Update your name through the TSA website or by mail

You can change your name on your TSA PreCheck account in two ways: online through the TSA website, or by mailing documents to TSA. The online method is faster and takes about 5 to 10 minutes if you have your confirmation number and a valid ID ready. The mail route takes longer but works if you prefer not to use the website or if your name change involves a legal document that needs verification.

Your TSA PreCheck membership is tied to your legal name as it appears on your ID. If you've changed your name through marriage, divorce, court order, or any other legal process, updating TSA's records keeps your PreCheck number valid and prevents delays at airport security when your boarding pass name doesn't match your membership.

Key Takeaways

  • You can update your TSA PreCheck name online at the TSA website using your confirmation number and a valid government ID.
  • The online update takes 5 to 10 minutes and is processed within one business day in most cases.
  • If you prefer to update by mail, send a completed Form I-131A and a copy of your legal name-change document to the TSA address listed on their website.
  • Your TSA PreCheck membership remains active during the name-change process, so you can continue using it at security checkpoints.
  • After your name is updated, your PreCheck number stays the same — only your legal name in the system changes.

Update your name online through the TSA website

Go to the TSA PreCheck website and log into your account using your confirmation number and the email address you registered with. Click on "Update Profile" or "Account Settings" (the exact label varies slightly depending when you created your account). Select the option to update your legal name.

You will be asked to enter your new legal name exactly as it appears on your government-issued ID — driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Have that ID in front of you to avoid typos. After you submit the change, the TSA sends a confirmation email to the address on file. Check your spam folder if you don't see it within a few minutes.

Processing usually takes one business day. Your PreCheck number does not change, and you can use your membership at security checkpoints when ready while the name update is being processed. When you print your boarding pass or check in online, use your new legal name to match the updated TSA record.

Update your name by mail if you prefer not to use the website

read Form I-131A from the TSA website or request it by calling the TSA PreCheck customer service line. Fill out the form with your new legal name, your PreCheck confirmation number, and your contact information. Attach a photocopy of the legal document that shows your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or amended birth certificate.

Mail the completed form and your document copy to the TSA address listed on the form itself. Include a note with your PreCheck confirmation number on the outside of the envelope so TSA can match it to your account quickly. Mail processing takes 2 to 4 weeks depending on mail delivery time and TSA's current workload.

Keep a copy of everything you mail for your records. You can continue using your PreCheck membership during this time. Once TSA processes your request, they will send a confirmation letter to your mailing address on file.

What to do if your name change involves a legal document

If your name changed through marriage, divorce, or court order, you must provide proof. The TSA accepts a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. A photocopy is acceptable — you do not need to send the original document.

If you changed your name through a court petition (sometimes called a name-change petition or petition for change of name), send a copy of the final court order showing the judge's approval and signature. Some states issue a separate certificate of name change; if yours does, a copy of that works too.

If you are updating your name because you received a new passport or ID with a corrected name, a photocopy of the new document is usually enough. TSA will cross-check it against government records.

Troubleshooting if your update is delayed

If you updated online and do not see a confirmation email within 24 hours, log back into your TSA PreCheck account and check whether the name change went through. Sometimes the system processes the change silently without sending a follow-up email. Your account page will show your current legal name on file.

If you mailed your form and it has been more than 4 weeks, call the TSA PreCheck customer service line with your confirmation number. They can look up whether your form arrived and what stage of processing it is in. Have your new legal name and the date you mailed the form ready when you call.

If you are traveling soon and your name change has not been processed yet, bring both your old and new government IDs to the airport. Tell the TSA officer at the checkpoint that your PreCheck name update is pending. They can verify your identity using both documents and let you through PreCheck screening.

Your PreCheck number and membership stay the same

Updating your name does not change your TSA PreCheck confirmation number, membership status, or expiration date. Your PreCheck benefits continue without interruption. The only thing that changes in the system is your legal name.

After the update is complete, use your new legal name on all boarding passes and when checking in online. Your PreCheck number remains the same, so you do not need to update anything with your airline or frequent-flyer account — just make sure your legal name matches across all systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my old name at the airport while my name change is being processed?

Yes. Your PreCheck membership stays active during the update process. Bring your old government ID and your new one to the checkpoint. Tell the TSA officer your name change is pending, and they can verify your identity using both documents. You can still use PreCheck screening.

Do I need to update my name with my airline too?

Yes, but separately. Update your name with your airline's website or by calling their customer service. Your airline needs your legal name to match your boarding pass. TSA and your airline keep separate records, so updating one does not update the other.

What if I made a typo when I updated my name online?

Log back into your TSA PreCheck account and update it again with the correct spelling. The system will overwrite your previous entry. If you already mailed a form with a typo, call TSA customer service to let them know a corrected online update is coming so they do not process the mailed version.

How long does my TSA PreCheck stay valid after I change my name?

Your membership expiration date does not change. If your PreCheck was set to expire in 2026, it still expires in 2026 after your name update. The name change is just an update to your account — it does not reset your membership clock.

Can I update my name if I am renewing my PreCheck at the same time?

Yes. You can update your name and renew your membership in the same transaction on the TSA website. This is actually the easiest route if your membership is expiring soon and your name has changed.