Known Traveler Number (KTN): What to know
To bypass lengthy airport lines, you might apply for TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry—or another Trusted Traveler Program (TTP). If your application is approved, you’ll receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN). Learn what KTNs are and how to find yours in this guide.
Key takeaways
- If you enroll in TSA PreCheck®, you’ll receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) to use when booking flights.
- Other expedited airport security programs like Global Entry, NEXUS and SENTRI issue a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) PASS ID that serves as the KTN.
- Some travel credit cards, like Capital One Venture and Venture X, will reimburse cardholders for the TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry application fee.
What is a Known Traveler Number?
KTNs are nine-digit numbers related to federal programs like TSA PreCheck® and Global Entry that allow members to use faster lanes at airports and international borders. But the numbers can vary based on the program.
Who is eligible for a Known Traveler Number?
KTNs can be issued to members of TTPs, such as:
- TSA PreCheck®: This program offers expedited security screening at over 290 U.S. airports with more than 85+ participating airlines. U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals and U.S. lawful permanent residents are eligible to apply.
- Global Entry: Members can enter the U.S. more quickly when returning to the airport from abroad. Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck®. Members are issued a PASS ID that acts as the KTN. U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents and select foreign nationals are eligible to apply.
- NEXUS: Members can enter the U.S. more quickly when coming from Canada by air, land or sea. NEXUS includes access to TSA PreCheck® and issues a PASS ID. Like Global Entry, the PASS ID number serves as the KTN. U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, Canadian citizens, Canadian permanent residents and Mexican nationals are eligible to apply.
- SENTRI: Members can use expedited entry to the U.S. from Canada and Mexico by air and land. SENTRI provides access to TSA PreCheck® and issues a PASS ID, and the ID number serves as the KTN. U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents and all foreign nationals are eligible to apply.
How to get a Known Traveler Number
If you’re getting a KTN through TSA PreCheck®, you can apply online and schedule an appointment at an enrollment center to provide fingerprints and proof of identity. Application fees can vary depending on the provider. You’ll get a KTN if you’re approved.
To apply for Global Entry, you first need to create a TTP account. Then you can apply online, pay the application fee and schedule an interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center. You’ll receive a PASS ID, which serves as the KTN, if you’re approved.
To offset the cost of TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry, certain travel credit cards reimburse cardholders for the application fee on their credit card statement.
For NEXUS or SENTRI, you can apply online and attend an in-person appointment. If approved, you’ll receive a PASS ID as the KTN. The application fees are listed on the provider websites.
Where do I find my Known Traveler Number?
You can find your KTN by logging in to your TTP account and looking toward the top of the page. If you have a membership card, the number is typically listed on the back of the card in the upper left-hand corner.
Here’s how the numbers may differ:
- TSA PreCheck®: The KTN is typically nine digits long, beginning with TT and followed by a combination of letters and numbers.
- Global Entry, NEXUS or SENTRI: The KTN is the PASS ID. It’s nine digits long and begins with either 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 50, 70, 80, 95, 98 or 99.
What if I can’t locate my Known Traveler Number?
TSA PreCheck® members can look up their KTN online. Global Entry, NEXUS or SENTRI members can sign in to the Trusted Traveler Program website to retrieve their PASS ID number, which serves as their KTN.
How to use a Known Traveler Number
Once you have a KTN, you can add it to the KTN field of any air travel reservations you make online, by phone or through a travel agent. The TSA recommends adding your KTN to travel websites you use often, frequent flyer profiles and employer travel booking systems.
Adding a Known Traveler Number to an existing reservation
If you’ve already made an airline reservation, you can still add your KTN by contacting the airline by phone or online. Be sure your reservation’s personal information, like your birth date, full name and KTN, matches the information you used to enroll in the TTP. Otherwise, the TSA PreCheck® indicator might not show on your boarding pass.
Known Traveler Number FAQ
Still have questions? Here’s more information about KTNs.
Do children need KTNs?
Whether a child needs a KTN depends on their age:
- If the child is 12 or under, they can use TSA PreCheck® lanes with an enrolled parent or guardian.
- If the child is between 13 and 17 years of age, they must be on the same reservation as an enrolled adult and have the TSA PreCheck® indicator on their boarding pass to use TSA PreCheck® lanes.
The TSA recommends that children who regularly travel alone enroll in TSA PreCheck® and have a KTN.
How long does it take to get a KTN?
According to the TSA, it typically takes three to five days to receive approval for TSA PreCheck®. But the process can take up to 60 days. The TSA recommends renewing your membership at least 60 days before it expires.
Where is a Known Traveler Number on a Global Entry card?
On a Global Entry card, the Known Traveler Number is the same as the PASS ID number. It can be found on the back of the card in the upper left-hand corner.
Known Traveler Numbers in a nutshell
If you enroll in TSA PreCheck®, you’ll receive a KTN, which you can add to airline reservations to get the TSA PreCheck® notice on your boarding pass. When enrolling in other travel programs, like Global Entry, your KTN is included in your PASS ID. These programs can make it easier to get to your destination by avoiding long security lines at airports or other travel points of entry.
Some travel rewards credit cards, like Capital One Venture and Venture X, will reimburse cardholders for the TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry enrollment fee. See if you’re pre-approved for a Venture Rewards card today—with no harm to your credit.