Where to find your TSA PreCheck number

Your TSA PreCheck number is a nine-digit code printed on your Known Traveler Number (KTN) card, which TSA mails to you after you complete your in-person appointment. The fastest way to retrieve it is to check the physical card itself — the number appears in the upper right corner. If you cannot locate the card, you can find the same number through your TSA account online, by calling TSA directly, or by checking your airline account if you have already added it there.

The number stays the same for the five-year life of your membership, so once you have it, you can save it in your phone or a password manager for future flights. You will need it every time you book a ticket if you want TSA PreCheck screening at the airport.

Key Takeaways

  • Your TSA PreCheck number is printed on the physical KTN card TSA mails to you after your appointment, located in the upper right corner.
  • You can retrieve your number through your TSA account at tsa.gov by logging in with your credentials from your appointment.
  • Calling the TSA Customer Service line at 1-855-347-8371 will retrieve your number if you have your appointment confirmation details on hand.
  • Your airline may also display your TSA PreCheck number in your frequent flyer or booking account if you have already added it to your profile.

Retrieving your number through your TSA account online

Go to tsa.gov and click the "Sign In" button in the upper right corner. Use the same email address and password you created when you scheduled your in-person appointment. Once logged in, your dashboard will display your membership status and your Known Traveler Number.

If you do not remember your password, click "Forgot Password" on the sign-in page and follow the reset instructions sent to your email. The process takes a few minutes. If you never created an online account, you can create one now using the email address associated with your appointment.

Calling TSA customer service for your number

Call the TSA Customer Service line at 1-855-347-8371. Have your appointment confirmation email or receipt ready — the representative will ask for your confirmation number or the date and location of your appointment to verify your identity. They will then read your nine-digit TSA PreCheck number to you over the phone.

Customer service is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern time, and Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time. Wait times are typically shorter early in the morning or on weekday afternoons.

Finding your number through your airline account

If you have already added your TSA PreCheck membership to your frequent flyer account with an airline, you can view the number there. Log into your airline account, go to your profile or account settings, and look for a section labeled "Known Traveler Number," "TSA PreCheck," or "Security Information." The nine-digit number will be displayed there.

Not all airlines display the number in the same location, so check the help section of your airline's website if you cannot find it when ready. If you have not yet added your TSA PreCheck to your airline account, you can do so by entering your nine-digit number during the booking process or in your account settings.

What to do if your card is lost or damaged

If your physical KTN card is lost or damaged, you do not need a replacement to use TSA PreCheck — your nine-digit number is all you need. Enter it in the "Known Traveler Number" field when you book your flight, and you will receive TSA PreCheck screening at the airport.

If you want a replacement card, you can request one through your TSA account at tsa.gov or by calling 1-855-347-8371. TSA will mail a new card at no charge, though it may take two to three weeks to arrive. In the meantime, your number remains active and valid for airport screening.

Using your number at the airport and when booking

When you book a flight, enter your nine-digit TSA PreCheck number in the "Known Traveler Number" field during checkout. This tells the airline to add TSA PreCheck to your boarding pass. At the airport, look for the TSA PreCheck lane in security — it is usually marked with a blue sign and a TSA PreCheck logo.

You do not need to show your physical card at security, though you can bring it if you want. The TSA officer will scan your boarding pass, which contains your TSA PreCheck status. If your number was entered correctly at booking, you will be directed to the PreCheck lane where you can keep shoes, belts, and light jackets on, and leave laptops and liquids in your bag.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I cannot remember the email or password for my TSA account?

Click "Forgot Password" on the tsa.gov sign-in page and follow the reset link sent to your email. If you no longer have access to that email address, call TSA Customer Service at 1-855-347-8371 with your appointment confirmation details, and they will retrieve your number for you over the phone.

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

Yes. The nine-digit number is all you need. Enter it in the "Known Traveler Number" field when you book your flight, and you will receive TSA PreCheck screening at the airport. The physical card is convenient to have but not required.

Why is my TSA PreCheck number not showing up in my airline account?

You may not have added it to that airline's system yet. Log into your airline account, go to your profile settings, and manually enter your nine-digit TSA PreCheck number in the "Known Traveler Number" field. It will then appear in future bookings with that airline.

How long does it take to receive my KTN card in the mail?

TSA typically mails your card within two to three weeks of your in-person appointment. You do not need to wait for the card to use your TSA PreCheck number — you can start entering it at booking as soon as your appointment is complete.