You survived the 11-month wait, passed your interview, and finally received your physical Global Entry card in the mail. Congratulations!
But as you go to book your next flight, you might realize something confusing: the airline booking portal asks for a "Known Traveler Number" and a "Redress Number," but neither of those exact phrases appears anywhere on your new Global Entry card.
Here is exactly how to find your Known Traveler Number, why you probably don't have a Redress Number, and how to activate your card so you can start using the TSA PreCheck lanes immediately.
Where is my Known Traveler Number (KTN)?
Your Known Traveler Number (KTN) is printed on the back of your physical Global Entry card.
However, it is not labeled "Known Traveler Number." Instead, it is labeled as your PASSID.
Your PASSID is a unique 9-digit number, and it is the exact same thing as your Known Traveler Number. Whenever an airline asks for your KTN during checkout or check-in to grant you TSA PreCheck benefits, simply type in your 9-digit PASSID.
Pro Tip: You don't actually need the physical card to find this number. You can log into your dashboard on the Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) website at any time, and your PASSID will be prominently displayed at the top of your approved application.
What is a Redress Number?
Right next to the KTN field, airlines almost always ask for a "Redress Number." This causes a lot of confusion for new Global Entry members who scour their cards looking for it.
There is no Redress Number on your Global Entry card.
A Redress Number is a completely separate, 7-digit code issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (TRIP). It is specifically given to individuals who have historically been incorrectly flagged on government watchlists or who share a name with a known terrorist, causing them to be unfairly delayed at airport security.
If you haven't explicitly applied for DHS TRIP to clear your name from a watchlist, you do not have a Redress Number. Leave this field blank when booking your flight.
How to Activate Your Global Entry Card
Before you can use your physical card to cross land borders (like the SENTRI lanes from Mexico or NEXUS lanes from Canada), you must activate it.
Note: You do not need to activate the physical card to use the Global Entry kiosks at airports, as those rely entirely on your passport and biometrics. However, it is highly recommended to activate the card anyway.
Step-by-Step Activation Guide:
- Log into your account on the official Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) website.
- Scroll down to your approved Global Entry program membership.
- Click the button that says "Activate Membership Card".
- The system will ask you to enter the security code found on the physical card.
- Flip your card over. You will find a 3-digit code printed near the top right of the back of the card. Enter this code into the portal.
Once activated, your card is fully operational for land and sea border crossings!
Still Waiting for an Interview?
If you are reading this article to prepare, but you're actually still stuck with "Conditional Approval" and can't find an interview appointment, you are not alone.
The 2026 backlog has caused interview wait times at major airports like LAX, JFK, and SFO to stretch past 8 months.
Instead of waiting, use a Global Entry appointment scanner like Appt Helper to bypass the line. The automated system checks your local enrollment center 24/7. When someone cancels their interview, you instantly receive an SMS text alert with a direct booking link.
Most users secure a canceled appointment slot within a few days of signing up. Stop waiting and claim your Trusted Traveler status today.