Lost Your KTN? The Ultimate KTN Lookup Guide for Stress-Free Travel

What is a KTN and Why You're Panicking Right Now

You're 45 minutes from boarding. Your phone buzzes: "Flight reminder—add your Known Traveler Number for TSA PreCheck." Your stomach drops.

You have PreCheck. You paid $78 for it. But where's that number?

You've been here before. Most TSA PreCheck members have. That nine-digit code you got years ago? Gone. Lost in email. Buried somewhere in your enrollment papers. And now you're scrambling, wondering if you'll lose those precious PreCheck benefits you paid for.

Here's the truth: 67% of TSA PreCheck members can't find their KTN when they need it most. But a KTN lookup takes under two minutes if you know where to look.

In this guide, I'm showing you exactly how to do a KTN lookup fast. I'll cover the five fastest methods, troubleshooting tips when lookup fails, and how to never lose your number again. By the end, you'll have your KTN retrieved and saved in multiple places.

Let's find that number.

The "Oh No" Moment Every TSA PreCheck Member Faces

It happens at the worst possible time. You're booking a last-minute flight. The airline asks for your Known Traveler Number. You freeze.

That email from TSA? Deleted months ago. Your membership card? Somewhere in a drawer. Your brain? Completely blank on those nine digits.

Without your KTN entered, you lose PreCheck benefits. You'll wait in standard security lines. You'll remove shoes, belts, laptops. You'll watch PreCheck members breeze past while you stand there, knowing you paid for that privilege.

This moment costs travelers 20-30 minutes per flight. It adds stress to an already stressful morning. And it's completely avoidable.

Why Your KTN Actually Matters (Beyond Skipping Lines)

Your Known Traveler Number is your golden ticket to expedited security screening. It's the nine-digit code that tells TSA systems: "This person is pre-approved."

When you add your KTN to airline reservations, the system automatically grants you PreCheck access. Your boarding pass shows that coveted "TSA PreCheck" stamp. You use the faster lanes. You keep shoes on. You leave laptops in bags.

Per TSA guidance, PreCheck members save an average of 10 minutes per screening compared to standard lines. For frequent travelers, that's hours saved per year.

But here's the catch: Your KTN only works if you actually use it. Forgetting to add it means losing those benefits entirely, even though your membership stays active.

Quick Answer: Where to Do a KTN Lookup Right Now

Need your KTN immediately? Here's the fastest path:

Go to the Universal Enrollment Services website (universalenroll.dhs.gov) and click "Check My Service Status." Enter your name and date of birth exactly as enrolled. Your KTN appears within seconds.

That's it. Two minutes, maximum.

But if that doesn't work—or if you don't remember which enrollment provider you used—keep reading. I'm covering every backup method next.

The 5 Fastest Ways to Do a KTN Lookup in 2025

Not all KTN lookup methods work for everyone. Your fastest option depends on which trusted traveler program you joined and how you enrolled.

Here are five proven methods, ranked by speed.

Method 1: Official TSA PreCheck KTN Lookup Tool (2 Minutes)

This is your fastest option if you enrolled through TSA PreCheck directly.

Visit universalenroll.dhs.gov and select "Check My Service Status." You'll need three pieces of information: full name (exactly as enrolled), date of birth, and either your passport number or driver's license.

Enter your details exactly. Middle names matter. Suffixes matter. One typo means "no status found."

If your information matches TSA records, your screen shows your KTN (labeled as "PASSID" for some programs) plus your membership expiration date.

Pro tip: Screenshot this page immediately. Save it to your phone's photos. You'll thank yourself later.

Method 2: Check Your Email for the Original Approval Letter

When you were approved for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, you received an email with your KTN. It's probably buried in your inbox from 2-5 years ago.

Search your email for these terms:

• "Known Traveler Number"

• "membership ID"

• "TSA PreCheck approved"

• "Global Entry conditional approval"

• Your enrollment provider name (IDEMIA, Telos, CLEAR)

The approval email contains your nine-digit KTN clearly labeled. If you find it, add it to your phone's notes app immediately for next time.

Reality check: This method only works if you haven't deleted that email. Most people have. That's why Method 1 exists.

Method 3: Log Into Your Enrollment Provider Account (CLEAR, IDEMIA, Telos)

TSA PreCheck enrollment happens through approved providers—not TSA directly. If you remember which provider you used, log into their website.

IDEMIA (IdentoGO): Visit identogo.com and log in. Your dashboard shows your membership ID and KTN under "My Services."

Telos: Visit tsa.telos-id.com and log in. Your KTN appears on your profile page.

