How to Renew Your Global Entry Before It Expires

Global Entry renewal happens online through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website, costs $100 for five years, and takes about two weeks to process

You can renew Global Entry up to six months before your card expires. The process is simpler than your initial membership because CBP already has your background information on file — you won't need to attend an in-person interview unless something in your record has changed or CBP asks you to come back.

The renewal window matters because your membership ends on the expiration date printed on your card, even if you've submitted a renewal request. If you wait until after that date, you'll lose your benefits immediately and have to reapply as a new member, which requires an interview and takes longer.

Key Takeaways

• You can renew online through the CBP's Trusted Traveler Programs website starting six months before your card expires.
• Renewal costs $100 for five years and usually takes about two weeks, but processing times vary depending on CBP workload.
• You will need your current Global Entry card number, a valid passport, and a recent photo to complete the renewal.
• If CBP requests an interview during renewal, you must schedule one at a Global Entry enrollment center before your membership expires or you'll lose your benefits.

Where to start your renewal online

Go to the Trusted Traveler Programs website at ttp.cbp.dhs.gov. Log in with the same account you used for your original membership. If you've forgotten your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page.

Once logged in, look for the "Renew" option in your account dashboard. This will only appear if your membership is within the six-month renewal window. If you don't see it yet, your card isn't close enough to expiration — you can come back later.

What information and documents you'll need

Have these items ready before you start:

• Your current Global Entry card (for the card number)
• A valid U.S. passport or passport card
• A recent color photo of yourself (digital file, usually JPG or PNG format)
• Your Social Security number
• A valid email address and phone number

The photo requirements are the same as for a passport: head-and-shoulders shot, plain background, taken within the last six months, and your face must be clearly visible. If you don't have a recent photo, you can take one at home with a smartphone or camera — it doesn't need to be professional.

If anything major has changed since your original membership — your name, citizenship status, or criminal history — you may be asked to provide additional documents or attend an interview. CBP will contact you by email if this happens.

The online renewal form and payment

The renewal form asks you to confirm or update your personal information, including your address, phone number, and passport details. Review each field carefully because errors can delay processing or cause your card to arrive with incorrect information.

You'll also answer the same background questions from your original membership: questions about criminal history, immigration violations, and drug-related offenses. Answer honestly — CBP cross-checks your responses against federal databases, and lying on the form can result in denial and potential criminal charges.

Payment is $100 by credit or debit card. CBP accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. You'll receive a confirmation email with a receipt and a reference number. Keep this number in case you need to check your renewal status later.

What happens after you submit

CBP typically processes renewals within two weeks, but this varies. During busy travel seasons or if CBP needs to review your file more carefully, it can take up to four weeks. You can check your status anytime by logging back into your Trusted Traveler Programs account.

If your renewal is approved, CBP will mail your new card to the address on file. Cards are usually delivered within 7 to 10 business days after approval, though mail delivery times vary by location. Your old card remains valid until the expiration date, so you can continue using Global Entry while you wait for the new one.

If CBP needs more information or wants to conduct an interview, they'll send you an email with instructions. You'll have a deadline to respond or schedule an appointment — if you miss it, your renewal application will be denied and you'll need to start over.

What to do if CBP requests an interview

Not everyone needs an interview for renewal, but CBP may request one if your background information has changed significantly or if they need to verify something in your file. The email will tell you which Global Entry enrollment centers near you have available appointment times.

Schedule your interview as soon as possible. The appointment must happen before your current membership expires, or you'll lose your benefits and have to reapply as a new member. Interviews typically take 15 to 30 minutes and involve an officer asking questions about your travel history and background.

Bring your passport, the email requesting the interview, and any documents CBP specifically asked you to bring. If you can't make an appointment before your card expires, contact CBP immediately to explain — they may be able to extend your deadline or process your renewal without an interview.

Common reasons renewal gets delayed or denied

The most common delay is an incomplete or incorrect form. If you entered your passport number wrong or left a field blank, CBP will email you asking for corrections. Respond quickly because delays add up.

Renewal can also be delayed if your passport is expiring soon. CBP prefers to issue a Global Entry card that's valid for the full five years, so if your passport expires within two years, you may be asked to renew your passport first or attend an interview to confirm your travel plans.

Renewal is denied if CBP discovers new information in your background — a criminal conviction, immigration violation, or overstay that wasn't in their system when you originally joined. If this happens, you'll receive a letter explaining the reason. You can request reconsideration, but you'll likely need to provide documentation or attend a hearing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew if my passport is expiring soon?

You can start the renewal process, but CBP may ask you to renew your passport first if it expires within two years. If this happens, renew your passport, then complete your Global Entry renewal. Your Global Entry card will be valid for five years from the approval date, regardless of when your passport expires.

What if I lose my card before renewal?

Contact CBP immediately through the Trusted Traveler Programs website to report it lost. You can request a replacement card, which costs $20. You can still renew your membership at the same time — pay both fees and CBP will issue a new card with your renewed five-year membership.

Do I need to go to an enrollment center to renew?

No, most renewals are completed entirely online without an interview. You only need to visit an enrollment center if CBP specifically requests an interview during your renewal process, which happens in a minority of cases.

How long is my membership valid after I renew?

Your new membership is valid for five years from the date CBP approves your renewal, not from the expiration date of your old card. So if your old card expires on March 15, 2025, and CBP approves your renewal on March 1, 2025, your new card will expire on March 1, 2030.

What if I'm traveling when my card expires?

Your Global Entry benefits end on the expiration date, even if you're overseas. You won't be able to use Global Entry kiosks on your return. Renew at least two weeks before you travel to avoid this problem, or renew as soon as you return home if you've already expired.