Where to find your KTN in your TSA PreCheck account

Your Known Traveler Number (KTN) is a nine-character code that links you to your TSA PreCheck benefits when you fly. You can find it by logging into your TSA PreCheck account at the official TSA website (tsa.gov). Once you are signed in, your KTN appears on your account dashboard — usually in the upper right corner or in a section labeled "Your Benefits" or "PreCheck Status."

If you cannot locate it on the main dashboard, look for a link that says "View My Benefits" or "Account Details." Your KTN will be displayed there alongside your membership expiration date. Write it down or take a screenshot, because you will need it when you book flights.

Key Takeaways

  • Your KTN is a nine-character code found in your TSA PreCheck account at tsa.gov under your account dashboard or benefits section.
  • You must be logged into your account to see your KTN — it is not sent by email or displayed on your membership card.
  • Enter your KTN in the "Known Traveler Number" field when you book a flight to set up your PreCheck benefits at security.
  • If you cannot find your KTN online, contact TSA directly through their website or call the TSA PreCheck customer service line.

What to do if you cannot log into your account

If you forgot your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the TSA PreCheck login page. You will receive an email with a reset link. Check your spam folder if the email does not arrive within a few minutes.

If you do not remember the email address you used to create your account, or if you never received a confirmation email after enrolling, contact TSA PreCheck customer service. You can reach them through the contact form on tsa.gov or by phone — the number is listed on the TSA website under "Contact Us."

Entering your KTN when you book a flight

Once you have your KTN, enter it in the "Known Traveler Number" field when you book your ticket. This field appears on most airline websites during the booking process, usually near where you enter your name and date of birth. Some airlines call it "TSA PreCheck Number" or "Trusted Traveler Number."

If you book through a travel website like Expedia or Kayak, look for the same field in the passenger information section. If the field is not visible, you can add your KTN after booking by editing your reservation on the airline's website or by calling the airline directly.

What happens if you forget to enter your KTN at booking

If you booked your flight without entering your KTN, you can still add it before you travel. Log into your airline account, find your reservation, and look for an option to edit passenger details or add a known traveler number. Most airlines allow this change up to 24 hours before departure.

If you cannot edit it online, call the airline's customer service line with your confirmation number and ask them to add your KTN to your reservation. Doing this before you arrive at the airport gives the airline time to update their system so you receive PreCheck benefits at security.

Understanding what your KTN does at airport security

When your KTN is correctly linked to your flight reservation, you will see "TSA PreCheck" printed on your boarding pass. This tells TSA officers that you have already been vetted and allows you to use the expedited security lane at the airport.

In the PreCheck lane, you can keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on, leave your laptop and liquids in your carry-on bag, and move through security faster than standard passengers. Your KTN does not may provide PreCheck on every flight — TSA officers have the final say — but entering it correctly gives you the best chance of receiving the benefit.

If your KTN is not showing on your boarding pass

If you entered your KTN at booking but it does not appear on your boarding pass, the airline's system may not have processed it. Check your boarding pass again — sometimes it takes a few hours for the system to update after you add the number.

If it still is not there 24 hours before your flight, contact the airline directly. Have your KTN and confirmation number ready. The airline can manually add it to your reservation and reissue your boarding pass. You can also print a new boarding pass at an airport kiosk or at the ticket counter on the day of your flight.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I lost my KTN or cannot remember it?

Log into your TSA PreCheck account at tsa.gov and view your account dashboard. Your KTN will be displayed there. If you cannot log in, use the password reset option or contact TSA customer service through their website.

Is my KTN the same as my TSA PreCheck membership number?

No. Your membership number is different from your KTN. The KTN is the nine-character code you enter when booking flights. Your membership number appears on your TSA PreCheck card or in your account details, but airlines need your KTN specifically.

Can I use someone else's KTN on my flight?

No. Your KTN is tied to your identity and your TSA PreCheck membership. Using someone else's KTN will not work and may cause problems at security. Each traveler must use their own KTN.

Do I need to enter my KTN every time I book a flight?

Yes. You must enter your KTN for each flight you book. Some airlines offer an option to save your KTN in your frequent flyer profile so it fills in automatically on future bookings.