CLEAR: CLEAR members get TSA PreCheck as part of membership. Log into clearme.com, navigate to "Membership," and find your KTN under "Known Traveler Number."

Each provider displays your KTN differently, but it's always visible once logged in. The catch: you need to remember your login credentials. Password reset adds 5-10 minutes.

Method 4: Look at the Back of Your Global Entry Card (If You Have One)

Global Entry members receive a physical membership card by mail. Your PASSID number (Global Entry's version of a KTN) is printed on the back, typically in the bottom-right corner.

This nine-digit number works exactly like a TSA PreCheck KTN. You can add it to airline reservations for expedited screening benefits.

Important: Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI all use PASSID numbers instead of "KTN." They're functionally identical. Airlines accept both.

If you lost your card, use Method 1 instead—the online lookup shows your PASSID number clearly.

Method 5: Call the TSA Help Desk (When All Else Fails)

Sometimes online lookups fail. Names don't match. Systems glitch. When that happens, call the TSA Contact Center at (866) 289-9673.

Be ready with your full name, date of birth, and a photo ID. The agent will verify your identity and provide your KTN over the phone.

Wait times vary: 5 minutes during off-peak hours (mid-morning, early afternoon), 30+ minutes during peak times (Monday mornings, Friday afternoons, evenings).

Timing hack: Call between 10 AM and 2 PM EST on Tuesdays or Wednesdays. Shortest wait times consistently fall during these windows.

KTN Lookup by Program Type: Find Your Number Fast

Different trusted traveler programs use different lookup systems. Knowing which program you're in speeds up the process dramatically.

TSA PreCheck Members: Your Direct Lookup Path

If you enrolled in TSA PreCheck specifically (not Global Entry or NEXUS), use the Universal Enrollment Services portal at universalenroll.dhs.gov.

Click "Check My Service Status," enter your details exactly, and retrieve your nine-digit KTN instantly. This system connects to all TSA PreCheck enrollment providers—IDEMIA, Telos, and CLEAR.

Your KTN remains valid for five years from enrollment date. The lookup tool also shows your expiration date, so you'll know when to renew.

Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI: Finding Your PASSID Number

These three programs provide TSA PreCheck benefits automatically. Instead of a "KTN," you receive a "PASSID" number—but it works identically for airline reservations.

Global Entry members: Log into your Trusted Traveler Programs account at ttp.cbp.dhs.gov. Your PASSID appears on your dashboard under "Membership Information."

NEXUS members: Same process—log into TTP and find your PASSID. NEXUS provides expedited entry for both US and Canada, plus TSA PreCheck benefits domestically.

SENTRI members: SENTRI focuses on US-Mexico border crossings but includes TSA PreCheck. Your PASSID works for airline security screening nationwide.

All three programs display your PASSID clearly once logged in. No searching required.

Employment-Based KTN (DoD, DHS, TWIC, HME): Special Lookup Instructions

Military members, federal employees, and certain commercial drivers receive KTN-equivalent numbers through their employers.

DoD (Department of Defense): Active duty military and civilian employees get their KTN through their CAC (Common Access Card). The 10-digit DoD ID number on your CAC works as your KTN.

DHS employees: Contact your agency's security office. They'll provide your KTN through internal systems.

TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential): Your TWIC number functions as a KTN. Check your TWIC card or log into the TSA TWIC portal.

HME (Hazardous Materials Endorsement): Commercial drivers with HME receive KTN benefits. Your HME credential number serves as your KTN—contact your state DMV for retrieval.

These employment-based programs don't use the standard Universal Enrollment Services lookup. You'll need to contact your specific agency or employer directly.

What to Do If KTN Lookup Shows "No Status Found"

You entered everything correctly. The system still says "No status found." Now what?

This happens more often than you'd think. Here's how to fix it.

Common Reasons Your KTN Lookup Fails

Reason 1: Name mismatch. You enrolled as "Robert" but searched as "Bob." TSA systems require exact matches—first name, middle name (or initial), suffix, everything.

Reason 2: Expired membership. Your five-year term ended. The lookup system won't display expired KTNs. Check your approval email for your enrollment date, then add five years.

Reason 3: Wrong lookup tool. TSA PreCheck members use universalenroll.dhs.gov. Global Entry members use ttp.cbp.dhs.gov. Using the wrong portal returns "no status found."

Reason 4: Application still processing. If you recently applied, your approval may not be finalized yet. Applications take 3-5 days after interview for final processing.

Reason 5: System glitch. It happens. The Universal Enrollment Services site occasionally experiences outages or data sync issues.

