What happens when your Global Entry card arrives in the mail

Your Global Entry card becomes active the moment you receive it in the mail — you do not need to do anything to "turn it on" or register it separately. The card itself is already linked to your account and your biometric data from your in-person appointment. You can use it at airport kiosks immediately.

However, you should verify a few things before your first trip to make sure everything is set up correctly. This takes about 10 minutes and prevents delays at the airport.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Global Entry card works the moment it arrives — no activation step is required, but you should verify your account before traveling.
  • Log into your Trusted Traveler Program account at tsa.gov to confirm your card number matches what you received and your membership status shows active.
  • At the airport kiosk, insert your card into the reader and follow the on-screen prompts; the system will match your fingerprints to your enrollment data.
  • If your card does not work at a kiosk, contact the TSA or CBP directly rather than trying multiple kiosks, which can trigger security flags.
  • Global Entry cards are valid for five years from the issue date printed on the front; you will receive a renewal notice by mail about four months before expiration.

Verify your account information before your first trip

Go to the Trusted Traveler Program website at tsa.gov/trusted-traveler. Sign in with the same login you used to apply. Look for your membership status — it should say "Active" or "Approved." If it says anything else, contact the TSA before you travel.

Check that your card number is listed in your account. The 14-digit number on the front of your physical card should match what appears in the "Card Number" field online. If the numbers do not match, or if no card number appears, contact the TSA at 1-877-227-5511 before using the card.

Also confirm that your name, date of birth, and passport number are correct in your account. Mismatches between your card, your account, and your travel documents can cause problems at the kiosk.

How to use your card at the airport kiosk

When you arrive at a U.S. airport with Global Entry service, look for the automated kiosk labeled "Global Entry" or "Trusted Traveler." These are separate from the regular customs lines. Insert your Global Entry card into the card reader on the kiosk.

The screen will prompt you to place your fingers on the fingerprint scanner. Use the same fingers and hand position you used during your in-person appointment — usually your index and middle fingers. The system compares your fingerprints to the ones on file.

Answer the questions on the screen about what you are bringing back and where you traveled. The kiosk will print a receipt. Take this receipt to the customs officer, who will wave you through without a detailed inspection in most cases.

What to do if your card does not work at the kiosk

If the kiosk rejects your card or says your fingerprints do not match, do not try another kiosk. Instead, step out of line and speak to a customs or TSA officer. Tell them your Global Entry card is not working and ask them to manually verify your membership.

Common reasons for kiosk failures include fingerprint positioning (the scanner is sensitive to angle and pressure), a card that was damaged in the mail, or a temporary system glitch. The officer can look up your membership in their system and process you manually, though it will take longer than the kiosk route.

After you return home, contact the TSA at 1-877-227-5511 or through the Trusted Traveler Program website to report the problem. They can troubleshoot whether the issue is your card, your fingerprints on file, or something else.

Understanding your card's expiration and renewal

Your Global Entry card is valid for five years from the date printed on the front. About four months before that date, you will receive a renewal notice in the mail. The renewal process is the same as the original application — you will need to pay the fee again and schedule an in-person appointment at an enrollment center to update your biometric data.

Do not wait until your card expires to renew. If your card expires while you are traveling, you will not be able to use Global Entry kiosks for the rest of your trip. Start the renewal process as soon as you receive the notice.

If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, contact the TSA immediately. You can request a replacement card through your Trusted Traveler Program account, though you may have to pay a replacement fee and wait for a new card to arrive by mail.

Using Global Entry at different airports and countries

Global Entry works at most major U.S. airports and some smaller ones. You can find the complete list of participating airports on the TSA website. Not every airport has Global Entry kiosks, so check before you travel if you are flying into an unfamiliar location.

Global Entry also includes benefits at certain airports outside the United States. If you are returning to the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean, you may be able to clear customs and immigration before boarding your flight home. This is called "preclearance" and is available at select airports in those countries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to do anything online to activate my card when it arrives?

No. Your card is active the moment you receive it. You should log into your Trusted Traveler Program account to verify your information is correct, but this is a check, not an activation step. The card will work at kiosks without any additional setup.

What if my card arrives damaged or does not work at the kiosk?

Contact the TSA at 1-877-227-5511 to report the problem. Do not try multiple kiosks, as this can trigger security alerts. The TSA can send you a replacement card or troubleshoot the issue over the phone.

Can I use my Global Entry card at every U.S. airport?

Most major airports have Global Entry kiosks, but not all. Check the TSA website for a list of participating airports before you travel. If your airport does not have a kiosk, you will go through the regular customs line.

What happens if I forget my card at home?

You will go through the regular customs line. Your Global Entry membership is tied to your card, so you cannot use the benefit without it. Always pack your card in your carry-on bag, not checked luggage.

How much does it cost to renew my Global Entry card?

The renewal fee is the same as the original application fee, which varies but is typically around $100 for five years. You will pay this fee when you submit your renewal application through the Trusted Traveler Program website.