How to find your TSA PreCheck® number
Quick insights
- The number associated with your TSA PreCheck membership is called a Known Traveler Number (KTN).
- Travelers must add their KTN to their travel booking to use designated security lanes.
- You can find your KTN through the TSA PreCheck KTN Lookup tool, on your online TSA PreCheck account or in your approval letter.
Airport screenings can add time to your travels when you’re on a tight schedule. Trusted traveler programs (TTPs) like TSA PreCheck and Global Entry may add convenience to air travel by making airport screening a smoother experience for members of these programs.
To use TSA PreCheck benefits, travelers must include their KTN with their travel booking information. Read on to learn about what a KTN is and where to find it.
What is a TSA PreCheck number?
Enrollment in TSA PreCheck results in a unique 9-digit number called a Known Traveler Number (KTN) for each traveler. You might have heard of your KTN informally referred to as your TSA PreCheck number.
U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents are eligible to apply for TSA PreCheck. If you pay the application fee and receive approval, your membership lasts five years and provides access to designated screening lanes that may streamline the security process at airport security checkpoints.
You usually enter your KTN when booking or checking in for a flight. After that, your verified status should appear on your boarding pass, so you can enter designated security lanes.
How to find your TSA PreCheck number or KTN
There are a few main ways you can find your KTN or TSA PreCheck number after enrollment:
Use the TSA PreCheck KTN Lookup tool
The TSA PreCheck KTN Lookup toolOpens overlay allows enrolled members to submit their name and contact information to look up the associated KTN.
Sign in to the trusted traveler program website
When you apply for a TTP online, you can set up an account to manage your application and membership (if approved). While an approval letter can take several days to arrive in the mail, your KTN is typically available online as soon as you receive approval. After signing in to the program's portal, you should have access to your KTN.
Check your approval letter
If approved, you should receive an approval letter in the mail shortly after you complete the enrollment process. You may also receive your approval by email, which could be a faster way to access your KTN.
Many travelers receive a decision within a few business days, but the approval process can take up to 60 days in some cases.
Adding your Known Traveler Number to bookings
You can add your KTN when you book or check in to your flight. When booking online, you should see a field where you can enter your 9-digit KTN. If you correctly add your KTN, your boarding pass should reflect your status. You could also add your KTN when you check in for your flight online or at the airport.
In conclusion
A KTN is a 9-digit sequence that is unique to you and assigned after you're approved for a TTP, such as TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. A KTN is often interchangeable with a TSA PreCheck number. When you book or check in for a flight, you can enter your KTN so that you can access certain lanes at airport security.
Many travel credit cards—including Chase Sapphire Reserve® and Chase Sapphire Preferred®—reimburse the application fee for TTPs such as TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or NEXUS. While these cards have an annual fee, they also offer one statement credit every four years to cover an eligible application fee.
