How do I get a known traveler ID?

A Known Traveler Number is assigned to you when you apply for the TSA Pre?® Application Program. If you're a member of the program, you can look up your KTN online.



To obtain a Known Traveler Number (KTN) in 2026, you must apply for an expedited screening program such as TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI. For most US domestic travelers, TSA PreCheck is the standard choice. The process involves four steps: first, complete an online application on the official TSA website; second, pay the non-refundable fee (currently $78 for a 5-year enrollment); third, schedule a 10-minute in-person appointment for fingerprinting and a background check at an enrollment center. Once approved, you will receive your KTN via email, usually within 3 to 60 days. It is crucial to remember that as of May 7, 2025, you must also have a REAL ID-compliant license or a passport to fly domestically. Starting February 1, 2026, those without REAL ID are subject to additional TSA identity verification. Once you have your KTN, you must add it to your airline profile and individual flight bookings to see the "TSA Pre✓" logo on your boarding pass.

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The application fee for TSA PreCheck® is $78 for 5 years. Before you apply, we recommend that you review the various DHS trusted traveler programs, such as the TSA PreCheck® Application Program, Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI, to ensure you meet the eligibility requirements and determine the best program for you.

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There's no TSA PreCheck in Europe (womp womp), but at select Europe airports, travelers can head to the front of the security line, free of charge.

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If you are a member of the TSA PreCheck® Application Program, look up your Known Traveler Number (KTN) here. If you are a member of another trusted traveler program, such as Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI, log on to the Trusted Traveler Program website to obtain your PASSID, which is your KTN.

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Visit the TSA PreCheck website and click on the Check Status button. Enter your full name, date of birth and passport number or your Known Traveler Number (KTN). Review your TSA PreCheck status.

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We've long espoused the benefits of Global Entry, which lets travelers breeze past the lines at U.S. customs by checking in at a kiosk. But there are limits to its powers: Global Entry only works upon entry into the U.S., and not to any country around the world.

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The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is responsible for ensuring safety and environmental protection in air transport in Europe.

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A Known Traveler Number (KTN) is issued to all individuals approved to receive TSA PreCheck® expedited screening. The KTN must be added in the KTN field when booking airline travel reservations to have the TSA PreCheck® indicator appear on your boarding pass.

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Valid Proof of Citizenship
  • U.S. Birth Certificate.
  • U.S. Certificate of Citizenship (N-560 or N-561)
  • U.S. Certificate of Naturalization (N-550 or N-570)
  • U.S. Citizen Identification Card (I-179 or I-197)
  • Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240)
  • Certification of Report of Birth Abroad (DS-1350 or FS-545)


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TSA PreCheck enrollment expires five years after the initial approval of your Known Traveler Number (KTN). A lot can happen in five years—if it's been a while since your last trip, or if you've simply forgotten when you were approved, you can check your status anytime.

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You can always call your airlines directly and ask them to add your KTN to any existing reservations. Here's a list of handy numbers, and prompts, to get you through the hold music quickly.

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Travel Sentry says the system is used at all airports in the USA and Canada, and at least some major airports in Austria, Belgium, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Israel, Japan, Netherlands, South Korea, Switzerland and Togo, however security agencies in countries other than the USA don't ...

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TSA PreCheck® provides expedited security screening benefits for flights departing from U.S. Airports. Global Entry provides expedited U.S. customs screening for international air travelers when entering the United States. Global Entry members also receive TSA PreCheck® benefits as part of their membership.

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Like Global Entry, Germany's EasyPASS allows travelers to bypass customs interviews and move through automated border control at seven German airports (Frankfurt am Main, Munich, Cologne/Bonn, Dusseldorf, Berlin-Schönefeld, Berlin-Tegel, and Hamburg) with 153 eGates: All you have to do is scan your passport, glance at ...

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Yes. Members will keep the same KTN during the renewal process.

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