How to Get a Known Traveler Number

If you love traveling but can't stand the long customs lines, then it might be worth it for you to get a Known Traveler Number (KTN). A KTN is a number that's issued by either the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Department of Defense (DoD). This number indicates that the person who has it has undergone a pre-flight background check before checking in for their flight and is eligible for an expedited customs experience. To get a KTN, apply for TSA Precheck, Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI.

Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Getting a KTN through TSA Precheck

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    Go for TSA Precheck if you only travel within the United States. If you're a lawful U.S. citizen or permanent resident and you just travel within the United States, this may be the program for you. Get your KTN through TSA Precheck so that you don't have to bother with getting a passport.[1]
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    Pre-enroll for TSA Precheck online. In order to start the application process, visit https://universalenroll.dhs.gov. Here, you'll disclose basic biographical information, such as your name, birthdate, and address.[2]
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    Make an appointment at an application center. After you finish filling out the brief form, you'll be prompted to make an appointment for your interview. For TSA Precheck, you can choose from over 300 locations within the United States. Find a location near you by going to https://universalenroll.dhs.gov/locator.[3]
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    Go to your in-person interview. Before you head to your scheduled interview, make sure that you have a valid photo ID, a valid proof of citizenship, and immigration documentation if applicable. The interview should only take about 15 minutes, and you'll be asked questions about yourself and your travel habits, and you'll also be fingerprinted during this time.[4]
    • Your driver's license can serve as a valid photo ID.
    • Your passport or birth certificate can serve as a valid proof of citizenship.
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    Pay the $85 application fee. At the interview, you'll need to pay your nonrefundable application fee, which will cover the cost of having a background check done. You can pay with a credit card, money order, company check, or cashier's check.[5]
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    Check your application status online. After your interview, check the status of your application by going to https://universalenroll.dhs.gov/workflows?workflow=service-status&servicecode=11115V. You'll likely receive a notification letter within 1-2 days of your interview, but it can sometimes take up to 45 days. If you're approved, your notification letter will include your 9-digit KTN.[6]
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    Add your KTN to each reservation. Every time you book a flight, type in your KTN number wherever it's asked for. This way, you'll be recognized as a known traveler, which means you won't have to take off your shoes, belt, or jacket, or take out your laptop or liquids.[7]
    • If you book through a travel agent, be sure to give the travel agent you KTN.
    • Contact your airline via phone or online to add your KTN to your reservation after you've already booked it.[8]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Applying for Global Entry

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    Choose Global Entry if you travel internationally. While TSA Precheck allows you to to enjoy a faster customs experience while traveling within the United States, Global Entry allows you to breeze through customs while traveling within the United States and also internationally. Get your KTN through Global Entry if you're a lawful U.S. citizen or permanent resident and you travel outside the country.[9]
    • You can also apply for Global Entry if you are a citizen of India, citizen of Colombia, citizen of the United Kingdom, citizen of Germany, citizen of Panama, citizen of Singapore, citizen of South Korea, citizen of Switzerland, or a Mexican National.
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    Create a GOES account and apply for Global Entry. Navigate to https://ttp.cbp.dhs.gov. Click “Get Started” to create an account. Then, log into your account. You'll have several different programs to choose from, so make sure you click on “Global Entry” and then fill out the application. This should take about half an hour and will require information such as your passport information, your residence history, and your employment history. [10]
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    Pay the $100 application fee online. At the end of the Global Entry application, you will be prompted to fill in your credit card or bank account information in order to pay for the application fee. The fee is $100 and is valid for 5 years.[11]
    • Some credit cards, specifically the ones designed for frequent fliers and corporate travelers, may reimburse you for this fee.
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    Wait to receive an email. Once you've applied and paid the fee, check your inbox for an email. You can expect this email to come within a week or so of submitting the application. The email will prompt you to log in to your GOES account, which will notify you that you're approved, pending your interview, if everything on your application checked out.[12]
    • If you don't receive an email, try calling the Global Entry customer service phone line at 866-530-4172.[13]
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    Schedule an interview at an enrollment center. While logged into your GOES account, you'll be prompted to pick an interview day, time, and location. Here, you can look up the enrollment centers that are closest to where you are. If you live in or near a major city, look into a few different locations, as some may be able to take you the next day but others may have a month-long wait.[14]
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    Go to your scheduled interview. The interview questions are typically simple and straightforward. You can expect to be asked about basic topics such as your traveling tendencies and your employment status. If you're approved, your fingerprints will be taken and you'll get your KTN at the end of the interview.[15]
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    Scan your passport at an airport kiosk to use your KTN. Bring your passport to the airport every time you fly, and scan your passport at a Global Entry kiosk. Then, the kiosk will take your photo, scan your fingerprints, and print out your receipt, which you'll hand to the customs agent. This will get you access to an expedited customs experience.[16]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Becoming a Member of NEXUS

