What is the difference between a redress number and a known traveler number?

In summary Redress numbers are intended to correct misidentifications that may lead to security issues for certain travelers, while a Known Traveler Number is a travel perk you can pay for.



While both are used for airport security in 2026, they serve opposite purposes. A Known Traveler Number (KTN) is given to people who have proactively applied for "Trusted Traveler" programs like TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. It identifies you as a "low-risk" passenger, allowing you to use expedited security lanes where you don't have to remove shoes or laptops. A Redress Number, however, is issued by the DHS TRIP program to individuals who have repeatedly faced problems at security, such as being mistakenly flagged on a "Watch List" or subjected to constant "secondary" screenings due to having a similar name to a person of interest. Entering a Redress Number on your 2026 flight booking tells the system, "I am the person who was cleared by the government, not the person on the list." In short: a KTN is an "upgrade" for convenience, while a Redress Number is a "fix" for a recurring identification error.

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Redress numbers are intended to correct misidentifications that may lead to security issues for certain travelers, while a Known Traveler Number is a travel perk you can pay for.

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There are two 9-digit numbers on the back of the Global Entry card. The one on the upper left corner is the Known Traveler Number or PASSID. But on the upper right hand corner there is another 9-digit number, slightly larger than the PASSID.

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Many travelers ask where to find the redress number on their Global Entry cards, however, since not all travelers are issued redress numbers they are not typically printed on the Global Entry cards themselves.

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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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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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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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How Do I Add My Known Traveler Number to An Airline Reservation? If you received your KTN after booking an existing airline reservation, you may add it at the boarding counter, or at the self-service kiosk at the airport.

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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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While your card isn't required to access Global Entry kiosks at the airport, there are other scenarios in which you'll need it. If you plan to take advantage of Global Entry's access to NEXUS or SENTRI, your Global Entry card will be required.

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