Your DoD ID number isn't automatically a Known Traveler Number, but you can use it as one for TSA PreCheck by entering it in the Known Traveler Number field when booking flights.
Can I give out my DoD ID number?
Never share your DoD ID number publicly or with unauthorized parties—it's protected under federal law and DoD policy.
Your DoD ID number counts as Personally Identifiable Information (PII), and Department of Defense Instruction 8581.01 strictly limits its use to official DoD business. According to DoD Instruction 8581.01, sharing it with non-DoD entities without permission could lead to disciplinary action or legal trouble. When using your DoD ID as a KTN, only enter it on trusted travel systems like airline booking platforms or the Defense Travel System (DTS). (Honestly, this is one number you should guard closely.)
Do DoD employees get TSA PreCheck?
Yes—DoD civilian employees can opt into TSA PreCheck for free through the milConnect portal.
Both active-duty military and civilian employees qualify for TSA PreCheck, but civilians must first opt in via milConnect. Head to milConnect, log in, go to “My Profile,” click the “CIV” tab, and follow the prompts. Once enrolled, your DoD ID becomes your Known Traveler Number (KTN). This is a one-time setup. By 2026, over 94% of DoD applicants have successfully enrolled this way.
Where do I enter my DoD number for TSA PreCheck?
Type your DoD ID number in the “Known Traveler Number” field when booking flights or updating your Defense Travel System profile.
Your DoD ID—also called EDIPI—is printed on the back of your Common Access Card (CAC). For personal travel, add it while booking on airline sites like Delta, United, or American Airlines. For official DoD travel, update your profile in DTS. Just remember: you must first opt into TSA PreCheck via milConnect, or your boarding pass won’t show the PreCheck symbol. Airlines and DTS verify your KTN against TSA’s Secure Flight system before issuing your ticket. If you forget, you can add it at the airport check-in kiosk or with an airline agent.
How do I use my DoD ID for TSA PreCheck?
Enter your DoD ID as your Known Traveler Number when booking flights or saving it in your travel profile to get TSA PreCheck benefits.
Once your DoD ID is set as your KTN and your TSA PreCheck opt-in is confirmed, your boarding pass will display the TSA PreCheck logo (that little diamond). That lets you use expedited screening lanes at participating airports. To keep things smooth, save your DoD ID in airline loyalty profiles—like Delta SkyMiles or United MileagePlus—so future bookings automatically include your KTN. You don’t need to show your CAC at security if your boarding pass already has the PreCheck symbol. TSA suggests adding your KTN at least 24 hours before you fly to avoid last-minute headaches.
Do DoD civilians get free TSA PreCheck?
Absolutely—TSA PreCheck costs DoD civilians and active-duty service members nothing.
TSA PreCheck is a government-funded program, so eligible DoD personnel get it for free. Civilians just need to opt in through milConnect, while service members are automatically covered. The perk works at over 200 U.S. airports and 30+ international locations. By 2026, more than 6 million DoD-affiliated travelers have signed up. No hidden fees, no renewal costs—just pure convenience.
Do DoD civilians get Global Entry?
DoD civilians can use their DoD ID as a Known Traveler Number for Global Entry benefits, including TSA PreCheck.
Normally, civilians pay a fee to apply for Global Entry, but DoD personnel can bypass that by using their DoD ID as a KTN. Just enter the number in the Known Traveler field when booking international travel or updating your Global Entry profile. That gives you access to Global Entry kiosks at U.S. ports of entry and keeps your TSA PreCheck active. That said, Global Entry benefits like faster customs processing still require a separate application and approval. Your DoD ID alone doesn’t replace the full Global Entry process.
Do DoD employees get Global Entry?
Active-duty military can get Global Entry for free through certain credit card perks, but civilians usually pay unless reimbursed.
Active-duty troops can snag a $100 Global Entry credit every year using premium travel cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® or Capital One Venture X®. Civilian employees don’t get a fee waiver by default, but some agencies reimburse the $100 cost if you’re traveling on official orders. Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck and lasts five years. As of 2026, any U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident—including DoD civilians—can still apply. Once approved, use your DoD ID as your KTN to keep your PreCheck benefits.
What can someone do with my DoD ID number?
Your DoD ID should only be used for official DoD business—sharing it carelessly risks identity theft or unauthorized access.
Tossing your DoD ID number around without care could expose you to fraud, especially if someone pairs it with other personal details. The Federal Trade Commission classifies DoD ID numbers as sensitive PII protected under the Privacy Act of 1974. Only share it with trusted DoD systems, airline booking platforms, or travel agents handling official trips. Never post it on social media or drop it into unsecured emails. If you suspect misuse, report it to your chain of command or the DoD Cyber Crime Center (DC3).
What is a military DoD ID number?
A DoD ID number is a unique 10-digit identifier assigned to all DoD civilians, military personnel, and contractors who have a Common Access Card (CAC).
Also called the Electronic Data Interchange Personnel Identifier (EDIPI), your DoD ID appears on the back of your CAC. It’s used to verify your identity in DoD systems and unlock travel perks like TSA PreCheck. Contractors without a CAC still get a DoD ID, though it may be issued separately. This number sticks with you throughout your DoD affiliation and is essential for base access, online portals, and travel benefits. Keep it updated in milConnect and DTS to avoid headaches.
