Global Entry Renewal: When and How to Renew in 2026

TL;DR

You can renew Global Entry up to 1 year before your membership expires. The process is online through the Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) website, costs $120, and does not require a new interview for most members. Given current processing backlogs of 3–12 months, renewing early is strongly advisable.

At a glance

• Renewal fee: $120 for 5 years — last verified April 2026 at cbp.gov
• How early you can renew: Up to 1 year before expiration
• Grace period after expiration: 6 months (if renewal was submitted before expiry)
• Interview required: Typically no — most renewals are administrative
• Processing time: 3–12 months currently (per CBP)
• Where: ttp.cbp.dhs.gov — no in-person visit needed to start

Why renewing early matters

Global Entry memberships last 5 years. The expiration date is printed on your Trusted Traveler card and visible in your TTP account dashboard. When your membership expires, you lose access to Global Entry CBP kiosks and — more immediately noticeable for most travelers — your TSA PreCheck lane access disappears at domestic checkpoints.

CBP has been working through a significant backlog of Global Entry applications and renewals. As of 2026, processing times at many enrollment centers are running anywhere from 3 to 12 months. That means if you wait until your expiration month to file, there’s a real chance your renewal won’t be approved before your current membership lapses.

The smart move: log in to the TTP site when you’re 9–12 months out from expiration. File early, pay the fee, and let CBP work on it while you continue using your existing membership.

How to renew: step by step

Step 1: Log into the TTP website

Go to ttp.cbp.dhs.gov and sign in with your Login.gov or ID.me credentials. CBP migrated away from its older TTP login system — if you haven’t linked your profile to Login.gov yet, follow the prompts when you land on the site.

If you don’t remember which email you used for your original application, try a few — or check old CBP emails for a hint. You’ll need to confirm your identity through Login.gov before you can access your TTP dashboard.

Step 2: Find your membership and click Renew

On your TTP dashboard, select your Global Entry membership. You’ll see an option to renew once you’re within 12 months of your expiration date. The renewal button may not appear if you’re more than a year out — just check back as the window approaches.

Step 3: Review and update your information

The renewal application pre-fills with your existing profile. Go through each section carefully:

• Name, date of birth, citizenship status: Confirm these are still accurate.
• Address: Update if you’ve moved since your original approval.
• Employer and employment history: Update current employer and confirm work history.
• Travel history: CBP may ask about countries visited since your last application.
• Background questions: Be honest about any changes — arrests, convictions, or other legal issues since your original approval. Any discrepancy with CBP’s background check will flag your file.

Step 4: Pay the renewal fee

The Global Entry renewal fee is $120, payable by credit or debit card on the TTP site. This fee is non-refundable.

If you have a premium travel credit card, check whether it offers a Global Entry fee reimbursement — many cards ($250+ annual fee tier) cover this once every 4–5 years. Cards from Chase, American Express, Capital One, and Citi have historically offered this benefit. Pay with the card to trigger the statement credit.

Step 5: Wait for approval

Most routine Global Entry renewals are approved administratively — CBP reviews your updated information and background check and either approves or requests follow-up. You do not need to schedule an interview unless CBP specifically asks for one.

CBP will notify you by email and through your TTP account when your renewal is processed. Current wait times are running 3–12 months based on backlog. Check your TTP dashboard periodically rather than waiting only for emails.

What happens to your PreCheck during renewal

Your PASSID (the number that functions as your KTN for PreCheck) is tied to your Global Entry membership. While your renewal is pending and your membership is still active (or within the 6-month grace period), your PASSID remains valid. You can continue using TSA PreCheck lanes during this time.

Once your renewal is approved, your new 5-year expiration date is applied and your PASSID remains the same — no need to update your airline profiles.

The 6-month grace period explained

CBP offers a 6-month grace period after your membership expires, but only if you submitted a renewal application before your expiration date. During this window, you can still use Global Entry kiosks and TSA PreCheck even though your card technically shows as expired.

If you let your membership fully lapse without filing for renewal — and then more than 6 months pass after expiration — you are treated as a new applicant. That means:

• Pay the $120 fee again
• Complete the full application
• Schedule an in-person interview
• Wait for the full processing time

This is avoidable. Set a calendar reminder a year before your expiration date.

What if CBP requests an interview?

Some renewals are flagged for an in-person interview — typically if there’s been a change to your background, inconsistencies in your application, or a gap in your record. If CBP requests an interview, your TTP account will reflect a status of “Pending Review” and you’ll receive instructions for scheduling.

If you’re called for a renewal interview, treat it the same as a first-time Global Entry interview: bring your passport, a second ID, proof of address, and the conditional approval letter. Arrive early and answer questions directly.

NEXUS and SENTRI renewals

If you hold NEXUS or SENTRI instead of standard Global Entry, the renewal process is similar — log into TTP, file before expiration, pay the membership fee. NEXUS renewals require both CBP and the Canada Border Services Agency to approve; SENTRI renewals are CBP-only but process similarly to Global Entry. Check the respective program pages on cbp.gov for current fees, since NEXUS ($50) and SENTRI ($122.25) have different fee structures than Global Entry.

Common pitfalls

• Waiting until the expiration month to renew. With 3–12 month backlogs, this almost guarantees a gap in your membership. Renew at the 9–12 month window.
• Forgetting about the 6-month grace period — or misreading it. The grace period only applies if you filed your renewal before expiration. It does not apply if you simply forgot to renew.
• Not updating your address or employer. Stale information on your renewal can trigger a review or an interview request. Update everything before submitting.
• Expecting your PASSID to change on renewal. It doesn’t. The same PASSID carries over. You don’t need to update airline profiles or Global Entry hotel programs.
• Paying with a card that has no fee benefit. Check your card benefits first — the $120 is often reimbursed by premium cards.

What to do next

Log into ttp.cbp.dhs.gov and check your expiration date right now. If you’re within 12 months of expiry, start the renewal. If you’re not sure whether your renewal qualifies as routine or needs an interview, check the Global Entry interview guide to understand what CBP looks for.

If you’re starting Global Entry for the first time — or helping a family member apply — our Global Entry service walks you through the application, document prep, and interview scheduling. Start your application and we’ll handle the process from here.

Frequently asked questions

How early can I renew Global Entry?

You can start the renewal up to 1 year before your expiration date. CBP recommends renewing early given current processing backlogs of 3–12 months.

Do I need an interview to renew Global Entry?

Most renewals do not require an interview. CBP reviews your updated background information and approves administratively. An interview is only required if CBP requests one based on your specific application.

What happens if my Global Entry expires before my renewal is approved?

If you submitted your renewal before expiration, there is a 6-month grace period during which you can still use Global Entry kiosks and TSA PreCheck. After 6 months, access ends and you must reapply as a new applicant.

How much does Global Entry renewal cost?

$120 for a 5-year membership — same as the initial application fee. Confirm the current fee at cbp.gov before paying.

What if I miss the grace period and let my Global Entry fully lapse?

You must reapply as a brand-new applicant: pay the $120 fee again, complete the full application, schedule an in-person interview, and wait for processing.

Can a credit card cover the Global Entry renewal fee?

Yes — many premium travel cards offer a Global Entry fee credit every 4–5 years. Check your card benefits and pay the TTP fee with that card to trigger the reimbursement.

Sources: CBP Global Entry program page, CBP Trusted Traveler Programs portal.