Your TSA PreCheck number is in your approval email or on the TSA website using your login

When TSA PreCheck approves your process, they send you an approval email with your Known Traveler Number (KTN), which is your TSA PreCheck number. If you cannot find that email, you can log into your TSA PreCheck account on the official TSA website and view your number there. The number is nine digits long and starts with your initials or a letter code.

You will need this number when you book flights. Enter it in the "Known Traveler Number" field when you purchase your ticket, or add it to your airline frequent flyer profile so it carries over automatically. The number stays the same for the full five years of your TSA PreCheck membership.

Key Takeaways

  • Your TSA PreCheck number appears in the approval email TSA sends after your process is processed, usually within three to five business days of your in-person appointment.
  • If you lost the email, log into your account at tsa.gov/precheck with the same username and password you used to explore, and your number will display on your dashboard.
  • The number is nine digits long and is called your Known Traveler Number (KTN) — airlines use this term on their booking websites.
  • You must enter your TSA PreCheck number when you book each flight for the benefit to work; it does not automatically link to your name in the system.

Check your email first, including spam folders

TSA sends your approval email from an address like tsa-precheck@tsa.dhs.gov or a similar official TSA domain. Search your inbox for "TSA PreCheck" or "Known Traveler Number" to locate it quickly. The email will have your nine-digit number clearly labeled.

If you cannot find it in your inbox, check your spam or promotions folder — some email providers automatically sort official government emails there. Search those folders for "TSA" or the email address above. If you still cannot locate it after checking all folders, move to the TSA website method below.

Log into your TSA PreCheck account online

Go to tsa.gov/precheck and click the login button. Use the same username and password you created when you submitted your process. Once you are logged in, your dashboard will display your Known Traveler Number prominently — it is usually one of the first pieces of information you see.

If you forgot your password, click "Forgot Password" on the login page and follow the steps to reset it using your email address. You will receive a password reset link by email within a few minutes. After you reset it, log back in and your number will be visible on your account page.

What to do if you cannot find your number anywhere

If your approval email is gone and you cannot log into your account, contact the TSA PreCheck program directly. Call the TSA PreCheck customer service line at 1-855-347-8371 during business hours, or use the contact form on tsa.gov/precheck. Have your driver's license or passport number ready when you call — they will verify your identity and provide your number over the phone.

You can also visit a TSA PreCheck enrollment center in person if one is near you. Staff there can look up your account and print your number for you. Find enrollment centers at tsa.gov/precheck by entering your zip code.

How to use your number when booking flights

When you purchase a ticket online or by phone, look for a field labeled "Known Traveler Number," "KTN," or "TSA PreCheck Number." Enter your nine-digit number exactly as it appears in your approval email or account. Some airlines place this field on the main booking page; others hide it under "Frequent Flyer" or "Additional Information."

If you book through an airline's website, you can also add your TSA PreCheck number to your frequent flyer profile once. After that, the airline will automatically include it on all future bookings under that account. This saves you from typing it in each time. Check your airline's website for a "Manage Profile" or "Frequent Flyer Settings" section to add it.

Your number on your physical TSA PreCheck card

When you complete your in-person appointment at an enrollment center, TSA issues you a physical TSA PreCheck card. Your Known Traveler Number is printed on the back of this card. If you have the card but lost your approval email, you can straightforward read the number off the back.

Keep your card in your wallet or travel documents. While you do not need to show it at the airport — TSA checks your number in the airline system — it is useful proof that your membership is current if you ever need to verify it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my TSA PreCheck number the same as my confirmation number from my process?

No. Your confirmation number is a temporary reference for your process process. Your Known Traveler Number (KTN) is issued only after you are approved and is what you use for flights. The KTN is nine digits; the confirmation number is different and appears in your initial process receipt.

Can I use my TSA PreCheck number if I have not received my physical card yet?

Yes. Your number is active as soon as you receive the approval email, even if your physical card has not arrived. You can enter it when booking flights when ready. The card is a backup reference, not required to use the benefit.

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

If you enter it incorrectly, TSA will not recognize it in their system and you will not get PreCheck benefits on that flight. You may be able to correct it by contacting your airline before your flight departs. For future bookings, double-check that you have typed the nine digits exactly as they appear in your approval email.

Do I need to enter my TSA PreCheck number for connecting flights?

Yes. Enter your number when you book your entire itinerary, even if it includes multiple flights. The number applies to each flight segment, so TSA will screen you at each airport where you have a connection.

What happens if my TSA PreCheck membership expires?

Your number remains the same, but it will no longer work in TSA's system once your five-year membership ends. You will need to renew your TSA PreCheck before your expiration date to keep using the benefit. TSA sends renewal reminders by email about six months before expiration.