Navigating Tsa Airport Name Changes: A Step-By-Step Guide

Changing your name on your travel documents can be a confusing and time-consuming process. If you are a member of the TSA PreCheck® Application Program, you will need to contact your enrollment provider to update your name, address, or other information. You will be asked to provide documentation to process the change. If you do not update your TSA PreCheck membership when changing your name, you will not be able to use your benefits when travelling until the name change process is completed.

To update your name with TSA PreCheck, you will need to call the TSA Help Center at 855-347-8371 and request a name change. A TSA agent will ask you to send your legal name change document, photo ID, known traveler number, and an identifier they give you over the phone. Alternatively, you can make an appointment at an airport or nearby office and do it in person. The name change process can take up to 90 days, so it is recommended to update your name when you have a break in your travel schedule.

How to change your name with TSA PreCheck if you got married

Changing your name with TSA PreCheck after getting married can be a confusing and time-consuming process, but it is essential to ensure your travel documents are all consistent and up to date. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Step 1: Review Your Travel Calendar

If you have any upcoming trips booked under your previous name, it is recommended to wait until you return to begin the name-change process. This will ensure that the name on your ticket matches the name on your ID, which is necessary to honour your ticket and use TSA PreCheck. Ideally, you should aim for a two- to three-month break in your travel schedule to allow enough time for the name change process.

Step 2: Get a Certified Copy of Your Marriage Certificate

Obtain a physical copy of your marriage certificate, which serves as your legal name change document. Contact the courthouse where your marriage was performed to purchase a certified copy if you cannot find your original certificate.

Step 3: Update Your Social Security Information

The first step in officially changing your name is to visit the Social Security Administration (SSA) office in person or download and mail in the application form. You will receive a new Social Security card with your new name within two to three weeks.

Step 4: Update Your Passport

Although it is not mandatory to update your passport immediately, especially if you are not travelling internationally, it is advisable to do so, especially if you have a trip coming up. Use the U.S. State Department's form wizard to determine the correct passport form to submit, and allow six to eight weeks for processing. You can also pay a $60 fee to expedite the process and receive your new passport in two to three weeks.

Step 5: Get a New Driver's License

Visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or driver's license agency to obtain an updated driver's license. Remember that starting October 1, 2020, every air traveller will need to present a REAL ID or another form of TSA-approved identification, such as a passport, for domestic air travel. To obtain a REAL ID, most states require your new Social Security card or receipt of the name change from the SSA, your current driver's license, proof of U.S. citizenship (birth certificate or passport), your marriage certificate, and two documents showing your current address.

Step 6: Update Your TSA PreCheck Membership

If you are enrolled in Global Entry, updating your name with them will automatically update your TSA PreCheck membership. If not, you can call the TSA Help Center at 855-347-8371 and request a name change. You will need to provide your legal name change document, photo ID (updated passport or both sides of an updated state-issued photo ID), known traveller number, and a reference number they will provide. The TSA may also require you to visit an enrolment centre in person, and the name change process can take 30-90 days.

Additional Tips:

• If you have any existing travel reservations, it is recommended to continue using your old name until you return and can update your identification.
• When updating your name with Global Entry, you will need to visit a Global Entry Enrollment Centre in person and bring your Global Entry card, updated passport, and legal name change document.
• Remember to update your frequent flyer accounts and hotel loyalty programs once you have your new name and identification documents.
• Be patient and persistent with the TSA as they have been known to be inconsistent with name changes.

Congratulations on your marriage, and happy travels!

How to change your name with TSA PreCheck if you got divorced

If you are enrolled in TSA PreCheck and have gotten divorced, you will need to update your name with the program. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:

Step 1: Review Your Travel Calendar

Before changing your name, check if you have any upcoming trips. If you have any existing travel reservations (flights, hotels, cars, etc.) booked under your old name, it is recommended that you wait until you return from your trip before updating your travel identification. If the name on your ID does not match your boarding pass/ticket/reservation, your ticket may not be honoured.

The best time to start updating your travel documents is when you have a break in your travel schedule – ideally, a two- to three-month window. This will allow you enough time to update your identification documents.

Step 2: Get a Certified Copy of Your Divorce Decree

You will need a physical copy of your divorce decree before updating any of your travel documents and programs. If you cannot find your official document, contact the county courthouse where your divorce was finalised. You will be able to purchase a certified copy, which can be mailed to you.

Step 3: Get a New Social Security Card

The first place to officially update your name is with the Social Security Administration (SSA). You can either visit an SSA office in person or download the application form online and mail it in. You will receive a new card with your new name in the mail within two to three weeks.

Step 4: Update Your Passport

Once you have your new Social Security card, you can update your passport. Again, if you have any upcoming trips, it is recommended that you wait until after your trip to change your name on your passport. It usually takes six to eight weeks to process a new or updated passport, but you can pay a $60 fee to expedite the process and receive your passport in two to three weeks.

Step 5: Get a New Driver's License

Next, visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or driver's license agency to get an updated driver's license. Starting October 1, 2020, every air traveller will need to present a REAL ID or another form of TSA-approved identification, such as a passport, for domestic air travel. To get a REAL ID, most states require you to present your new Social Security card, your current driver's license, proof of U.S. citizenship, your divorce decree, and two documents showing your current address.

Step 6: Update Your TSA PreCheck Membership

If you are enrolled in Global Entry, updating your account will also update your TSA PreCheck membership. If you do not have Global Entry, you will need to call the TSA Help Center at 855-347-8371 and request a name change. A TSA agent will ask you to email or fax your divorce decree, photo ID (updated passport with your new name or both sides of an updated state-issued photo ID), known traveller number, and an identifier they will give you over the phone.

