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Global Entry Renewal Process

Noreen

What is the typical time it takes for CBP to renew an expiring Global Entry card? How will I be notified that my application has been processed and approved or declined (for some reason)? If approved, would I receive a new card with the new expiration date with a new GE ID number?

I also understand that the old, expiring card will have the expiration date moved out two years to allow for the extended renewal application review. A couple of questions for anyone who has traveled on an expired GE card within the two year grace period after successfully submitting a renewal application and being informed that the application was 'Pending Review'.

What was the process like when re-entering the US using the GE queue line at the arriving US airport? Did the US CBP agent processing the reentry mention the use of an out of date GE card being allowed for two years after the expiration date?

Essentially, I would like to know about another traveler's experience using an out-of-date GE card within the two year grace period window after having successfully submitted an application for the GE renewal and whose application is still in the 'Pending Review' status.

Thank you for any advice and/or insight -

Comments

kfnknfzk

I can't offer anything on using an expiring Global Entry, but we found the renewal process to be fast and efficient—as long as another interview was not required. The identification number remains the same and you can start the renewal process one year prior to expiration, which I will do going forward. This was the process before the current regime, however.

MikeHenderson

When I renewed my and my wife's Global Entry cards, mine came back "approved" very quickly. Hers seemed to take a long time but it finally came back "approved'. You can submit for renewal a year in advance, and I did do that - close to a year. I put a reminder on my calendar.

Kazootripper1

You track the progress on the CBP global entry website. Unfortunately, if there is an excessive delay it’s impossible to talk to someone, probably worse now than 2 years ago. My wife’s was hung up in a pending status for a year. Never found someone to talk to. There is no number to call. Asked CBP at airport and the were no help.. Finally wrote my congressman, wife filled out a form and affidavit so his staff could try to resolve it. Her app was approved two days later. Numbers stayed the same but we got new cards.

mwirtz

I have renewed my Global Entry twice so far with no delay either time. Each time I received a new card and new number. I also had to go for another in-person interview for the second renewal. My husband's second renewal was put into the pending approval category for months and we figured he would have to travel on his expired but renewed number. Right before we left for a trip, however, he received his approval and did not have to have an in-person interview. He just received a new card and number. Don't remember for sure whether I had to put the date of our next international travel on the renewal or not, but it was curious that his approval came in so close to when we were leaving. You do not need to show your Global Entry card ever, just use the kiosk, which most locations have now changed so that you just stand in front of the camera and you don't even need to scan your passport. As long as you have an approval pending (am not sure about "Pending Review" status) it should come up automatically when you go to Global Entry. The border agent sees your passport information and status on his computer when you get to him. That's why he can address you by your name. He will also know how many times you have renewed.

You do have to keep checking for updates to your status on the Global Entry website, as you may not get a notification that your status has changed.

AlanS

If you are renewing a non-expired Global Entry, your trusted traveler number should be the same as the last one.

Not having current Global Entry is not big deal, it might take you a tad longer to go thru US customs. You don't need Global entry to travel or enter the US. It is not like having an expired passport. Also, you can renew your Global Entry in person at most major US points of entry when arriving on an international flight.

DebiHoran90

We stupidly let our Global Entry expire during covid.. It took about at least a year to get it back and we needed new interviews. After l l landing a private plane in Boca Raton, an agent told us how to do it and sent us to Ft. Lauderdale on a "walk in day". It worked for me but not for my husband. On our next trip throughBoston, I went in the Global Entry line and my husband couldn't, so went through the regular line. He got through faster than I did, the lines at Global Entry are longer now. I won't let it expire again, though.

Kazootripper1

As we’re on Global Entry, I would highly recommend downloading their phone app that allows for quick passage through U.S. customs. We used it at O’Hare after our KT Classic trip. They had a special line for the mobile app, we used it and we never showed our passports. Once you land, you sign on to the app, take a selfie, and your travel partner can on same app, it recognizes you and the flight you’re on. You have like 45-60 minutes to clear customs. You just show the app as you pass the agent. So, so worth it. Most but not all large U.S. airports support it.

Lotusgirl

Thank you for the tip about the app.

British

We last flew back into the Us via Miami. We don’t have the app, we just looked into the camera and it recognized us, we did not show our passports.

OurTravels34

With an American Express card Platinum benefit you can sign up Global Entry and Clear for a substantial savings.

