What is Redress Number for Travel, How to Apply, and Everything You Need to Know
While traveling internationally, you need to be aware of many things. Amongst various essentials, there are programs such as Global Entry, T.S.A. PreCheck, Mobile Passport, and many more. If you have been a frequent traveler, especially to and from the U.S.S., you must be aware of such vital security programs and producers.
Are you aware of the Redress Number? Well, it is a unique/ Number assigned to you by the Transportation Security Administration Secure Flight (T.S.A.) screening program. Yet, not everyone needs to have a Redress Number. Wondering why? Let’s take a brief look into it:
What is the Redress Number for Travel?
When traveling through or to the U.S., especially via Airports, a specific screening program is carried out through the Transportation Security Administration (T.S.A.). It is a security check for high-risk individuals who sometimes mistake you for someone else if your name matches theirs.
So, if you have been occasionally stopped for detailed security checks at Airports, it is because of this misunderstanding. Consider applying for a Redress Number to avoid such additional security checks. This will prevent such circumstances in the future.
A Redress Number:
A Redress Number, also called a Redress Control Number, is basically for the T.S.A. Secure Flight Program; if your description or name matches someone on the Watch List, then to avoid misidentification.
It is a mere numeric identifier assigned to individuals who have previously been falsely identified at T.S.A. checkpoints as a threat.
A Redress Number, or Redress Control Number (R.C.N.), is a seven-digit identification number. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security provides the Redress Number to those whose names match those with high risk or who are on the U.S. Watch list.
Moreover, travelers should acknowledge that the Redress Number is not a Known Traveler. Both of them are very different things. Not every traveler needs to have a Redress Number. It is required only if you have been getting into additional security checks at airports more frequently than any regular international traveler.
Who needs to have a Redress Number?
If you have been facing difficulties while passing through or traveling through any airport or train station throughout the.., consider applying for a Redress Number.
Also, getting a Redress number would benefit you if you have been facing delays or denials in getting in/ out of the U.S. without additional security checks.
Sometimes, while crossing borders, if your boarding pass more often gets “S” printed or denied printing of a boarding pass at airports, then you should get a Redress Number for travel.
The SSSS means that you have been selected for the Secondary Screening procedure. This happens with those on the U.S. WatU.S.ist or with someone whose name matches that of someone on the actual Watch List.
Why would I need a Redress Number?
If you have been a frequent traveler, and you believe, by any chance, you are getting additional – secondary security checks at airports more frequently. Then there is a chance that you are mistaken for someone else – who has been on the U.S. WatU.S.st for being a security threat. And because your name matches their name, you are being mistaken for them.
How to Apply for a Redress Number?
Applying for a Redress Number is an easy process. You can apply via the Traveler Redress Inquiry Program portal, i.e., https://trip.dhs.gov/s/.
You will undergo a screening process, during which you will be asked questions to determine your authenticity and obtain a Redress Number.
The process to Apply for Redress Number:
For U.S. CitizU.S.s:
Travelers need to submit required documents stating their identity and other essential details such as:
- Biographical Page of your U.S. PasU.S.t
- If you don’t have a Passport, then a government issued Photo ID Card
For Non-US Citizens:
There is a list of documents valid for non-US citizens applying for the Redress Number application. Valid documents’ list includes:
- A non-expired Passport
- Non-Expired Passport Card
- Birth Certificate (For those who are not yet 18+)
- Citizenship Certificate
- Government ID Card
- Drivers License
- Immigrant Visa/ Non-immigrant Visa
- Alien Registration
- I-94 Admission Form
- Naturalization Certificate
- FAST Card
- NEXUS Card
- SENTRI Card
- SEVIS Card
- Petition/ Claim Receipt
- Border Crossing Card
Moreover, once the D.H.S. receives your application, you will receive a resolution letter related to your application. It contains vital details about your request for the Redress Number. If the details mentioned in it are not as per your expectations, there will be further steps for more procedures; you may opt for that.
How to Use Redress Number?
Once you have obtained the redress number, keep it along with your travel reservations. Hence, it would be easy to avoid secondary security checks while traveling or croU.S.g the U.S. border throughout your journey.
Furthermore, you can keep your redress number during the reservation procedure and travel booking. If you have a travel agent, tell them to add your redress number to your Frequent Flyer Profile. It can also be added to your Reservation while booking the ticket. This way, it will be attached to your travel details, and you won’t be stopped for additional security checks while crossing U.S. borders.
To SU.S.marize…
Getting a Redress Number is a way to detach yourself from the possible identity of high-risk individuals. Although obtaining a Redress Number does not guarantee that you won’t get additional security checks while flying internationally, especially from U.S.o the U.S., having a Redress NU.S. reduces your chances of being subject to secondary security checks due to misidentification.