How to Find Your TSA Precheck Number

In the US, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) offers 4 programs that get you access to the TSA Precheck lines. If you're enrolled in Precheck, you don't have to remove your shoes, belt, or light jacket. You also don't have to take laptops out of their cases. This makes getting on an airplane a lot less of a hassle.[1] Once you're enrolled, simply enter your known traveler number (KTN), also called a TSA travel number or a TSA number, when you make your airline reservations. If you've forgotten your TSA Precheck number, the easiest way to retrieve it is from the website for the TSA's Trusted Traveler Program.

Things You Should Know

  • Look for your KTN on official sources like your Precheck membership card, approval letter, or the Trusted Traveler Program website.
  • Enroll in Precheck programs online. Schedule an in-person appointment, supply the required documents, and pay the application fee for approval.
  • Renew your Precheck status online within 6 months before your membership expires.
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Locating Your KTN

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    Look for your membership card. If you enrolled in the Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI programs, the PASSID printed on the back of your card also serves as your KTN. If you previously enrolled in the Precheck program and then enrolled in Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI, use the PASSID instead.[2]
    • Your PASSID is a 9-digit number that usually starts with 15, 98, or 99.
    • Because the Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI programs provide additional services not available with the TSA Precheck program, your enrollment in these programs supersedes your enrollment in Precheck.
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    Check your approval letter if you enrolled in the Precheck program. The TSA sends a written notification when your enrollment in the Precheck program is approved. This letter has your KTN on it.[3]
    • Search your personal records to see if you saved this letter. If you did, you can find your TSA Precheck number that way.
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    Go to the Trusted Traveler Program website if you can't find your card. Go to https://universalenroll.dhs.gov/programs/precheck and scroll down to the bottom of the page. Click the blue icon with the words "Lookup KTN."[4]
    • Provide the information requested exactly as you submitted it when you enrolled in the program.
    • If you can't recall your UE ID, call 855-DHS-UES1 (855-347-8371). Customer service staff are available to assist you Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern time.

    Tip: If you enrolled in Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI, use the service at https://secure.login.gov/ instead.

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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Enrolling in a Trusted Traveler Program

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    Choose the program that best meets your needs. The TSA offers 4 Trusted Traveler programs that include access to TSA Precheck lines. Some of these programs also offer expedited customs processing in addition to Precheck access.[5]
    • TSA Precheck enables access to TSA Precheck lines for departures from all US airports. US citizens and lawful permanent residents are eligible.
    • Global Entry enables access to TSA Precheck lines as well as expedited entry to the US from international destinations. US citizens, lawful permanent residents, and select foreign nationals are eligible.
    • NEXUS enables access to TSA Precheck lines as well as expedited entry to the US from Canada. US citizens, lawful permanent residents, Canadian citizens, Canadian permanent residents, and Mexican nationalists are eligible.
    • SENTRI enables access to TSA Precheck lines as well as expedited entry to the US from Canada and Mexico. US citizens, lawful permanent residents, and all foreign nationals are potentially eligible.
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    Complete the online application.[6] If you've decided to enroll in the TSA Precheck program, go to the Universal Enroll website at https://universalenroll.dhs.gov/. For all other programs, go to https://secure.login.gov/. Click the "new enrollment" button to start your application.[7]
    • The application requires information about your citizenship, identity, and background. This information will be used to complete a background check that will indicate if you're suitable for enrollment in the program.
    • You can also apply in person at an enrollment center near you. To find the nearest enrollment center, go to https://universalenroll.dhs.gov/locator and enter your ZIP code, then click search.

    Tip: On your application, you must provide all names or aliases you've used previously. This is necessary so the TSA can complete a thorough background check.