MCD

I had the same experience as British on my last two entries into the US (in Boston). Never even had to take out my passport and scan it. Just looked into the camera, moved on to an agent who greeted me by name and asked me whether I had anything to declare. It's amazing how simple it was!

kfnknfzk

Same for me as mentioned by MCD and British. LAX is always horrendous to navigate, but they seem to have mastered Global Entry. Sometimes the agent even smiles!

bucketlist

When we renewed early, my husband got his right back in the mail but they required me to have an interview. I was able to do the interview when I landed from another trip right in Logan before I let the cusotms area. Got my new card right away. I suspect they randomly require second interviews.

BKMD

And now for another variant - Last time I renewed (about a year ago, 2nd renewal), they told me to sign up for an interview. I went to the web site and scheduled and interview. A few days later, I got an email cancelling the interview, telling me it wasn't necessary and I was approved. Got a new card a week later with the same number.

gladysorlando984

I have to go to an interview every time I renew due to my fingerprints not being too good, so how lucky am I?

British

Apparently, as you get older, your fingerprints sort of flatten and become less obvious

Claudia Sails

Yes, my fingerprints are getting flatter and often require multiple attempts to scan them.

The other bit about renewing that caught us by surprise was that it depend on your birthday not the date you initially got GE. Even though my husband and I got ours at the same time, mine had to be renewed 7 months before his.

SYarbrough

I just did this last month for both myself and my wife. I was shocked that I got the approval back in only 48 hours. I also learned in that process that you only need the card if you are traveling by land from Canada or Mexico.

British

I would never travel outside of the country without my passport these days

Noreen

I want to thank everyone that has responded to my question and shared their experiences. I wouldn't travel anywhere outside the country without my passport.

Claudia Sails

The card can be used as your ID at TSA. I always take both the card and my passport.

British

Claudia, I’m not sure you can just use the card at airports
This is what I understand from the government website.

Can I access the TSA PreCheck® lane by showing my Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI card or TSA PreCheck® approval notification?

No. To receive TSA PreCheck®, you must include your Known Traveler Number (your CBP PASSID for Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI members) in the appropriate field of your airline reservation, and the TSA PreCheck® indicator must be displayed on the boarding pass to access the lanes.

MikeHenderson

I think what Claudia meant is that your Global Entry card can be used as your ID instead of a driver's license or passport. It's a government issued ID. You can also use your VA ID card because that is also a government issued ID.

I don't think she meant that you can just show up at the TSA line and show your card to go through the TSA line. You have to have given your number when you made your reservation. The ticket people run your number to make sure it's legitimate and you're not on any no-fly list.

BKMD

Another good use for Global Entry card and Passport - If you go to a doctor's office, or some other place where they want proof of ID, use one of these. Why?

Because it has less info (such as no address), it makes it much more difficult for a rogue employee/ne'er-do-well to steal your identity. The driver's license makes it much easier. And never give your SSN to a non-financial institution. They don't need it. The days of a doctor's office needing a SSN for an insurance claim are long gone, but many still want it. Simply refuse.

kfnknfzk

BKMD makes an excellent point. I only use my passport for identification at physicians' offices and other places where a legitimate need exists—notary public and financial institutions for example. I always travel with both my passports and always know where my corresponding embassies are located.

edgee

Understand that the card itself is not important and there is almost never a need or advantage to carrying with you or worry if your new card is delayed in arriving. We never carry our actual card except when travel involves Canada, as it gets you into an expedited line for pre clearance for flights to the U.S. It also can be used as an alternative ID at U.S. airports. Otherwise having Global Entry approval electronically linked to your passport is all that matters.

Claudia Sails

Yes, Mike is correct that's what I was talking about. I actually don't have a RealID drivers license. Since I have another government issued ID card, passport and that Global Entry card I didn't bother giving the state the extra docs to get a RealID last time I renewed my license. Many people.object to it on various grounds.

British

Thanks for clarification! Not that having TSA pre- check helped last night when we flew Air Maroc through JFK as the airline does not have it there.

Sealord

Twice I have had the TSA pre check disappear from my reservation, and then had to show the global entry card to the ticket agent to get it reestablished. The card itself will not get you into pre check as said. TSA is always an adventure for me anyway, because I have cobalt knees. There are still advantages with the belt, and shoes, and liquids, etc.

Smiling Sam

Oftentimes anymore it's a function of the airport. On our return flight from Las Vegas a few weeks ago the TSA precheck lines were (of which they only had two active) longer than the regular lines (of which they had about 15 active).