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

When you completed your TSA PreCheck process and paid the fee, you received a confirmation email with your Known Traveler Number — that nine-character code is your TSA PreCheck number. If you still have that email, open it and look for a section labeled "Known Traveler Number" or "KTN". The number appears as a string of letters and numbers, usually near the top of the message. If you received a physical membership card in the mail, your TSA PreCheck number is printed on the front of the card, typically in the upper right corner.

The confirmation email usually arrives within a few minutes of completing your process online. Check your spam or promotions folder if you cannot find it in your inbox — TSA confirmation emails sometimes get filtered. The subject line typically includes "TSA PreCheck" or "Known Traveler Number".

Key Takeaways

  • Your TSA PreCheck number is your Known Traveler Number (KTN), a nine-character code sent to you by email after you complete your process.
  • Check your email confirmation first — the KTN appears in the message TSA sends you within minutes of approval, and this is the fastest way to find it.
  • Your physical membership card, which arrives by mail weeks later, also displays your TSA PreCheck number on the front.
  • You need this number when you book flights or enter it into airline websites to link your PreCheck status to your reservation.

Check your email confirmation from TSA

The moment your TSA PreCheck process is approved, TSA sends you a confirmation email to the address you provided during signup. This email contains your Known Traveler Number and arrives almost when ready — sometimes within minutes, rarely more than a few hours after approval. Open your email and search for messages from TSA or from the TSA PreCheck program.

If you cannot find the email in your main inbox, check your spam, junk, or promotions folders. Gmail users should look in the Promotions tab. Outlook users should check Junk or Other folders. If you still cannot locate it after searching those folders, log into your TSA PreCheck account on the official TSA website — you can retrieve your KTN from your account dashboard without needing the original email.

Log into your TSA PreCheck account online

Go to the official TSA PreCheck website and sign in with the username and password you created when you started your process. Once you are logged in, your account dashboard displays your Known Traveler Number prominently. This method works whether or not you still have your confirmation email, and it takes less than a minute.

Your account also shows your membership expiration date and lets you renew when the time comes. If you forgot your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page — TSA will send you a reset link to your email address on file.

Look at your physical membership card

TSA mails a physical membership card to the address you provided during your process. The card arrives several weeks after your process is approved — typically between two and four weeks, though timing varies. Your TSA PreCheck number is printed on the front of the card in the upper right area, usually labeled as "Known Traveler Number" or straightforward "KTN".

Keep this card in your wallet or travel documents. You do not need to show it at the airport, but having it with you makes it straightforward to reference your number if you need to add it to a reservation after you have already booked your flight.

Add your TSA PreCheck number to airline reservations

Once you have your Known Traveler Number, enter it into your airline reservation so the airline knows you have PreCheck status. Most airlines let you add your KTN when you book your flight, or you can add it afterward by logging into your reservation on the airline's website. Look for a field labeled "Known Traveler Number", "KTN", "Frequent Flyer Number", or "Special Services".

If you add your KTN correctly, your boarding pass will display a TSA PreCheck indicator — usually a checkmark or the words "TSA PreCheck" printed on the pass. This tells TSA officers at security that you are enrolled in the program and may be able to access for expedited screening.

What to do if you cannot find your number

If you have lost your confirmation email and do not have your membership card yet, log into your TSA PreCheck account on the official website. Your KTN is always available there. If you cannot remember your login credentials, use the password reset option, which sends a link to your registered email address.

If you have already lost your membership card or it was damaged, you can request a replacement through your TSA PreCheck account. There is usually a small fee for a replacement card, but your Known Traveler Number remains the same. You do not need to wait for the replacement card to use your PreCheck status — your KTN is valid when ready after approval, and you can use it for flights right away by entering it into your reservation.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Your Known Traveler Number is active the moment your process is approved, which is when you receive your confirmation email. You can enter this number into airline reservations and use PreCheck screening when ready. The physical card is a convenience, not a requirement.

What if I booked a flight before I got my TSA PreCheck number?

Log into your reservation on the airline's website and add your Known Traveler Number to your booking. Most airlines let you update this information up to 24 hours before your flight. If you cannot add it online, call the airline's customer service line with your confirmation number and KTN ready.

Is my TSA PreCheck number the same as my frequent flyer number?

No. Your Known Traveler Number is separate from any frequent flyer or loyalty program number. You may need to enter both into your airline reservation — one in the KTN field and one in the frequent flyer field. Check your airline's website for where each number goes.

What if I forgot my TSA PreCheck account password?

Click "Forgot Password" on the TSA PreCheck login page. TSA will send a password reset link to the email address associated with your account. Follow the link to create a new password, then log in and view your Known Traveler Number on your account dashboard.

Can I share my TSA PreCheck number with family members?

No. Your Known Traveler Number is tied to your identity and your TSA PreCheck enrollment. Each family member who wants PreCheck status must complete their own process and receive their own KTN. Children under 18 can be added to a parent's account, but they receive their own number.