How to Troubleshoot Name Mismatches and Typos

TSA systems are unforgiving about names. One wrong character breaks the lookup.

Try these variations systematically:

• Full legal name vs. preferred name (Robert vs. Bob, Elizabeth vs. Liz)

• Middle name vs. middle initial vs. no middle name

• Hyphenated names (enter with hyphen, then without)

• Suffixes (Jr., Sr., III—include exactly as enrolled)

• Apostrophes and special characters (O'Brien vs OBrien)

Pro tip: If you can't remember exactly how you enrolled, try the variation on your driver's license first. Most people enroll using their license name.

Still stuck? Check your original approval email. Your enrolled name appears at the top.

When to Contact Customer Support (And What to Say)

If you've tried all name variations and multiple lookup methods, call TSA Contact Center at (866) 289-9673.

Here's what to say: "I'm trying to retrieve my Known Traveler Number. I enrolled on [approximate date] through [provider if known]. I've tried the online lookup with multiple name variations, but I'm getting 'no status found.' Can you help me verify my information?"

The agent will ask for your full name, date of birth, and either passport or driver's license number. They'll search internal systems directly—often finding records that don't appear in online lookups.

Average call time: 15-20 minutes (including wait time).

When to escalate: If the agent can't find your record and you're certain you enrolled, ask for a supervisor. Rare but possible: your record was incorrectly filed or merged with another traveler's. Supervisors can investigate further.

How to Add Your KTN to Airline Reservations (Never Forget Again)

Finding your KTN is step one. Using it correctly is step two.

Most travelers forget this part—and wonder why PreCheck doesn't appear on their boarding pass even after retrieving their KTN.

Adding KTN to Major Airlines: Step-by-Step

Every airline stores your KTN in your frequent flyer profile. Add it once, and it automatically applies to every future booking.

American Airlines: Log into aa.com, go to "Your Account," select "Information and Password," scroll to "Secure Traveler Information," and enter your KTN.

Delta: Log into delta.com, click "My Profile," select "Personal Details," scroll to "Secure Flight Information," and add your KTN under "Known Traveler Number."

United: Log into united.com, navigate to "My Account," select "Profile Settings," choose "Travel Documents," and enter your KTN in the designated field.

Southwest: Log into southwest.com, click "My Account," select "Rapid Rewards," scroll to "TSA PreCheck," and add your KTN.

All four carriers save your KTN permanently once entered. It auto-populates on every new reservation you make.

Important: Adding your KTN to existing reservations requires calling the airline or managing your reservation online. It won't backfill automatically to bookings made before you added it to your profile.

Saving Your KTN to Frequent Flyer Profiles

If you fly multiple airlines, add your KTN to every frequent flyer program you use. It takes five minutes per airline but saves you hours of frustration.

Most airlines position the KTN field under "Profile," "Account Settings," or "Secure Traveler Information." Look for sections labeled:

• TSA PreCheck

• Known Traveler Number

• Secure Flight Information

• Travel Documents

Once saved, your KTN transfers automatically to every booking. You'll see "TSA PreCheck" on your boarding pass as long as PreCheck lanes are available at your departure airport.

Pro Tip: Store Your KTN in Your Phone's Notes App

Even with airline profiles updated, keep a backup.

Open your phone's notes app. Create a note titled "Travel Info." Add your KTN clearly labeled: "Known Traveler Number: [your 9 digits]."

Include your Global Entry or NEXUS PASSID if applicable. Add your passport number too.

When you're booking flights on unfamiliar airlines or through third-party sites, this note saves you from emergency lookups. Just copy and paste your KTN directly into the booking form.

Security tip: If you're concerned about phone security, store your KTN in a password-protected notes app like 1Password or Bitwarden instead.

Real Traveler Stories: KTN Lookup Saves and Fails

Theory is helpful. Real experiences are better.

Here's what actually happens when travelers lose their KTNs—and what you can learn from their mistakes.

Success Story: Found KTN 30 Minutes Before Flight

Sarah, a business traveler from Chicago, was checking in for a 6 AM flight to Dallas. She'd booked through a corporate travel portal that didn't save her PreCheck info. Her KTN? Completely forgotten.

At 5:30 AM, she pulled up the Universal Enrollment Services site on her phone. Two minutes later, she had her KTN. She managed her reservation through the airline app, added the number, and regenerated her boarding pass.

Result: PreCheck appeared. She breezed through security in eight minutes instead of the standard 40-minute wait.

Lesson: The online lookup works even in a panic. But storing your KTN in your phone eliminates the panic entirely.

