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

When TSA approves your PreCheck process, they send you a confirmation email with your approval notice. That email contains your 10-digit TSA PreCheck number, also called your Known Traveler Number (KTN). If you cannot find the email, you can log into your TSA PreCheck account on the official TSA website and retrieve the number there. You will need the same username and password you created when you submitted your process.

Your TSA PreCheck number is what you enter when you book a flight or check in at the airport. Airlines use it to flag your reservation so TSA officers know to send you through the expedited screening lane. Without this number in your reservation, you will go through standard security screening even though you have paid for and been approved for PreCheck.

Key Takeaways

  • Your TSA PreCheck number appears in the approval email TSA sends after your process is accepted, usually within three to five business days of your in-person appointment.
  • If you cannot locate your approval email, log into your TSA PreCheck account at the official TSA website using your process username and password to view your number.
  • Your TSA PreCheck number is a 10-digit code that you must enter in the Known Traveler Number field when you book flights or check in at the airport.
  • The TSA PreCheck number is different from your passport number, driver's license number, or any other identification number you carry.

Checking your email for the approval notice

After you complete your in-person appointment at an enrollment center, TSA reviews your background check. Once approved, they send an email to the address you provided on your process. This email is your official approval notice and contains your 10-digit TSA PreCheck number printed clearly in the body of the message.

Check your inbox, spam folder, and promotions folder if you do not see the email right away. The approval email comes from an official TSA address and will have a subject line that says something like "TSA PreCheck process Approved" or "Your TSA PreCheck Number." If more than five business days have passed since your appointment and you have not received anything, move on to checking your online account.

Logging into your TSA PreCheck account online

Go to the official TSA PreCheck website (tsa.gov/precheck) and click the link to sign into your account. You will need the username and password you created when you first submitted your process. Once you are logged in, your dashboard will display your process status and your TSA PreCheck number if your process has been approved.

If you forgot your password, the website has a "Forgot Password" option that will send you a reset link to your email. Make sure you are using the correct email address — the one you registered with when you applied. If you cannot remember your username either, you can use your email address to look up your account instead.

What your TSA PreCheck number looks like

Your TSA PreCheck number is always 10 digits long and appears as a string of numbers with no letters or special characters. It may be formatted as a single block (1234567890) or with spaces or dashes between groups of digits, depending on where you are viewing it. The number is unique to you and is tied to your identity and background check results.

Do not confuse your TSA PreCheck number with your Known Traveler Number (KTN) field on airline websites — they are the same thing. When you book a flight, you will see a field labeled "Known Traveler Number" or "KTN." That is where you enter your 10-digit TSA PreCheck number. Some airlines also call it your "Trusted Traveler Number."

Entering your number when you book a flight

When you purchase a ticket online, most airlines ask for your Known Traveler Number during checkout. Look for a field labeled "KTN," "Known Traveler Number," or "Trusted Traveler Program Number." Enter your 10-digit TSA PreCheck number exactly as it appears in your approval email or account. If you leave this field blank, the airline will not flag your reservation for PreCheck screening.

If you book through a travel website like Expedia or Kayak, you may need to enter your KTN separately after you complete the purchase, or you may be able to add it when you check in online 24 hours before your flight. Check your airline's website for instructions on how to add your number if you forgot it during booking.

Adding your number at the airport if you forgot it

If you arrive at the airport and realize your TSA PreCheck number was not added to your reservation, you can still add it at the airline ticket counter or kiosk before you go through security. Have your approval email or your TSA PreCheck account information ready so you can provide your 10-digit number to the agent. They will update your reservation, and you should be able to proceed through the PreCheck lane.

This works best if you arrive early enough to make changes before you enter the security line. If you are running late or the airline cannot update your reservation in time, you will go through standard screening on that trip. You can add your number to future bookings to avoid this situation.

If your approval email was lost or deleted

Your approval email is not the only way to find your number. Log into your TSA PreCheck account on the TSA website anytime to view your number, your approval date, and your membership expiration date. You can also print or screenshot your approval notice directly from your account dashboard if you need a copy for your records.

If you have trouble accessing your account, contact the TSA PreCheck customer service line at 1-855-347-8371. They can verify your identity and provide your number over the phone. Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and the email address you used for your process ready when you call.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I do not see my TSA PreCheck number in my approval email?

Read through the entire email carefully — the number is usually in the middle or near the end of the message. If it is truly not there, log into your TSA PreCheck account on the TSA website and check your dashboard. If your status shows "Approved," your number will be displayed there even if the email did not include it.

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

Yes. You can start using your 10-digit number as soon as you receive your approval email or see it in your online account. You do not need to wait for a physical card to arrive. The number is all you need to enter into airline reservations and use PreCheck screening.

What should I do if I lost my TSA PreCheck number and cannot access my email or account?

Call TSA PreCheck customer service at 1-855-347-8371. They will verify your identity using your Social Security number and date of birth, then provide your number over the phone. Have your identification ready when you call.

Is my TSA PreCheck number the same as my Known Traveler Number?

Yes, they are the same thing. TSA PreCheck number, Known Traveler Number, and Trusted Traveler Number all refer to the same 10-digit code. Different airlines and websites use different names for the same field, but the number you enter is always your TSA PreCheck number.

How long does it take to receive my TSA PreCheck number after my appointment?

TSA typically approves applications and sends approval emails within three to five business days of your in-person appointment. In some cases it may take longer if additional background review is needed. You can check your account status anytime on the TSA website rather than waiting for the email.