Your TSA PreCheck number is in your approval email or on the TSA website using your Known Traveler Number (KTN)

When TSA approves your PreCheck process, they send you an approval notice by email with your 10-digit Known Traveler Number printed in it. That number is your TSA PreCheck number. If you cannot find the email, you can log into your TSA PreCheck account on the official TSA website and retrieve it there. You will need the same login credentials you used when you submitted your process.

Your TSA PreCheck number is what you enter in the "Known Traveler Number" field when you book a flight. Airlines use this number to link you to TSA's database and put you in the PreCheck lane at security. Without it entered in your reservation, the TSA agent at the airport will not know you are enrolled, even if you have paid for and been approved for the program.

Key Takeaways

  • Your TSA PreCheck number is a 10-digit Known Traveler Number sent to you by email when your process is approved.
  • You can retrieve your number by logging into your TSA PreCheck account on the official TSA website if you cannot find the approval email.
  • You must enter this number in the Known Traveler Number field when booking flights for it to work at airport security.
  • The number stays the same for the entire five-year validity of your PreCheck enrollment.

Checking your email for the approval notice

Start by searching your email inbox for messages from TSA or from the enrollment center where you completed your in-person appointment. The approval email typically arrives within two to three weeks after your appointment, though timing varies. Search for keywords like "TSA PreCheck", "Known Traveler Number", or "approval" to narrow the results.

Check your spam and promotions folders as well—approval emails sometimes land there by mistake. If you used a different email address when you enrolled than the one you check regularly, search that account too. The approval notice will clearly display your 10-digit number in the body of the email.

Logging into the TSA PreCheck website

Go to tsa.gov/precheck and click the link to sign in to your account. You will need the username and password you created when you first submitted your process online. If you forgot your password, the website has a "Forgot Password" option that will send you a reset link.

Once you are logged in, your dashboard will show your process status and your Known Traveler Number. This page also displays your enrollment expiration date so you know when you need to renew. Bookmark this page or save your number in a safe place so you can find it quickly when booking travel.

What to do if you cannot locate your number

If you have searched your email thoroughly and cannot log into the TSA website, contact the enrollment center where you had your appointment. You can find the center's phone number on the TSA website by entering your location. They can verify your identity and provide your Known Traveler Number over the phone.

You can also call the TSA PreCheck customer service line, though wait times can be long. Having your process confirmation number (sent to you when you first applied online) will speed up the process. The TSA website lists the current phone number for customer service.

Entering your number when you book a flight

When you purchase a ticket online or by phone, airlines ask for your Known Traveler Number in a field labeled "KTN" or "Known Traveler Number." Enter your 10-digit TSA PreCheck number exactly as it appears in your approval email. Some airlines put this field on the main booking page; others ask for it during the passenger details section.

If you book through a travel website like Kayak or Expedia rather than directly with the airline, look for a field asking about frequent flyer or loyalty program numbers—the KTN field is usually nearby. Double-check that the number was saved to your reservation by viewing your booking confirmation. The confirmation should list your KTN under your name.

Keeping your number safe and accessible

Write your TSA PreCheck number down and store it somewhere you can access it before you travel—a notes app on your phone, a document in your email, or a physical card in your wallet. You do not need to carry anything physical to use PreCheck; the TSA checks the number in their database at the airport. However, having it written down prevents delays if you forget it while booking.

Your number does not change during your five-year enrollment period, so once you have it saved, you can use the same number for every flight you book. When your enrollment expires, you will receive a new number if you renew.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my TSA PreCheck number if I book a flight for someone else?

No. Your TSA PreCheck number is tied to your identity and can only be used on reservations under your name. Each person traveling must have their own TSA PreCheck enrollment and their own number if they want to use the PreCheck lane.

What if I enter my number wrong when booking?

Contact the airline before your flight and ask them to correct it in your reservation. If you catch the error at the airport, tell the TSA agent at security that your number was entered incorrectly. They can look you up in the system manually, though it may take longer than if the number had been correct in your booking.

Do I need to print my approval email or carry my number with me?

No. The TSA checks your number against their database at the airport security checkpoint. You do not need to show any document or card. However, keeping your number written down somewhere accessible helps you remember it when booking future flights.

My approval email is very old—is my number still valid?

Yes, as long as your enrollment has not expired. Your TSA PreCheck number remains the same for your entire five-year enrollment period. Check the expiration date on your approval email or on the TSA website to confirm your enrollment is still active.