Introduction
If you’ve ever traveled internationally, you may have heard of a “known traveler number.” But what is it, exactly? A known traveler number, or KTN, is a unique nine-digit identifier issued to travelers enrolled in the U.S. government’s Trusted Traveler Programs. These programs allow members to expedite their security screening process when crossing international borders.
In order to receive a known traveler number, you must first be approved for the Global Entry program. The Global Entry program is administered by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and allows pre-approved, low-risk travelers to quickly pass through customs upon arrival in the United States. To be eligible for the Global Entry program, you must meet certain requirements and pass a background check.
Reach Out to the Department of Homeland Security
If you think you might already be enrolled in the Global Entry program but can’t find your known traveler number, the first step is to reach out to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). You can do this by calling their customer service line at 1-800-375-5283 or by sending an email to the CBP INFO Center at [email protected]. When you contact DHS, make sure to provide your full name and date of birth so they can look up your application.
According to DHS spokesperson David Lapan, “The customer service representatives at the DHS are trained to answer questions about the Global Entry program and can assist individuals in locating their known traveler number.”
Search Through Your Travel Documents
If you don’t have any luck reaching out to the DHS, your next step should be to search through your travel documents. Your known traveler number should be included on any documents related to your Global Entry application, such as your passport, visa, or driver’s license. It may also be printed on your boarding pass or listed on your luggage tags.
If you still can’t find your known traveler number, try checking your travel itinerary. Many airlines and travel websites include your known traveler number in their confirmation emails. If you booked your trip through a travel agent, they may also have your number on file.
Contact the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
Another option is to contact the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The TSA maintains a database of all known traveler numbers, which they use to facilitate airport security screenings. You can reach out to the TSA by calling their customer service line at 1-866-289-9673 or by sending an email to [email protected].
When contacting the TSA, make sure to provide your full name and date of birth, as well as any other relevant information that may help them locate your known traveler number. According to TSA spokesperson Lisa Farbstein, “Our customer service representatives are trained to assist travelers in locating their known traveler numbers.”
Check With Your Credit Card Issuer or Travel Agency
If you still can’t find your known traveler number, your next step should be to check with your credit card issuer or travel agency. Many credit card issuers and travel agencies keep records of their customers’ known traveler numbers. If you used your credit card to book a flight or purchase a Global Entry membership, your credit card issuer may have your number on file.
You can also contact your travel agency to see if they have your known traveler number. Most travel agencies will have your number on file if you used their services to book a flight or purchase a Global Entry membership.
Use the Trusted Traveler Program Website
If you’re still having trouble locating your known traveler number, you can always turn to the Trusted Traveler Program website. This site allows you to log in to your account and view your known traveler number. To access the site, you’ll need to provide your full name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
Once you’ve logged in, you’ll be able to view your known traveler number as well as any other information related to your Global Entry membership. You can also update your profile and manage your account from this website.
Look Through Your Emails
If none of the above methods work, you can always look through your emails. Once you’ve been approved for the Global Entry program, you should have received an email from the CBP containing your known traveler number. This email may have gone to your spam folder, so make sure to check there as well.
You should also check any accounts associated with your credit card issuer or travel agency. They may have sent you an email containing your known traveler number when you purchased your Global Entry membership.
Ask Family Members
Finally, you can always ask your family members if they know your known traveler number. If you applied for the Global Entry program together, they may have your number on file. You can also ask them to check their emails, as they may have received an email from the CBP containing your known traveler number.
Conclusion
Finding your known traveler number can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. With a little bit of research and some patience, you should be able to locate your number in no time. Remember to reach out to the Department of Homeland Security, search through your travel documents, contact the TSA, check with your credit card issuer or travel agency, use the Trusted Traveler Program website, look through your emails, and ask your family members if they know your number.
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