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    Schedule your in-person appointment. After you complete your application, you can schedule an appointment at the nearest enrollment center on the same website. The in-person appointment takes approximately 10 minutes and includes a background check and fingerprinting.[8]
    • If you need to reschedule your appointment, you can do so from the same website. Many TSA Precheck enrollment centers also take walk-ins, although you may have to wait.
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    Gather documents for your appointment. The TSA has 2 lists of documents. If you have one of the documents in List A, you don't have to bring anything else. If you don't have one of the documents on List A, you'll need to bring two documents from List B.[9]
    • List A documents include: unexpired passport book or card, permanent resident card, unexpired US enhanced driver's license or enhanced state-issued identity card
    • List B documents include: unexpired driver's license or state ID, unexpired US military ID, expired US passport within 12 months of expiration, US birth certificate, US certificate of naturalization
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    Attend your scheduled appointment. On the date of your appointment, take your documents to the enrollment center. It's a good idea to arrive a few minutes early. An officer will review your information and verify your documents. Then you will be fingerprinted.[10]
    • You will also be photographed. The photograph is used to verify your identity at TSA checkpoints that have facial recognition technology.[11]
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    Pay your application fee. You can pay your application fee with a major credit or debit card, personal check, certified check, or money order. As of 2019, the enrollment fee for the TSA Precheck program is $85.[12]
    • If you applied for Global Entry, you must pay a one-time fee of $100 (as of 2019) online using an electronic bank transfer or a major credit or debit card. You'll pay the regular membership fee at your appointment.
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    Wait to receive written notification. Typically, you'll get your acceptance letter in the mail within 2 to 3 weeks after your in-person appointment. However, many applications are approved within a couple of days. You can check the status of your application online.[13]
    • If you check your status online and it shows that your application was approved, you'll be able to get your KTN immediately. Write it down and keep it in a safe place.
    • Your known traveler number will also be included in your written notification. Keep the letter in a safe place so you'll have it if you ever need to find your TSA KTN.
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Method 3
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Renewing Your Membership

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    Go to the TSA website within 6 months before your membership expires. All Trusted Traveler program memberships are valid for 5 years. It's a good idea to renew well before your membership expires in case there is a delay in processing your renewal.[14]
    • Use the website where you first enrolled. For TSA Precheck members, use https://universalenroll.dhs.gov/. For all other Trusted Traveler programs, go to https://secure.login.gov/.
    • If you're not sure when your membership expires, you can find out by logging onto the website. Additionally, the TSA will send a notification to the email address on file when it's time for you to renew.

    Tip: You must renew within one year of the date of expiration if you want to keep the same KTN. Otherwise, you'll have to go through the entire process again as a new applicant.

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    Complete the renewal application. The renewal application requires you to provide your name, date of birth, and KTN. Based on this information, your background check will be updated.[15]
    • If you violate any TSA regulations or are involved in any sort of security-related incident on an airplane or at an airport, you may not be eligible to renew your enrollment.
    • You may be prompted to go to an enrollment center to renew your application in person. This typically happens if you changed your name or if your enrollment fingerprints were low-quality.
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    Pay your renewal fees online. Your renewal fee is the same as the enrollment fee. However, it's possible that the fees will increase in the 5 years since you first enrolled. You can pay with an electronic bank transfer or with a major credit or debit card.[16]
    • If you applied for Global Entry, you do not have to pay the additional $100 fee again. That is a one-time enrollment fee designed to cover the costs of the background check and initial application processing.
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    Wait for notification of your renewal. The TSA will send you a written notification when your renewal has been processed. However, renewals are often processed within 2 or 3 days, so you'll know faster if you check your status online.[17]
    • If you make airline reservations to fly after your membership expires, you must renew your membership before the date of your flight. Otherwise, you will not have access to TSA Precheck lines.
    • Contact your airline if you need to update your reservation information after renewing your membership. Renewal confirmation notifications will not allow you to access TSA Precheck lines.
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Community Q&A
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  • Question
    How can I apply for TSA PreCheck?
    Amy Tan
    Amy Tan
    Travel Planner & Founder, Planet Hoppers
    Amy Tan is a Travel Planner and the Founder of Planet Hoppers, a boutique travel design team founded in 2002. Planet Hoppers specializes in brainstorming and creating itineraries for dream vacations, honeymoons, exotic adventures, family reunions, and group trips. Planet Hoppers is a TRUE accredited travel agency and a member of the Signature Travel Network, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), and Travel Leaders. Amy earned a BA in Communications and a BS in Physics from the University of California, Davis in 2000.
    Amy Tan
    Amy Tan
    Travel Planner & Founder, Planet Hoppers
    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