Note that the TSA has been inconsistent with name changes, so be patient. They may deny your request to update your name via email or fax and ask you to visit an enrollment centre in person. Expect the TSA to process your name change within 30-90 days, as they are often backed up with name change requests.

Step 7: Update Your Frequent Flyer Accounts

Finally, once your name has officially changed and all of your identification documents reflect your new name, update your existing frequent flyer accounts with the airlines.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your TSA PreCheck membership is updated with your new name after a divorce.

How to change your name with TSA PreCheck if you have a new passport

Changing your name with TSA PreCheck can be a complicated process, but it's important to do so if you want to continue to receive the benefits of the program. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to change your name with TSA PreCheck if you have a new passport:

Firstly, it's important to note that if you change your name and do not update your TSA PreCheck membership, you will not be able to use your benefits when travelling until the name change process is completed. So, it's in your best interest to start the process as soon as possible.

If you are a member of the TSA PreCheck Application Program, contact the enrollment provider you applied with to change your name. They will provide you with the information and documentation needed to process the change.

Next, you'll need to obtain a certified copy of your legal name change document. This could be a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you can't find the official document, contact the county courthouse where your name change was performed and purchase a certified copy.

Once you have the certified copy, you can update your passport. Use the form wizard from the U.S. State Department to determine the correct passport form to submit. It usually takes around six to eight weeks to process an updated passport, but you can pay a fee to expedite the process if needed.

After you've received your new passport with your updated name, you can proceed to change your name with TSA PreCheck. Call the TSA Help Center at 855-347-8371 and request a name change. A TSA agent will ask you to provide your legal name change document, photo ID (your new passport), known traveler number, and an identifier they will give you over the phone.

It's important to note that the TSA has been inconsistent with name changes, so be patient. They may deny your request to update your name via email or fax and ask you to visit an enrollment center. Expect the TSA to process your name change within 30-90 days, as they are usually backed up with name change requests.

Finally, don't forget to update your name with any other travel programs you're enrolled in, such as Global Entry or CLEAR, as well as your frequent flyer and hotel loyalty accounts.

Changing your name with TSA PreCheck and updating all your travel documents may be time-consuming, but it's important to ensure that all your documentation matches your new name to avoid any issues when travelling.

How to change your name with TSA PreCheck if you have a new driver's license

If you are a member of the TSA PreCheck® Application Program and have changed your name, you must update your membership details to continue using your TSA PreCheck benefits when traveling. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to change your name with TSA PreCheck if you have a new driver's license:

Step 1: Gather Required Documentation

First, you need to gather the necessary documents to verify your name change. This includes a government-issued photo ID, such as your new driver's license, displaying your new name. You will also need a legal name change document, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Additionally, you may be asked to provide your Social Security card, especially if your new name is reflected on it. Ensure that all supporting documents match your new name.

Step 2: Contact Your Enrollment Provider

Next, you should contact the enrollment provider you applied with to initiate the name change process. You can find the contact information for your enrollment provider on the TSA website. They will provide you with the specific documentation requirements and guidance on the process.

Step 3: Update Your Information Online

Access the official TSA website and log in to your Trusted Traveler Program account. Locate the section for updating personal information and input your new name. You may also be able to attach digital copies of your supporting documents.

Step 4: Contact the TSA Help Desk (If Necessary)

If you encounter any difficulties or have questions during the process, don't hesitate to contact the TSA Help Desk. They can assist with specific issues and provide clarification. Ensure you have your identification and account information ready for reference.

Step 5: Confirm Your Changes

After submitting your name change request, it is important to confirm that your changes have been successfully processed. Check your TSA PreCheck account and email regularly for any updates or communications regarding the status of your name change.

Step 6: Allow Time for Processing

Finally, be patient and allow sufficient time for the TSA to process your request. The processing time can vary but generally takes up to 60 days. To avoid travel disruptions, it is recommended to submit your name change request well in advance of any upcoming travel plans.

Please note that if you have any existing travel reservations, it is advisable to wait until after your trip to update your driver's license and TSA PreCheck membership. This is because the name on your ID must match your boarding pass and reservation to honor your ticket.

How to change your name with TSA PreCheck if you have Global Entry

If you are a member of the TSA PreCheck® Application Program and have Global Entry, you can change your name by contacting the enrollment provider you applied with. You will be provided with information regarding the documentation needed to process the change.

If you change your name and do not update your TSA PreCheck membership to match the new details, you will not be able to use your TSA PreCheck benefits when traveling until the name change process is completed.

To update your name with Global Entry, you will need to call your nearest Global Entry Enrollment Center. Ask if they can process your name change request over the phone. If not, you will need to show up in person, although no appointment is needed. Bring your Global Entry card, updated U.S. passport (with your new name), and legal name change document. You do not need to purchase a new Global Entry card under your new name.

If you are enrolled in Global Entry, updating your account will also update your TSA PreCheck membership. So, if you are a member of both Trusted Traveler Programs, update Global Entry first so the name change passes through to your TSA PreCheck account.

If you don't have a Global Entry membership, your first step is to call the TSA Help Center at 855-347-8371 and request a name change. A TSA agent will ask you to email or fax your legal name change document, photo ID (updated passport with your new name or both sides of an updated state-issued photo ID), known traveler number, and an identifier they give you over the phone.

It's worth noting that the TSA has been inconsistent with name changes, so be patient. They may deny your request to update your name via email or fax and ask you to visit an enrollment center. Expect the TSA to process your name change in 30-90 days as they are very backed up with name change requests.

Frequently asked questions