Your TSA PreCheck number is printed on your approval letter and on your Known Traveler Number (KTN) card, both mailed to you after you complete your in-person appointment

When you finish your TSA PreCheck appointment at an enrollment center, you do not receive your number that day. The TSA mails two documents to your address within two to three weeks: a letter stating your approval and your physical KTN card. Your TSA PreCheck number is a nine-digit code printed on both documents. If you have already received these items, check the letter first — it is easier to read than the card.

If you have not yet received your approval letter or card, you can check the status of your process online through the TSA PreCheck website using your receipt number from your appointment. The receipt number was given to you when you left the enrollment center. If your status shows "Approved," your documents are in the mail.

Key Takeaways

  • Your TSA PreCheck number arrives in the mail on your approval letter and KTN card, not at your appointment.
  • The number is nine digits long and appears on both your letter and your physical card.
  • You can check whether your documents have been mailed by logging into the TSA PreCheck website with your receipt number.
  • If your approval letter is lost, you can request a replacement through the TSA PreCheck website or contact the enrollment center where you had your appointment.
  • You will need your TSA PreCheck number when you book flights, so save it in your phone or email once you receive it.

Checking your process status online

Go to the official TSA PreCheck website and select "Check process Status." You will need your receipt number, which is a six-digit code printed on the receipt you received at your enrollment center appointment. Enter that number and your date of birth to see where your process stands.

The status page will tell you whether your process is still being reviewed, has been approved, or has been denied. If it shows "Approved," your approval letter and card are being processed by mail. If it shows "Pending," your process is still under review and you should check back in a few days.

What to do if you lost your approval letter

If your approval letter arrived but you have misplaced it, you can request a replacement through the TSA PreCheck website. Log in with your receipt number and date of birth, then look for the option to request a duplicate letter. The TSA will mail a new one to your address.

Alternatively, you can call the enrollment center where you had your appointment and ask them to provide your TSA PreCheck number over the phone. Have your receipt number and identification ready when you call.

What to do if you lost your KTN card

Your physical KTN card is a convenience, but you do not need it to use TSA PreCheck. Your nine-digit number is what matters. You can enter it when you book a flight, and the TSA will recognize you at security even without the card in your wallet.

If you want a replacement card, contact the enrollment center where you completed your appointment. They can order a new one for you, though there may be a small fee. In the meantime, write down your TSA PreCheck number and keep it somewhere safe — your phone notes, email, or a document on your computer.

Where to enter your number when booking flights

When you book a flight online, most airline websites have a field labeled "Known Traveler Number" or "TSA PreCheck Number" in the passenger information section. Enter your nine-digit number there. Some airlines ask for it during check-in instead, either online or at the airport counter.

If you are unsure whether you entered it correctly, you can add it to your airline frequent flyer account. Once it is linked to your account, the airline will automatically include it on every booking you make under that account. This is the easiest way to make sure it is never forgotten.

If you never received your documents

If your status shows "Approved" but you have not received your letter or card after four weeks, contact the enrollment center where you had your appointment. Bring your receipt number. They can check whether the documents were mailed and, if necessary, request that the TSA send replacements.

Mail delivery times vary by location, so it is worth waiting the full three to four weeks before contacting the center. If you are traveling soon and cannot wait, ask the enrollment center whether they can provide your number by phone so you can use it when ready.

Keeping your number safe

Your TSA PreCheck number is not sensitive information in the way a Social Security number is, but you should still keep it in a place where you can find it. Store it in your phone contacts, email it to yourself, or write it in a travel document folder. You will need it every time you book a flight.

If you travel frequently, add your number to your airline frequent flyer profiles and to any travel apps you use. This way you will not have to look it up or type it in manually each time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my TSA PreCheck number before my card arrives?

Yes. As soon as your process status shows "Approved" on the TSA PreCheck website, you can use your nine-digit number when booking flights. You do not have to wait for the physical card to arrive in the mail.

What if I cannot find my receipt number?

Call the enrollment center where you completed your appointment. They can look up your process using your name and date of birth. Have your identification ready when you call.

Is my TSA PreCheck number the same as my Known Traveler Number?

Yes. TSA PreCheck number and Known Traveler Number (KTN) are the same thing. The nine-digit code is referred to by both names.

Can I get my TSA PreCheck number by email?

The TSA does not email your number for security reasons. It arrives only on your printed approval letter and physical card. If you need it before your mail arrives, call your enrollment center and they can provide it by phone.

What if my TSA PreCheck was denied?

If your process status shows "Denied," the TSA will mail you a letter explaining the reason. You can request reconsideration through the TSA PreCheck website, or contact the enrollment center for more information about why you were denied.