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

When you complete TSA PreCheck, you receive a Known Traveler Number — a 10-digit code that airlines and airport security use to identify you. This number arrives in an email from TSA within 24 hours of your background check approval, or you can find it printed on the physical membership card that arrives by mail a few weeks later. If you have already received your card, the number is on the front, usually below your name.

You do not need to wait for the physical card to use your number. The email confirmation is enough to start entering your KTN when you book flights. Most readers find the email faster than waiting for the card, so check your inbox and spam folder first.

Key Takeaways

  • Your TSA PreCheck number arrives by email within 24 hours of approval and is a 10-digit code called your Known Traveler Number.
  • The same number is printed on your physical membership card when it arrives by mail, usually within two to four weeks.
  • You can start using your number when ready after receiving the email — you do not have to wait for the card.
  • If you cannot find your email, you can retrieve your number through the TSA PreCheck website using your process reference number.

Check your email first — approval confirmation and the KTN

After TSA completes your background check and approves your process, you receive an email with the subject line "TSA PreCheck process Approved." This email contains your 10-digit Known Traveler Number. Open the email and look for the line that says "Known Traveler Number" or "KTN" — the number appears directly after it.

Check both your inbox and your spam or promotions folder. TSA emails sometimes land in the wrong folder, especially if your email provider filters government messages. Search your email for "TSA PreCheck" or "Known Traveler" if you cannot find the approval message by scrolling.

Save this email or write down the number somewhere you can find it later. You will need it every time you book a flight, so storing it in your phone's notes app or a password manager is faster than searching your email each time.

Retrieve your number from the TSA PreCheck website if you lost the email

If you cannot find your approval email, you can look up your number on the official TSA PreCheck website. Go to the TSA PreCheck login page and sign in with the same username and password you created when you started your process. Once you are logged in, your dashboard shows your process status and your Known Traveler Number.

You will need your process reference number to log in if you forgot your password. This reference number was sent to you when you first submitted your process, so check your email for a message with the subject "TSA PreCheck process Submitted" or similar. If you cannot find that either, you can reset your password using your email address.

Your physical membership card arrives by mail with the number printed on it

TSA mails a physical membership card to the address you provided during your process. The card typically arrives within two to four weeks of approval, though timing varies by location. Your 10-digit Known Traveler Number is printed on the front of the card, usually in the lower left or right corner below your name and photo.

You do not need to wait for this card to start using TSA PreCheck. The email confirmation is official and sufficient for airlines and security. The card is useful as a backup if you forget your number or want a physical record, but it is not required to use the service.

Enter your number when you book flights with participating airlines

Once you have your Known Traveler Number, enter it in the "Known Traveler Number" field when you book a flight. Most major airlines — including American, Delta, United, Southwest, and others — have this field on their booking pages. You can also add your KTN to your frequent flyer profile so it automatically fills in on future bookings.

The number must match exactly as it appears in TSA's system, with no spaces or dashes. If you enter it incorrectly, the airline cannot link it to your TSA PreCheck status, and you will not receive the benefit at security. Double-check the number before you complete your booking.

What to do if your number does not work at the airport

If you entered your number correctly when booking but do not see the TSA PreCheck indicator on your boarding pass, contact the airline before you arrive at the airport. They can verify that your number was recorded and may be able to add it to your reservation if it was missed during booking. Bring your membership card or a copy of your approval email to the airport as backup proof.

At security, tell the TSA officer that you have TSA PreCheck if your boarding pass does not show the indicator. They can manually verify your status using your Known Traveler Number or membership card. This does not happen often, but it is a quick fix if the airline's system did not pick up your number.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get my TSA PreCheck number after approval?

The email with your Known Traveler Number arrives within 24 hours of TSA approving your background check. The physical card takes two to four weeks to arrive by mail. You can start using your number as soon as you receive the email.

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

Yes. The email confirmation and your 10-digit Known Traveler Number are all you need. The physical card is optional and useful only as a backup or if you prefer to carry a physical record.

What if I never received an approval email?

Log into the TSA PreCheck website with your username and password. Your dashboard will show your process status and your Known Traveler Number if you were approved. If your process is still pending, you can check back later.

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

No. Your Known Traveler Number is a separate 10-digit code issued by TSA. Your frequent flyer number is issued by the airline. You enter both when you book a flight — they serve different purposes.

What should I do if I lost my membership card?

You do not need the card to use TSA PreCheck. Your Known Traveler Number is what matters. If you want a replacement card, contact TSA through their website or call the TSA PreCheck program office for your region.