Your TSA PreCheck number is in your Known Traveler Number (KTN) confirmation email or on your membership card

When you completed your TSA PreCheck enrollment, you received a confirmation email with your Known Traveler Number — this is your TSA PreCheck number. It is a nine-character code that looks like a mix of letters and numbers. If you still have that email, open it and look for the section labeled "Known Traveler Number" or "KTN". The number will be clearly displayed.

If you received a physical membership card in the mail, your TSA PreCheck number is printed on the front of the card, usually in the upper right corner or along the bottom edge. The card itself is valid for five years from the date it was issued, and your number does not change during that time.

Key Takeaways

  • Your TSA PreCheck number is your Known Traveler Number (KTN), a nine-character code sent to you by email when you completed enrollment.
  • Check your confirmation email first — it contains your KTN and is the fastest way to locate the number if you cannot find your card.
  • Your membership card displays the number on the front, and the card is valid for five years.
  • You can also log into your TSA PreCheck account on the official TSA website using your enrollment number to retrieve your KTN.

Check your email confirmation from TSA

The email you received after completing your in-person appointment is the easiest place to find your number. Search your email inbox for messages from TSA or from the enrollment center where you completed your appointment. Look for subject lines that include "PreCheck", "Known Traveler Number", or "enrollment confirmation".

If you cannot find the email, check your spam or junk folder — sometimes confirmation emails end up there by mistake. Once you locate it, the KTN will be in a prominent section of the message, often highlighted or in a box by itself. Write it down or take a screenshot so you have it handy when you book flights.

Log into your TSA PreCheck account online

You can retrieve your number by logging into your account on the official TSA website. Go to the TSA PreCheck enrollment page and sign in using the credentials you created during your enrollment process. Your enrollment number (which is different from your KTN) is what you use to log in.

Once logged in, your dashboard will display your Known Traveler Number. This method works even if you have lost your confirmation email or cannot locate your membership card. Your account also shows your membership expiration date, so you can verify whether your PreCheck is still active.

Look at your TSA PreCheck membership card

If you received a physical card in the mail, the number is printed directly on it. The card is wallet-sized and typically has your photo, name, and expiration date. Your KTN appears on the front of the card and is straightforward to read — you do not need to open anything or look on the back.

Keep your card in a safe place, but do not laminate it or write on it. The card is valid for five years, and you will need to renew your PreCheck membership before that date expires if you want to continue using the program.

What to do if you cannot find your number

If you have lost your email, cannot access your account, and do not have your card, contact the TSA directly. You can call the TSA PreCheck customer service line or visit a TSA PreCheck enrollment center in person with your ID. They can look up your enrollment record and provide your KTN over the phone or in person.

Have your driver's license or passport ready when you contact them, as they will need to verify your identity before releasing your number. This process usually takes a few minutes, and you will have your number when ready.

How to use your TSA PreCheck number when booking flights

When you book a flight online or over the phone, you will see a field asking for your Known Traveler Number. Enter your nine-character KTN exactly as it appears in your confirmation email or on your card. Some airlines call this field "KTN", while others label it "TSA PreCheck Number" or "Trusted Traveler Number".

Adding your KTN to your reservation tells the airline and TSA that you are enrolled in PreCheck. This allows you to use the PreCheck security line at the airport, where you can keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on, and leave your laptop and liquids in your bag. Make sure you enter the number correctly — even one wrong character can prevent the benefit from showing up at the airport.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my TSA PreCheck number the same as my enrollment number?

No. Your enrollment number is what you use to log into your TSA PreCheck account online. Your Known Traveler Number (KTN) is the nine-character code you enter when booking flights. Both are important, but they serve different purposes.

Can I use my TSA PreCheck number if my membership card is expired?

No. Your TSA PreCheck membership is valid for five years from the date it was issued. Once it expires, your KTN will no longer work at airport security, and you will need to renew your membership. Check your card or your online account to see your expiration date.

What if I enter my TSA PreCheck number wrong when booking a flight?

If you enter an incorrect number, the airline will not link your reservation to your PreCheck membership. You can usually update it by contacting the airline before your flight, or you can add it at the airport check-in desk. It is better to correct it before you arrive at security.

Do I need to carry my TSA PreCheck card with me to the airport?

No. The TSA uses your Known Traveler Number in the airline system, not your physical card. You only need to show your regular ID at security. However, it is a good idea to keep your card in a safe place as proof of your membership and to reference your KTN if you need it.