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Known Traveler Number Validator

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Validate a TSA PreCheck Known Traveler Number (KTN) or Global Entry PASSID format instantly. Checks the 9-digit structure. Free, client-side, no data stored.

What is a KTN?

A Known Traveler Number (KTN) validator checks whether a given KTN matches the expected format for US Trusted Traveler Programs — specifically the 9-digit numeric format used by TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI. The KTN, also called a PASSID for Global Entry members, is the identifier entered in airline booking profiles and reservation forms to receive TSA PreCheck on your boarding pass.

The KTN system was established to allow low-risk, pre-vetted travellers to pass through airport security without removing shoes, laptops, and liquids, and without going through full-body scanners. Millions of US travellers are enrolled in these programmes, and correctly entering the 9-digit KTN in their airline profile is the key step that makes the PreCheck indicator appear on the boarding pass. A single transposed digit means no PreCheck — a common and frustrating outcome that this validator helps prevent.

The standard format for all current Trusted Traveler programme identifiers is a 9-digit number: no letters, no hyphens, no spaces. The validator confirms this structure and also accepts alphanumeric identifiers in the 8–12 character range for older NEXUS or SENTRI formats that may predate the current 9-digit standard. Use it alongside the US Passport Validator when verifying travel document details before an international trip.

How to use this KTN calculator

  1. Find your KTN in your TSA PreCheck enrolment confirmation email, your CBP TTP account (ttp.cbp.dhs.gov), or the airline loyalty profile where you previously saved it.
  2. Enter the number in the Known Traveler Number (KTN) field.
  3. The result shows immediately: Valid for a correctly formatted 9-digit number, or Invalid with the specific issue.
  4. If valid, enter the exact same number in your airline profile under the "Known Traveler Number" or "TSA PreCheck" field.
  5. Book a flight and confirm the TSA PreCheck indicator (TSA PRE✓) appears on your boarding pass.

Formula & Methodology

The validator applies two pattern tests:

Primary check (standard TSA PreCheck / Global Entry PASSID):
/^\d{9}$/
Exactly 9 digits — no letters, hyphens, or spaces.

Secondary check (legacy alphanumeric formats):
/^[A-Z0-9]{8,12}$/i
8–12 alphanumeric characters — for older NEXUS and SENTRI identifiers.

If the primary check passes, the result is confirmed as a standard TSA PreCheck / Global Entry format. If only the secondary check passes, the result notes it may be a legacy or alternative programme format.

Valid examples:
- 123456789 — standard 9-digit KTN
- 987654321 — standard 9-digit KTN

Invalid examples:
- 12345678 — 8 digits (one short)
- 1234567890 — 10 digits (one too many)
- ABC123456 — contains letters (not valid for current standard)

Frequently Asked Questions

A Known Traveler Number (KTN) is the identifier assigned to members of US Trusted Traveler Programs such as TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI. It is also called a PASSID for Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI members. The KTN is entered when booking flights so the TSA PreCheck indicator appears on your boarding pass.
TSA PreCheck KTNs are 9-digit numbers. Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI PASSIDs are also 9-digit numbers assigned by CBP (Customs and Border Protection). Some programme numbers may be alphanumeric in older formats, but the current standard for all US Trusted Traveler Programs is a 9-digit numeric identifier.
The validator checks that the KTN is 9 digits (the standard format for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry). It also accepts alphanumeric identifiers of 8–12 characters as possible NEXUS or SENTRI numbers. It is a format check only — it does not confirm enrolment status or programme membership with TSA or CBP.
Log in to the CBP Trusted Traveler Programs website at ttp.cbp.dhs.gov to find your PASSID/KTN. For TSA PreCheck members enrolled through a third-party TSA PreCheck provider, the KTN was provided in your enrolment confirmation email or letter. It is also shown in the TSA PreCheck enrolment portal.
No. This tool validates only the format of the number — that it matches the expected length and character pattern. It cannot confirm that the number is active, that your programme membership has not expired, or that the number is correctly linked to your name in TSA or CBP systems.
Common reasons include: the KTN was entered incorrectly in your airline profile, the KTN is not linked to the name on your ticket, your membership has expired, or the airline has not processed the TSA PreCheck data for that flight. Validate your KTN format here and confirm it matches your enrolment confirmation exactly before updating your airline profile.
Not exactly. Your PASSID is the 9-digit number in the CBP system and is what you enter in the KTN field when booking. Your Global Entry card may have a different identifier printed on it. Always use your PASSID from the TTP website, not the number printed on the physical card.
No. A KTN is tied to your specific identity in TSA and CBP systems. Using someone else's KTN in your booking is ineffective (it will not apply PreCheck to your boarding pass) and potentially fraudulent. Each TSA PreCheck member needs their own enrolment and KTN.
No. Validation runs entirely in your browser. Your KTN is never transmitted to a server or stored anywhere. Trusted Traveler Numbers are considered sensitive identification data and you should not share them with untrusted third parties.
TSA PreCheck membership is valid for five years. Your KTN remains the same throughout this period. You must renew before expiry to continue receiving PreCheck benefits. Renewal can be done online through the TSA PreCheck or CBP TTP website.
TSA PreCheck provides expedited security screening at US domestic airports. Global Entry provides expedited US Customs processing for international arrivals at major US airports and automatically includes TSA PreCheck. Global Entry requires an in-person interview and a background check, making the enrolment process more involved.
Also known as
KTN validatorTSA PreCheck numberGlobal Entry PASSIDknown traveler number checkTSA trusted traveler