    You can find the application on the TSA website or you can do it in person at a service desk.
  • Question
    What does TSA PreCheck let me do?
    Amy Tan
    Amy Tan
    Travel Planner & Founder, Planet Hoppers
    Amy Tan is a Travel Planner and the Founder of Planet Hoppers, a boutique travel design team founded in 2002. Planet Hoppers specializes in brainstorming and creating itineraries for dream vacations, honeymoons, exotic adventures, family reunions, and group trips. Planet Hoppers is a TRUE accredited travel agency and a member of the Signature Travel Network, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), and Travel Leaders. Amy earned a BA in Communications and a BS in Physics from the University of California, Davis in 2000.
    Amy Tan
    Amy Tan
    Travel Planner & Founder, Planet Hoppers
    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

    If you have TSA PreCheck, you don't have to take off your shoes or coat when you go through the security line.
  • Question
    Can I use TSA PreCheck on every flight?
    Amy Tan
    Amy Tan
    Travel Planner & Founder, Planet Hoppers
    Amy Tan is a Travel Planner and the Founder of Planet Hoppers, a boutique travel design team founded in 2002. Planet Hoppers specializes in brainstorming and creating itineraries for dream vacations, honeymoons, exotic adventures, family reunions, and group trips. Planet Hoppers is a TRUE accredited travel agency and a member of the Signature Travel Network, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), and Travel Leaders. Amy earned a BA in Communications and a BS in Physics from the University of California, Davis in 2000.
    Amy Tan
    Amy Tan
    Travel Planner & Founder, Planet Hoppers
    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

    Not every airline offers the service, so check your boarding pass beforehand.
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Warnings

  • The information on your Trusted Traveler membership must match the information on your ID and airline reservation, otherwise you will not be authorized to use the TSA Precheck lines.[20]
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
  • If you enroll in the Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI program, you'll receive a membership card. However, you cannot use that card to access TSA Precheck lines. You must enter your KTN when you make your airline reservation so your boarding pass is encoded with Precheck authorization.[21]
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
  • Enrollment in any of the Trusted Traveler programs does not guarantee expedited screening.[22]
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
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References

  1. ↑ https://universalenroll.dhs.gov/
  2. ↑ https://www.tsa.gov/precheck/faq
  3. ↑ https://www.tsa.gov/precheck/faq
  4. ↑ https://www.tsa.gov/precheck/faq
  5. ↑ https://ttp.cbp.dhs.gov/
  6. ↑ Amy Tan. Travel Planner & Founder, Planet Hoppers. Expert Interview. 12 March 2020.
  7. ↑ https://universalenroll.dhs.gov/programs/precheck
  8. ↑ https://www.tsa.gov/precheck
  9. ↑ https://www.tsa.gov/sites/default/files/resources/precheckapplicationprogram_factsheet_0.pdf
  1. ↑ https://www.tsa.gov/precheck
  2. ↑ https://www.tsa.gov/precheck/faq
  3. ↑ https://www.tsa.gov/precheck/faq
  4. ↑ https://www.tsa.gov/precheck/faq
  5. ↑ https://www.tsa.gov/precheck/faq
  6. ↑ https://www.tsa.gov/precheck/faq
  7. ↑ https://www.tsa.gov/precheck/faq
  8. ↑ https://www.tsa.gov/precheck/faq
  9. ↑ https://www.tsa.gov/precheck/faq
  10. ↑ https://www.tsa.gov/precheck/faq
  11. ↑ https://www.tsa.gov/precheck/faq
  12. ↑ https://www.tsa.gov/precheck/faq
  13. ↑ https://www.tsa.gov/precheck/faq

About This Article

Amy Tan
Co-authored by:
Amy Tan
Travel Planner & Founder, Planet Hoppers
This article was co-authored by Amy Tan and by wikiHow staff writer, Jennifer Mueller, JD. Amy Tan is a Travel Planner and the Founder of Planet Hoppers, a boutique travel design team founded in 2002. Planet Hoppers specializes in brainstorming and creating itineraries for dream vacations, honeymoons, exotic adventures, family reunions, and group trips. Planet Hoppers is a TRUE accredited travel agency and a member of the Signature Travel Network, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), and Travel Leaders. Amy earned a BA in Communications and a BS in Physics from the University of California, Davis in 2000. This article has been viewed 92,943 times.
10 votes - 20%
Co-authors: 5
Updated: October 25, 2022
Views: 92,943
Categories: Airports
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