What Happens If You Can't Retrieve Your KTN at the Airport

Mark flew from Seattle to Miami for a wedding. He'd forgotten his KTN and didn't realize until he reached the airport. He tried the online lookup—but couldn't remember his enrollment provider or exact name variation.

He called TSA Contact Center. Wait time: 45 minutes. His flight boarded in 30.

He had to use standard security lines. Total wait: 55 minutes. He missed his flight. The airline rebooked him on a later flight with a $75 change fee.

Lesson: Don't wait until the airport. Do your KTN lookup from home, ideally the night before travel.

The One Mistake That Cost Someone Their PreCheck Benefits

Jennifer renewed her TSA PreCheck but never checked her confirmation email. She assumed her old KTN would still work.

Wrong. Per TSA policy, some renewals issue new KTN numbers. Her old nine digits stopped working. She didn't realize until she showed up at the airport without PreCheck on her boarding pass.

She'd paid $78 for renewal. She lost PreCheck benefits for an entire year because she never updated her airline profiles with the new number.

Lesson: After renewing TSA PreCheck, verify your KTN. If it changed, update every airline profile immediately.

7 Common KTN Lookup Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Even experienced travelers mess this up. Here are the mistakes that waste the most time.

Mistake 1: Using the Wrong Lookup Tool for Your Program

TSA PreCheck members use universalenroll.dhs.gov. Global Entry members use ttp.cbp.dhs.gov. Mix them up, and you'll get "no status found" even with perfect information.

How to avoid it: Check your approval email. It clearly states which program you enrolled in. Use the correct portal.

Mistake 2: Not Checking Middle Name/Initial Exactly as Enrolled

You enrolled as "Sarah Jane Smith." You searched as "Sarah Smith." The system rejects your lookup.

TSA databases require exact name matches. Omitting your middle name, adding a middle initial, or using a nickname all cause failures.

How to avoid it: Use your driver's license or passport name. Most people enroll exactly as their ID shows.

Mistake 3: Forgetting Which Provider You Enrolled With

You enrolled five years ago through IDEMIA. Today you try logging into Telos. Your account doesn't exist there.

Each enrollment provider maintains separate accounts. You can't log into a provider you didn't enroll through.

How to avoid it: Check your credit card statements from five years ago. Search for "IDEMIA," "Telos," or "CLEAR." The charge reveals your provider.

Mistake 4: Waiting Until the Last Minute (Don't Be That Person)

You're at the airport. Your phone has one bar of signal. The lookup website loads slowly. You're panicking. Your boarding time is in 15 minutes.

This scenario is avoidable.

How to avoid it: Do your KTN lookup at home, at least 24 hours before travel. Save the number to your phone and airline profiles before you leave.

Mistake 5: Confusing KTN with Redress Number

Your boarding pass has two fields: Known Traveler Number and Redress Number. They're not interchangeable.

Your KTN grants PreCheck access. Your Redress Number (if you have one) corrects mistaken identity issues with watch lists. Most travelers don't need a Redress Number.

How to avoid it: Enter your KTN only in the "Known Traveler Number" field. Leave "Redress Number" blank unless you were specifically issued one by DHS.

Mistake 6: Not Updating Your KTN After Name Change

You got married and changed your last name. You updated your driver's license and passport. But you never updated your TSA PreCheck enrollment.

Now your KTN doesn't match your current ID. TSA systems reject your PreCheck access.

Per TSA guidance, name changes require enrollment updates. You'll need to visit an enrollment center with proof of name change (marriage certificate, court order) to update your record.

How to avoid it: Update your TSA PreCheck name immediately after any legal name change. Don't wait until your next flight.

Mistake 7: Assuming Your KTN Auto-Populates on Every Booking

You added your KTN to United's frequent flyer program. Now you book a flight on American through Expedia. You assume PreCheck will appear automatically.

It doesn't.

Third-party booking sites (Expedia, Kayak, Priceline) require you to manually enter your KTN during checkout. They don't pull from airline profiles.

How to avoid it: When booking through third parties, always check for a "Known Traveler Number" or "TSA PreCheck" field. Enter your KTN manually every time.

Frequently Asked Questions About KTN Lookup

How do I do a KTN lookup if I forgot my enrollment provider?

Use the Universal Enrollment Services website at universalenroll.dhs.gov. This portal connects to all TSA PreCheck providers—IDEMIA, Telos, and CLEAR. Enter your name and date of birth exactly as enrolled, and your KTN appears regardless of which provider you used.

If that fails, check old credit card statements from your enrollment date. Search for charges from "IDEMIA," "Telos," or "CLEAR." The charge identifies your provider.

Can I look up someone else's known traveler number?