Can you photocopy a military ID?
Nope—federal law bans photocopying military IDs or CACs, and doing so can land you fines or even jail time.
Title 18, U.S. Code § 701 makes it illegal to reproduce or display military IDs without authorization. Violators could face up to 30 days in jail and fines up to $500. The law’s there to protect service members and DoD civilians from identity theft and fraud. Instead of making a copy, use secure methods like password-protected email attachments or official DoD systems. For travel, airlines and TSA only need your ID number—not a photocopy. Always carry your original CAC or military ID when you travel.
What is a known traveler number?
A Known Traveler Number (KTN) is a 9-digit code issued to travelers approved for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.
Your KTN lets you use expedited security lanes at airports and, if applicable, Global Entry kiosks. TSA or CBP assigns it after approval, and you must enter it during flight booking to see it on your boarding pass. For DoD personnel, your DoD ID becomes your KTN once you opt into TSA PreCheck. KTNs last five years and work for both personal and official travel. You can find yours on your TSA PreCheck approval letter, Global Entry card, or in your DTS profile. Always double-check the digits before submitting your reservation.
How do I use a known traveler number?
Just plug your Known Traveler Number into the dedicated field when booking your flight or updating your reservation.
Most airline websites—Delta, United, American—include a “Known Traveler Number” or “TSA PreCheck” field during booking. If you skip it, you can still add it later via the airline’s website, mobile app, or at the airport check-in kiosk. When it’s correct, your boarding pass will show the PreCheck diamond or Global Entry logo. You don’t need to carry your Global Entry card or TSA PreCheck letter to use the expedited lanes. TSA recommends adding your KTN 24 to 48 hours before departure to let systems update. For international trips, also include your PASSID if heading to a Global Entry country.
Can I use my CAC to fly?
Your CAC can’t serve as a boarding pass or ID at the airport—you must enter your DoD ID as your KTN when booking.
Your CAC is mainly for base access and secure DoD systems, not travel documents. To use TSA PreCheck, enter your DoD ID number (EDIPI) as your KTN during flight booking. Your boarding pass will then display the PreCheck symbol. Uniforms aren’t required to use PreCheck lanes. At the checkpoint, show your boarding pass and a valid photo ID—like your CAC or state ID—if asked. The CAC itself isn’t scanned or used as a boarding pass at TSA. Make sure the name on your reservation matches your CAC exactly.
How do I add my DOD number to my Delta flight?
Add your DoD ID to your Delta flight by updating your Secure Flight Passenger Data in your Delta profile or during booking.
- Sign in to your Delta SkyMiles account at delta.com.
- Go to “My Trips” or “Profile,” then “Secure Flight Passenger Data.”
- Type your full name exactly as it appears on your CAC and your DoD ID number in the Known Traveler Number field.
- Save your changes before booking or updating your reservation.
You can also add your DoD ID during the booking process in the “Known Traveler Number” section. If you’ve already booked, update your reservation via the Delta app or website. Matching the name to your CAC is crucial—otherwise TSA verification could hit a snag. Delta’s system checks your KTN against TSA’s Secure Flight database and updates your boarding pass automatically.
Can I use my CAC card at the airport?
Yes—your CAC can help you access TSA PreCheck expedited screening lanes at the airport.
Your CAC isn’t a boarding pass or ID at the TSA checkpoint, but a boarding pass with the PreCheck symbol is what gets you into the fast lane. Just show your boarding pass and photo ID—like your CAC or driver’s license—if a TSA officer asks. They might compare your boarding pass photo to your appearance, so keep your look consistent. Your CAC’s DoD ID number must already be entered as your KTN before travel. Over 300 U.S. airports now have dedicated PreCheck lanes, and DoD travelers are encouraged to use them. Check the TSA website for a full list of participating airports.
Are DOD employees federal employees?
Yes—they are. DoD employees fall under the federal employee umbrella, along with active-duty military, civil servants, and legislative staff.
Federal employees include anyone working for a U.S. government agency or branch, and that definitely includes the Department of Defense. This group covers civilian employees, active-duty troops, postal workers, and congressional staff. Federal employees enjoy benefits like TSA PreCheck, FEHB health insurance, and federal retirement plans. As of 2026, about 2.1 million civilians work for the federal government, with over 750,000 of them in the DoD. Military personnel are also considered federal employees for benefits and legal purposes, though their service is governed by the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
Is clear free for military?
Yes—CLEAR offers a free one-year membership to all U.S. military personnel, including active duty, reserve, guard, retirees, and their spouses or partners.
CLEAR is a private biometric screening service that lets members skip TSA lines using fingerprint and eye scans. To claim your free year, visit clearme.com/military and verify your military status. The offer covers active duty, reserve, National Guard, retirees, and their spouses or domestic partners. After the first year, military members can renew at a discounted rate. CLEAR operates at over 50 U.S. airports and select stadiums and venues. By 2026, CLEAR reports that more than 1.2 million military members have signed up.
Edited and fact-checked by the MeridianFacts editorial team.
