A redress number is a unique seven-digit identifier issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (DHS TRIP). It is used by the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Secure Flight program to help travelers who have been mistakenly identified as matching names on U.S. government watch lists or who have experienced travel screening difficulties such as denied or delayed boarding, repeated secondary screenings, or issues crossing U.S. borders

. The primary purpose of a redress number is to resolve travel-related problems caused by mistaken identity or other security concerns. When a traveler applies through DHS TRIP and is approved, the redress number helps TSA match them with the results of their redress case, preventing future misidentifications and improving their travel experience

. Travelers who share the same name as someone on a watch list or who have faced repeated security screening challenges can apply for a redress number. It is different from a Known Traveler Number (KTN), which is used for expedited security programs like TSA PreCheck

. In summary, a redress number:

• Is issued by DHS TRIP to travelers who have faced mistaken identity or security screening issues
• Helps TSA’s Secure Flight program correctly identify travelers and avoid repeated travel disruptions
• Is a seven-digit unique identifier used during travel bookings and security checks
• Is distinct from a Known Traveler Number, which is linked to trusted traveler programs