The fastest way to check your TSA PreCheck status

You can check whether you have an active TSA PreCheck membership in three ways: look at your Known Traveler Number (KTN) in your airline account, check the TSA's official website directly, or call the TSA at 1-855-347-8371. The website method is fastest — you'll need your driver's license number or passport number and your date of birth.

Go to tsa.gov/precheck and select "Check process Status." Enter your information, and the system will tell you when ready whether your membership is active, pending, or expired. If you have a KTN saved in your airline frequent flyer account, you already have PreCheck — that number is your proof.

If you're not sure whether you applied in the past, start with the website check. Many people forget they enrolled years ago and still have a valid membership. PreCheck lasts five years from your approval date, so if you applied between 2019 and 2024, you may still be covered.

Key Takeaways

  • Check your status at tsa.gov/precheck using your driver's license or passport number and date of birth — results are when ready.
  • If you have a Known Traveler Number (KTN) saved in any airline account, you have an active PreCheck membership.
  • PreCheck memberships last five years, so if you enrolled before 2019, your membership has expired.
  • Call 1-855-347-8371 if the website doesn't show your status or if you need to update your information.

Where to find your Known Traveler Number if you have PreCheck

Your KTN is a nine-character code that proves you have PreCheck. If you have an active membership, you can find it in several places. Log into your airline frequent flyer account (United, American, Delta, Southwest, or any other carrier) and look for a section labeled "TSA PreCheck" or "Known Traveler Number." The number will be displayed there.

You can also find your KTN in your email. When TSA approved your PreCheck process, they sent you a confirmation email with your KTN and membership expiration date. Search your email for "Known Traveler Number" or "TSA PreCheck approved" — that message will have all the details you need.

If you have a TSA PreCheck card (a physical credential that some people received), the KTN is printed on the back. Not everyone gets a card — many PreCheck members only have the KTN in their airline account — but if you have one, it's right there.

What to do if the website says you don't have PreCheck

If tsa.gov/precheck shows no record of your membership, you have two possibilities: you never applied, or your membership expired. Check the expiration date on any old PreCheck approval emails you can find. PreCheck memberships are valid for exactly five years from the approval date, and TSA does not automatically renew them.

If your membership expired, you'll need to explore again. The process takes about the same time as the first process — typically three to five weeks for approval, though some people are approved within days. You'll pay the renewal fee again (the cost varies by state and renewal method, but typically ranges from $78 to $85).

If you never applied and want to start now, you can begin the process at tsa.gov/precheck. You'll need to complete an online form, pay the fee, and schedule an in-person appointment at a PreCheck enrollment center to provide your fingerprints and documents.

How to update your information if your details have changed

If you have an active PreCheck membership but your name, address, or other information has changed, you should update it with TSA. Go to tsa.gov/precheck and select "Update Your Information." You'll need your KTN and the same identification you used when you applied.

Name changes are the most common update. If you got married, divorced, or changed your name for any other reason, update your TSA record before your next flight. Using a boarding name that doesn't match your TSA PreCheck record can cause problems at the airport, even if your PreCheck is active.

Address changes are less critical for PreCheck itself, but TSA uses your address to contact you about your membership status. If you move, updating your address ensures you'll receive any notices about your membership expiring or being suspended.

What happens at the airport if you have PreCheck

When you check in for a flight, enter your KTN in your airline reservation. At the airport, look for the TSA PreCheck lane — it's usually marked with a blue sign and is separate from the standard security line. You'll go through a faster screening process: you can keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on, leave your laptop and liquids in your carry-on, and move through metal detection more quickly.

Not every airport has a dedicated PreCheck lane. Smaller airports may not have enough volume to justify a separate line, so you'll go through standard screening even with an active membership. Major airports like Atlanta, Dallas, Los Angeles, and Chicago always have PreCheck lanes.

Your KTN must be in your reservation for the airline to print a TSA PreCheck indicator on your boarding pass. If you forget to add it during check-in, you can usually add it at the airport counter or kiosk before you reach security, but it's easier to do it online when you book.

Renewing your PreCheck before it expires

You can renew your PreCheck up to six months before your membership expires. The renewal process is faster than the initial process — you don't need to provide fingerprints again if you renew before your current membership ends. You'll complete an online form, pay the renewal fee, and you're done. No in-person appointment required.

To renew, go to tsa.gov/precheck and select "Renew Your Membership." You'll need your KTN and the same identification you used originally. The renewal fee is the same as the initial process fee.

If you wait until after your membership expires, you'll have to go through the full process process again, including an in-person appointment. Renewing early is simpler and cheaper in terms of time — you avoid the gap where you don't have PreCheck benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use someone else's TSA PreCheck number?

No. Your KTN is tied to your identity and your background check. Using someone else's number is fraud and can result in serious consequences, including criminal charges and permanent TSA PreCheck denial. Always use your own KTN on your reservation.

What if I lost my PreCheck card?

Your card is just a physical copy of your KTN — losing it doesn't affect your membership. As long as your KTN is in your airline reservation, you can use PreCheck at security. You can request a replacement card from TSA, but it's not necessary to fly.

Does my PreCheck work internationally?

TSA PreCheck only applies to U.S. airports and flights departing the United States. It does not work at foreign airports or on international carriers. If you fly internationally often, you may want to look into Global Entry, which includes PreCheck benefits and covers international arrivals.

What if the TSA website won't load or shows an error?

Call 1-855-347-8371 and provide your driver's license or passport number and date of birth. The TSA representative can check your status over the phone and answer questions about your membership. Wait times are usually shortest early in the morning on weekdays.

Can I get PreCheck if I've been denied before?

Yes, but you should find out why you were denied first. Call the TSA at 1-855-347-8371 and ask for details about your denial. Some denials are temporary (like pending background check results), while others are permanent. The TSA can tell you whether you can reapply and when.