Global Entry Renewal: Everything You Need to Know
Global Entry is one of the best investments a frequent traveler can make — but it doesn't last forever. Membership is valid for five years, and when it expires, so does your access to expedited customs kiosks and TSA PreCheck. The good news is that renewing is significantly simpler than applying the first time. The bad news is that the same appointment bottlenecks that slowed down your initial application can slow down your renewal too.
Here's everything you need to know to renew smoothly and avoid any gap in coverage.
When Should You Start the Renewal Process?
CBP allows you to renew your Global Entry membership up to one year before your expiration date. That might sound like plenty of time, but given how long appointment wait times can stretch at busy enrollment centers, starting early is strongly recommended.
Check your expiration date in the TTP portal. If it's within 12 months, you're eligible to renew now. Don't wait until the last few months — if your appointment ends up being after your expiration date, your membership will lapse and you'll lose access to the kiosks in the meantime.
How to Renew: Step by Step
The renewal process mirrors the initial application, but with less friction since CBP already has your background information on file.
Step 1: Log into the TTP portal Go to ttp.cbp.dhs.gov and log in with your existing credentials. If you've forgotten your login, use the account recovery options — don't create a new account.
Step 2: Submit a renewal application Navigate to your membership and select the renewal option. You'll be asked to review and update your personal information — address, employment, travel history. Make sure everything is current and accurate.
Step 3: Pay the fee The renewal fee is $100, the same as the initial application. Some credit cards — including many travel rewards cards — reimburse this fee as a statement credit. Check your card benefits before paying out of pocket.
Step 4: Schedule your interview Yes, renewal still requires an in-person interview. This surprises many members, but CBP requires it to verify your identity and review any changes since your last approval. The interview itself is the same quick, low-key process as before — usually under 15 minutes.
Can You Use Global Entry While Waiting to Renew?
Yes — as long as your current membership hasn't expired yet, you can continue using Global Entry kiosks and TSA PreCheck while your renewal is pending. Your access only stops if your membership actually lapses before your renewal interview takes place.
This is the key reason to start early. If you submit your renewal application and schedule an interview well before your expiration date, there should be no interruption to your benefits.
What If Your Membership Already Expired?
If your Global Entry has lapsed, you'll need to go through the full application process again rather than a streamlined renewal. You'll still need to pay the $100 fee and complete a new background check.
TSA PreCheck will also stop working once your Global Entry expires, since PreCheck is bundled into your membership. If you rely on PreCheck for domestic travel, an expired membership will mean back to the standard security line until your new application is approved.
Tips for Getting Your Renewal Interview Faster
The same strategies that help first-time applicants apply equally well to renewals:
- Check multiple enrollment centers — availability varies widely by location, and a center in a city you're traveling through may have slots weeks sooner than your home airport
- Monitor for cancellations — slots open up constantly as people reschedule; checking the TTP portal regularly (or using a monitoring service) is the most reliable way to snag an earlier appointment
- Book something, then keep looking — lock in any available slot as soon as possible, and continue checking for something more convenient
NEXUS Members: Good News
If you hold a NEXUS membership, your renewal process is essentially the same — but NEXUS is only $50 for five years, making it an even easier decision. NEXUS members can use Global Entry kiosks when entering the U.S. by air, so if you haven't already considered NEXUS as an alternative or complement to Global Entry, it's worth a look.
Don't Let It Sneak Up on You
Global Entry is easy to take for granted — until it's gone. Set a calendar reminder for one year before your expiration date, start your renewal application as soon as you're eligible, and get that interview scheduled early. Five more years of breezing through customs is well worth a little advance planning.
Facing a long wait for your Global Entry renewal interview? AppointmentHawk monitors enrollment center availability 24/7 and sends you an SMS the moment an earlier slot opens up. Plans start at just $20 — get started today.