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    Apply for NEXUS if you travel to Canada often. NEXUS is similar to Global Entry, but it only allows you to move through customs quicker when you're traveling domestically within the U.S. or you're crossing the border of the United States and Canada. Choose this program if you're a lawful Canadian citizen/permanent resident or a lawful U.S. citizen/permanent resident who needs to frequently cross the border.[17]
    • You can go to Canada without a passport if you're a U.S. citizen and you become a member of NEXUS.
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    Create a GOES account. Get online and navigate to ttp.cbp.dhs.gov. Click on “Register in English” and fill out the prompted information to create a GOES account. When you're done, you'll receive an identification number and be a registered GOES user.[18]
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    Complete the NEXUS application online. Through your GOES account, download the NEXUS application online. Complete it, and provide copies of all of the government documents that the application requires, including your proof of citizenship or permanent residence, a valid passport, and proof of your current residence. Submit the application when you're finished with it.[19]
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    Pay the $50 fee online. The processing fee for applying to become a member of NEXUS is $50, which is the most affordable of all of the program fees. Pay this online with a credit card through your GOES account.[20]
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    Schedule an interview through your GOES account. Once your application has been processed, you'll get a notification through your GOES account that you need to schedule an interview at an enrollment center. There are only a few locations where you can do this, and all of them can be found at http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/nexus/location-eng.html.[21]
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    Gather required documents and forms of ID for your NEXUS interview. You'll need to bring a valid driver's license, proof of residency, your NEXUS conditional approval letter, and any documents that you used on your application to prove you're a U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, Canadian citizen, or Canadian permanent resident.
    • Bring your vehicle's title and registration if you plan to drive across the border.
    • Bring your proof of custody if you plan to take a child under the age of 18 across the border.
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    Go to your NEXUS interview. Attend your scheduled interview at the location you chose. Your interview should take about 30 minutes, and you'll be asked questions by both a U.S. customs officer and a Canadian customs officer during this time.[22] If the interview goes well and you're approved for membership, you'll also be fingerprinted.
    • During the interview, you might be asked questions like, “Why do you want a NEXUS card?” or “Do you still live at this address?”
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    Scan your passport at Global Entry kiosks when you travel. As a NEXUS member, you can use your KTN the same way that Global Entry members use it. When you travel, find a Global Entry kiosk, scan your passport, and proceed as the kiosk guides you to. Just like with Global Entry members, you can give the receipt that ‘s printed at this kiosk to the customs agent in order to have an expedited customs experience.[23]
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    Add your PASSID to your reservations and frequent flier profiles. When you become a NEXUS member, you'll be issued a PASSID, which is exactly the same as a KTN. If you'd rather check in before heading to the airport, be sure to include your PASSID in the appropriate field when you fill out your flight registration information.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Acquiring Your KTN through SENTRI

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    Choose SENTRI if you travel to Mexico often. The benefits of being a SENTRI member are specific to crossing the U.S. and Mexican border. Go with this program to get your KTN if you're a lawful U.S. citizen who travels to Mexico on a regular basis.[24]
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    Create a GOES account online. SENTRI is another program that requires you to have a GOES account. Register by clicking “Get Started,” and filling out all of the prompted information on https://ttp.cbp.dhs.gov.[25]
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    Complete an online application. After you've gotten a GOES account, you can log in and find the application for SENTRI. Fill it out entirely and include copies of any documents that the application requires of you.[26] You'll likely need to supply copies of your passport and your proof of citizenship or proof of permanent residence.
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    Pay the SENTRI fee of $122.25. This fee covers the application fee, the fingerprint fee, as well as the system cost fee. After you finish filling out the application, you'll have an opportunity to pay this nonrefundable fee. Make the payment with a credit card, certified check, money order, or through electronic bank transfer.[27]
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    Schedule to your SENTRI interview at an enrollment center. Once your application is conditionally approved, you'll be instructed through your GOES account to make an appointment for your interview. There are many different locations that you can choose from, all of which are considered “enrollment centers.”
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    Go to your scheduled interview with the required documents. Bring the required documents with you and answer the interviewer's questions truthfully. You'll then be approved and fingerprinted if the interview goes well.[28]
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    Scan your passport at a Global Entry kiosk. To reap the benefits of your SENTRI membership, head to the Global Entry kiosk and scan your passport before you go to customs. The kiosk will prompt you to answer a couple of questions and it will take your photo and scan your fingerprints. It will then print out a receipt that you can give to the customs agent so that you can move quickly through.[29]
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    Include your PASSID in your flight reservations. If you'd rather not worry about dealing with the kiosk before your flight, you can simply include your PASSID (KTN) on your reservation when you book your flight. That way, your precheck privileges will be noted on your boarding pass and you can skip the kiosk altogether.
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Expert Q&A

  • Question
    Is it worth getting TSA PreCheck?
    Amy Tan
    Amy Tan
    Travel Planner & Founder, Planet Hoppers
    Amy Tan is a Travel Planner and the Founder of Planet Hoppers, a boutique travel design team founded in 2002. Planet Hoppers specializes in brainstorming and creating itineraries for dream vacations, honeymoons, exotic adventures, family reunions, and group trips. Planet Hoppers is a TRUE accredited travel agency and a member of the Signature Travel Network, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), and Travel Leaders. Amy earned a BA in Communications and a BS in Physics from the University of California, Davis in 2000.
    Amy Tan
    Amy Tan
    Travel Planner & Founder, Planet Hoppers
    Expert Answer
    It really depends on how often you travel and your tolerance for waiting at the airport.
  • Question
    Is known travel ID for crew members only?
    Liza Gaylord
    Liza Gaylord
    Community Answer
    No, you also get a Known Traveler Number if you sign up for TSA Precheck, Global Entry, or a similar program.
  • Question
    If my known traveler number is set to expire, can I get a renewal online or do I need to go someplace for finger printing etc. again?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You can renew again online, for the same application price, provided you are within a 6-month window of the number expiring but it has not yet expired.
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References

