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How to Renew Your Global Entry Membership Before It Expires

Global Entry renewal happens online through the official TSA website, costs $100 for five years, and you can start the process up to six months before your membership expires

You do not need to visit a Global Entry enrollment center to renew. The entire process takes place at reenroll.tsa.dhs.gov, where you log in with your existing account, answer a short set of questions, pay the renewal fee, and receive a new card in the mail within two to three weeks. You can renew at any point after your membership enters its final six months — waiting until the last day is risky because mail delays could leave you without a valid card.

The renewal fee is $100 for a five-year membership. Payment is by credit card only; there is no option to pay by check or bank transfer. Once you complete the online renewal and your payment clears, your membership is active immediately in the system, even though your physical card has not yet arrived. This means you can use your membership number at airport kiosks right away if you need to travel before the card shows up.

Key Takeaways

  • Renew online at reenroll.tsa.dhs.gov starting six months before your membership expires; you do not need to visit an enrollment center.
  • The renewal fee is $100 for five years, paid by credit card at the time you submit your renewal.
  • Your membership becomes active in the system immediately after payment, so you can travel using your membership number even if your new card has not arrived yet.
  • If your membership has already expired, you cannot renew online and must start a new application at an enrollment center instead.
  • Check your expiration date on your current Global Entry card or in your TSA account before you start the renewal process.

When you can start the renewal process

You can begin renewing your Global Entry membership up to six months before the expiration date printed on your card. The TSA system will not let you renew earlier than that window. If you are unsure of your expiration date, log into your TSA account at tsa.dhs.gov and look for your membership details, or check the back of your Global Entry card itself.

Starting the renewal process early is a practical move. Mail delivery times vary, and if your new card is delayed, you will have a gap where you cannot use the physical card at kiosks — though your membership number will still work if you know it. Renewing at the six-month mark gives you a buffer.

What happens if your membership has already expired

If your Global Entry membership has expired, you cannot renew online. Instead, you must start a new application from scratch at a Global Entry enrollment center. This means scheduling an appointment, visiting in person, paying the $100 fee again, and waiting for processing — a longer process than renewal.

To avoid this, set a reminder on your phone or calendar for the month your membership enters its final six months. The renewal window is generous, but only if you catch it before the expiration date passes.

The online renewal steps

Log into your existing TSA account at reenroll.tsa.dhs.gov using the same username and password you used when you first enrolled. The system will pull up your current membership information and ask you to confirm or update your personal details — name, address, phone number, and emergency contact. Make sure this information is current, especially your mailing address, since your new card will be sent there.

Next, you will answer a short series of questions about your background and travel history. These are similar to the questions you answered during your original enrollment. Answer honestly; the TSA uses these to determine whether your membership should be renewed. Most people pass this step without issue, but if your circumstances have changed significantly — for example, if you have been convicted of a crime or have new security concerns — disclose that information.

After you confirm your information and answer the questions, you will pay the $100 renewal fee by credit card. Once your payment processes, you will receive a confirmation number. Save this number and the confirmation email; you may need it if there are questions about your renewal.

Your new card and membership number

Your new Global Entry card will arrive in the mail within two to three weeks of completing your renewal. The card will have a new expiration date five years from the renewal date. Your membership number stays the same — you do not get a new number when you renew.

While you wait for the physical card, you can use your membership immediately. If you travel before the card arrives, you can provide your membership number at the Global Entry kiosk, and it will work. Write down your membership number or take a screenshot of your confirmation email so you have it handy. Once the card arrives, use that instead, since it is faster and more reliable at the kiosk.

What to do if your renewal is denied

Renewal denials are uncommon, but they do happen. If the TSA denies your renewal, you will receive a letter explaining the reason. Common reasons include new criminal charges, immigration violations, or changes in your background that affect your may be able to access. The letter will tell you whether you can appeal or reapply.

If you believe the denial is a mistake, you can request reconsideration through the TSA. The letter will include instructions on how to do this. If reconsideration is denied, you can start a new application at an enrollment center, though the TSA may deny that as well if the underlying issue has not been resolved.

Renewing if you have moved or changed your name

If you have moved since your last enrollment, update your address during the renewal process. Your new card will be mailed to the address you provide. If you have changed your name — through marriage, divorce, or legal change — update that information as well. The TSA will verify your name change through public records, so have any relevant documents (marriage certificate, court order) available if asked.

If your name or address change is significant enough that the TSA needs more information, they will contact you by mail or email. Respond promptly; delays in providing documentation can slow down your renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew Global Entry if I also have TSA PreCheck?

Yes. Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck benefits, so renewing Global Entry covers both. If you have TSA PreCheck as a separate membership, you do not need to renew it separately. Your Global Entry renewal covers everything.

What if I lose my Global Entry card before it expires?

Contact the TSA at 1-877-227-5511 to report the lost card. They can issue a replacement card for a fee (usually around $20), or you can wait and renew normally when your membership is due. A replacement card takes about two weeks to arrive.

Can I renew Global Entry if I am traveling outside the United States?

Yes. The renewal process is entirely online, so you can renew from anywhere with internet access. Your new card will be mailed to the U.S. address you provide, so make sure someone can receive it or use a mail forwarding service if you are abroad for an extended period.

Do I have to renew Global Entry, or can I let it expire?

You do not have to renew. If you no longer want Global Entry, you can let it expire and simply not renew. There is no penalty for letting a membership lapse. If you change your mind later, you can start a new application at an enrollment center.

What if the TSA website is down when I try to renew?

Try again later. The renewal system is usually available 24/7, but occasional maintenance does happen. If you are close to your expiration date and the system is down, contact the TSA at 1-877-227-5511 to ask about alternative options or to confirm your renewal window has not closed.