trusted traveler program?

No. A KTN is issued only by TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI after you complete enrollment, pass a background check, and attend an in-person appointment. There is no other way to obtain a KTN.

How long does it take to get a KTN after I enroll?

For TSA PreCheck, approval typically takes two weeks after your in-person appointment. For Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI, approval typically takes four to six weeks. During peak travel seasons, approval can take longer. You can check your status in your online account at any time.

Can I use my KTN on international flights?

TSA PreCheck applies only to domestic U.S. flights. If you fly internationally, you need Global Entry, which includes TSA PreCheck and also provides expedited customs screening when you return to the U.S. NEXUS and SENTRI do not cover international flights.

What if my background check is denied?

If the TSA or CBP denies your process, you will receive a letter explaining the reason. You can request an appeal through your program account or by mail. The appeal process typically takes 30 to 60 days. You can reapply after your appeal is denied, but you must wait at least one year before reapplying.

Do I need to renew my KTN, or does it renew automatically?

Your KTN does not renew automatically. You must renew your program membership before it expires. You will receive a renewal notice by email or mail about 90 days before expiration. You can renew online, and for TSA PreCheck, the renewal process does not require another in-person appointment. Your new KTN will be issued within two weeks of renewal.