  1. ↑ Amy Tan. Travel Planner & Founder, Planet Hoppers. Expert Interview. 12 March 2020.
  2. ↑ Amy Tan. Travel Planner & Founder, Planet Hoppers. Expert Interview. 12 March 2020.
  3. ↑ http://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-sign-up-for-tsa-precheck-2015-7
  4. ↑ http://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-sign-up-for-tsa-precheck-2015-7
  5. ↑ http://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-sign-up-for-tsa-precheck-2015-7
  6. ↑ http://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-sign-up-for-tsa-precheck-2015-7
  7. ↑ Amy Tan. Travel Planner & Founder, Planet Hoppers. Expert Interview. 12 March 2020.
  8. ↑ https://www.tsa.gov/precheck/faq
  9. ↑ http://thetravelsisters.com/how-to-get-tsa-precheck-global-entry-nexus-sentri/
  1. ↑ https://qz.com/478039/the-complete-guide-to-getting-global-entry-and-tsa-precheck/
  2. ↑ https://qz.com/478039/the-complete-guide-to-getting-global-entry-and-tsa-precheck/
  3. ↑ https://qz.com/478039/the-complete-guide-to-getting-global-entry-and-tsa-precheck/
  4. ↑ https://www.huffingtonpost.com/jean-newman-glock/global-entry-hurrah_b_3162728.html
  5. ↑ https://qz.com/478039/the-complete-guide-to-getting-global-entry-and-tsa-precheck/
  6. ↑ https://qz.com/478039/the-complete-guide-to-getting-global-entry-and-tsa-precheck/
  7. ↑ http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/how-to-get-global-entry-tsa-precheck
  8. ↑ http://thetravelsisters.com/how-to-get-tsa-precheck-global-entry-nexus-sentri/
  9. ↑ https://settlement.org/ontario/immigration-citizenship/landing-and-leaving/leaving-canada/how-can-i-apply-for-a-nexus-card/
  10. ↑ https://settlement.org/ontario/immigration-citizenship/landing-and-leaving/leaving-canada/how-can-i-apply-for-a-nexus-card/
  11. ↑ https://settlement.org/ontario/immigration-citizenship/landing-and-leaving/leaving-canada/how-can-i-apply-for-a-nexus-card/
  12. ↑ https://settlement.org/ontario/immigration-citizenship/landing-and-leaving/leaving-canada/how-can-i-apply-for-a-nexus-card/
  13. ↑ http://usa.immigrationvisaforms.com/travel/nexus-interview
  14. ↑ https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry/frequently-asked-questions
  15. ↑ http://thetravelsisters.com/how-to-get-tsa-precheck-global-entry-nexus-sentri/
  16. ↑ https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/sentri/how-apply-sentri
  17. ↑ https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/sentri/how-apply-sentri
  18. ↑ https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/sentri/how-apply-sentri/non-refundable-application-fee
  19. ↑ https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/sentri/how-apply-sentri
  20. ↑ https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry/frequently-asked-questions
  21. ↑ https://www.tripsavvy.com/what-is-a-known-traveler-number-2972619

About This Article

Amy Tan
Co-authored by:
Amy Tan
Travel Planner & Founder, Planet Hoppers
This article was co-authored by Amy Tan. Amy Tan is a Travel Planner and the Founder of Planet Hoppers, a boutique travel design team founded in 2002. Planet Hoppers specializes in brainstorming and creating itineraries for dream vacations, honeymoons, exotic adventures, family reunions, and group trips. Planet Hoppers is a TRUE accredited travel agency and a member of the Signature Travel Network, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), and Travel Leaders. Amy earned a BA in Communications and a BS in Physics from the University of California, Davis in 2000. This article has been viewed 77,598 times.
5 votes - 60%
Co-authors: 5
Updated: May 11, 2022
Views: 77,598
Categories: Travel
Article SummaryX

A Known Traveler Number proves that you’ve had a pre-flight background check and will save you time going through customs. If you only travel domestically in the U.S., apply for a Transportation Security Administration Precheck number. You’ll need to apply online, go for an interview, and pay the application fee to get your Known Traveler Number. Once you’re registered, type in your number whenever you book flights to skip some of the customs checks. If you often fly internationally, apply for a Global Entry Known Traveler Number instead. Like the TSA number, you’ll have to go for an interview and pay a fee. Then, just scan your passport at a Global Entry kiosk whenever you fly. You’ll receive a receipt to show to the customs agent so you can skip the lengthy customs lines. For more tips, including how to get a Known Traveler Number if you only fly to Mexico or Canada, read on!

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