Where's Your Known Traveler Number? How to Find or Look Up Your KTN

You've enrolled in a trusted traveler program. Now the airline is asking for a Known Traveler Number. Here's where to find it.

Your Known Traveler Number (KTN) is the 9-digit identifier assigned when your application was approved. TSA PreCheck members find it in their approval email. Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI find it through their CBP Trusted Traveler Programs account at Trusted Traveler Programs, where it appears as the PASSID.

What is a Known Traveler Number?

A KTN is the 9-digit code that links your boarding pass to your trusted traveler program membership. Enter it in the Known Traveler Number field when booking, and TSA checks it at the checkpoint. A match triggers the "TSA PreCheck" indicator in your boarding pass header. The number itself doesn't appear as a printed field.

It's not your confirmation number, frequent flyer number, or passport number. It's specific to the program that approved you.

KTN lookup by program

Here's where each program stores your number.

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For CBP programs, the PASSID is your KTN. Enter it in the Known Traveler Number field at any participating airline.

How do you enter your KTN when booking a flight?

Add your KTN in the Known Traveler Number field during checkout, or save it to your frequent flyer profile for automatic pre-fill on future bookings, many airlines now have the option to do so.

Already purchased your ticket? Check your airline's manage booking page. Most carriers allow KTN updates before departure.

What if you can't find your KTN?

Start by checking the enrollment account you used when you applied. For TSA PreCheck, your KTN may also appear in your approval email or membership materials. For Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI, sign in to your Trusted Traveler Program account to find your PASSID, which is your KTN.

If you still can’t locate it, use the program’s official lookup or account recovery options rather than relying on your airline or a general support line. Don't call TSA's general contact line; they don't manage enrollment records and will redirect you to your provider.

For TSA PreCheck: contact your provider at universalenroll.dhs.gov. For CBP programs: use ttp.cbp.dhs.gov.

Does your KTN change when you renew?

No. Renewal updates your expiration date, not the KTN. Airline profiles that store it stay valid. All four trusted traveler memberships run for five years.

Is it time to renew your TSA PreCheck?

Don't let your PreCheck expire and find yourself back in the standard security line. GOV+ makes the renewal process fast and straightforward. Fill out one easy online form, and we'll make sure everything is in order so your KTN stays active without interruption.

GovPlus makes the process easy:

• Simple online form: no paper forms, no government websites to navigate
• Eligibility check: we confirm you qualify before you start
• Appointment scheduling: we set up any required in-person visits for you
• Document guidance: we make sure you have everything you need to avoid delays
• Real-time tracking: monitor your application status at every step
• 24/7 expert support: get answers fast without waiting on hold

And once you're approved, GOV+ keeps your membership from slipping through the cracks, with automatic renewal reminders so your PreCheck never expires without warning.

Renew your TSA PreCheck membership.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my KTN appear on my boarding pass?

No. A linked KTN triggers the "TSA PreCheck" indicator in your boarding pass header. If it's missing, the KTN wasn't entered at booking or there's a name mismatch with your enrollment record.

Is a PASSID the same as a Known Traveler Number?

Yes. For Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI, the PASSID in your CBP Trusted Traveler account is your KTN. Enter it directly in the Known Traveler Number field when booking.

How long does a Known Traveler Number stay valid?

Your KTN stays valid for your full membership. All four trusted traveler programs run five-year cycles, and the same KTN carries forward after each renewal.

What if I enrolled through a credit card or airline?

Your KTN was assigned by a TSA-authorized enrollment provider, not your credit card or airline. They covered your fee but didn't run the enrollment. Log in to that provider's portal to find your number.

Can I add my KTN to airline reservations after booking flights?

Yes. In most cases, you can add your Known Traveler Number to airline reservations after booking flights by using the airline’s manage booking page. If the number is added correctly, it can help eligible travelers receive expedited screening at airport security.

Do Global Entry card holders use the same number for airport security?

Yes. If you have a Global Entry card, the PASSID on the card is your Known Traveler Number. You can add it to airline reservations and booking flights so it may be recognized for expedited screening.

What should SENTRI members know when booking flights?

SENTRI members should enter their PASSID as their Known Traveler Number when booking flights or updating airline reservations. That helps connect the reservation to their trusted traveler status and may support expedited screening at airport security.

Do U.S. citizens need a Known Traveler Number for expedited screening?

A U.S. citizen only needs a Known Traveler Number if they are enrolled in a trusted traveler program. Citizenship alone does not provide expedited screening at airport security, but the KTN can be added to airline reservations when booking flights.

References

1. TSA "TSA PreCheck" https://www.tsa.gov/precheck
2. CBP "Trusted Traveler Programs" https://ttp.cbp.dhs.gov
3. TSA Universal Enrollment Services https://universalenroll.dhs.gov