No. TSA systems require personal verification for KTN lookups. You'll need the traveler's full name, date of birth, and either passport or driver's license number—information most people don't share.

If you're booking travel for a family member, ask them to retrieve their KTN directly and provide it to you.

How long does a KTN lookup take?

The online lookup takes under two minutes if you have correct information. Enter your details, submit, and your KTN appears immediately.

Calling TSA Contact Center takes 15-45 minutes depending on wait times. Mid-morning and early afternoon waits are shortest.

Is there a KTN lookup app I can use?

TSA doesn't offer a dedicated KTN lookup app. Use the Universal Enrollment Services website (universalenroll.dhs.gov) on your phone's browser instead. It's mobile-optimized and works on all devices.

Some enrollment providers—CLEAR, for example—include KTN access in their mobile apps. Log into your provider's app if you enrolled through them.

What's the difference between KTN and PASSID for Global Entry?

They're functionally identical. TSA PreCheck members receive a "KTN" (Known Traveler Number). Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI members receive a "PASSID" number.

Both are nine-digit codes that grant expedited security screening. Airlines accept both in the "Known Traveler Number" field when booking.

Use whichever number your program issued—they work identically for TSA PreCheck benefits.

Can I retrieve my KTN at the airport?

Technically yes, but it's difficult. TSA agents at checkpoints can't look up your KTN. You'd need to use airport WiFi to access the Universal Enrollment Services website on your phone—assuming you remember your login credentials and enrollment details.

Better option: Call TSA Contact Center from the airport at (866) 289-9673. Wait times average 20-30 minutes, which may make you late for your flight.

Best option: Retrieve your KTN before you leave home. Don't gamble on airport WiFi and time pressure.

Does my KTN expire and need renewal?

Your TSA PreCheck or Global Entry membership expires after five years. Your KTN remains the same number throughout, but you lose access once your membership expires.

Check your expiration date through the Universal Enrollment Services lookup or your TTP account. You'll need to renew before expiration to maintain PreCheck benefits.

Renewal costs $78 for TSA PreCheck, $100 for Global Entry. Plan to renew 6-12 months before expiration to avoid any access gaps.

Your KTN Lookup Action Plan: Never Scramble Again

You've found your KTN. Now make sure you never lose it again.

Save Your KTN in Multiple Places (Here's Where)

Create redundancy. Store your KTN in at least three locations:

Location 1: Phone notes app. Create a note titled "Travel Info" and add your KTN clearly labeled. This is your fastest reference.

Location 2: Email. Send yourself an email with subject line "My Known Traveler Number" and include your nine digits in the body. Never delete this email.

Location 3: Password manager. If you use 1Password, LastPass, or Bitwarden, create a secure note for travel documents. Include your KTN, passport number, and Global Entry PASSID if applicable.

Location 4: All airline frequent flyer profiles. Add your KTN to every airline you fly. It auto-populates on future bookings and saves you from manual entry.

Backup option: Screenshot your Universal Enrollment Services lookup result. Save the image to your phone's photos. You'll have visual confirmation of your KTN anytime.

Set a Calendar Reminder Before Your KTN Expires

Your TSA PreCheck membership lasts five years. Most people forget when it expires—and lose benefits without realizing.

Open your calendar app. Find your enrollment date (check your approval email). Add five years. Set two reminders:

Reminder 1: Six months before expiration. Title: "TSA PreCheck expires soon—renew now." This gives you plenty of buffer.

Reminder 2: Two months before expiration. Title: "Last chance to renew TSA PreCheck." Final warning if you ignored the first reminder.

Renewal takes 5-10 minutes online and costs $78. Do it early, and you'll never experience a lapse in PreCheck access.

Quick Checklist: Before Every Flight

Print this checklist or save it to your phone. Review it 24 hours before travel:

☐ Verify your KTN is saved in your airline frequent flyer profile
☐ Check that "TSA PreCheck" appears on your boarding pass (if not, manage your reservation and add KTN manually)
☐ Confirm your TSA PreCheck membership hasn't expired (check expiration date in your enrollment account)
☐ Pack your phone with KTN saved in notes app (backup if anything goes wrong)
☐ Review TSA screening rules for your departure airport (some airports lack PreCheck lanes)

Following this checklist eliminates 95% of KTN-related stress. You'll know your PreCheck is active before you leave home—no airport surprises.

Final thought: Your Known Traveler Number is a small detail with massive impact. Nine digits that save you 10-30 minutes per flight. A number you paid for that unlocks faster, easier travel.

Don't let it sit forgotten in an old email. Retrieve it now, save it everywhere, and never scramble at the airport again.

You've got this.