Where To Find Known Traveler Number On Nexus Card?

Your NEXUS PASSID is the 9-digit code on the back of your card, located in the upper-left corner—it serves as your Known Traveler Number (KTN) for TSA PreCheck® and border crossings.

What’s the deal with NEXUS and Known Traveler Numbers?

Your NEXUS card includes a 9-digit PASSID that functions as your Known Traveler Number (KTN) for TSA PreCheck® and border crossings

NEXUS is a Trusted Traveler Program card, jointly issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). The PASSID on the back is your unique identifier—airlines and border agents recognize it instantly. To get TSA PreCheck® benefits, you must enter this number when booking or checking in for flights. Without the KTN properly linked to your reservation, that handy ✓TSA PRE symbol won’t show up on your boarding pass. Good news: the system’s staying the same through 2026, and the PASSID remains a 9-digit code. CBP confirms this number works as your primary KTN across all Trusted Traveler Programs, including NEXUS, Global Entry, and SENTRI.

Here’s exactly how to find your NEXUS PASSID

Flip your NEXUS card over and look at the upper-left corner to find the 9-digit PASSID, which is also your Known Traveler Number

Your NEXUS PASSID is printed as a 9-digit code in the upper-left corner of the back side. It’s formatted like 12 345678 9. This same number is your Known Traveler Number—type it into the right field when booking flights or updating reservations. Airlines call this field different things: “Known Traveler Number,” “PASS ID,” or “CBP PASSID.” The label changes, but the 9-digit code stays the same. Updating an existing reservation? Log in to your airline account, find the passenger details, and drop the PASSID in the right spot. Delta, United, and American Airlines all confirm this method works for every Trusted Traveler Program.

Still not seeing the ✓TSA PRE symbol?

If the ✓TSA PRE symbol is missing, check if you used the correct field label and correct 9-digit PASSID format

No TSA PreCheck® symbol? Usually, it means the airline didn’t recognize your KTN. First, double-check that you entered the PASSID in the right field—look for “Known Traveler Number,” “PASS ID,” or “CBP PASSID.” Skip “Redress Number” or “TSA ID,” because those won’t trigger the symbol. If the number’s correct but the symbol’s still missing, call the airline’s reservations line and ask them to manually update your booking with the 9-digit NEXUS PASSID. At the airport, swing by the check-in counter before security to request the fix. Alaska Airlines and JetBlue both confirm they can add the KTN on the spot. Still no luck? Reach out to TSA for help.

How to avoid this headache next time

Store your NEXUS PASSID in a safe, accessible place, add it to your airline profiles, and renew your card before it expires to prevent TSA PreCheck® issues

Keep your 9-digit PASSID handy—save it in your phone’s notes app, a password manager, or a travel document folder. Most airlines let you store your KTN in your frequent flyer profile, so it auto-fills when you book. Southwest and Spirit both offer this feature. Your NEXUS card lasts 5 years, so set a reminder to renew it on the CBP NEXUS site before it expires. Always enter your PASSID the same way to avoid formatting errors. Printing a backup boarding pass with the ✓TSA PRE symbol and snapping a photo can save you time at the airport. Government of Canada suggests these steps for smooth cross-border travel. Honestly, this is the best way to avoid last-minute scrambling at the gate.

Contents

What’s the deal with NEXUS and Known Traveler Numbers?

Here’s exactly how to find your NEXUS PASSID

Still not seeing the ✓TSA PRE symbol?

How to avoid this headache next time

Related Articles