How to renew your Global Entry membership

If you're an international traveler who has been enjoying the benefits of Global Entry, you may be wondering how to renew Global Entry membership when yours expires. The information below will help you figure out when to renew Global Entry, what you'll need and what the process entails.

When to renew Global Entry membership

Global Entry is a program run by the Department of Homeland Security that allows pre-approved travelers to benefit from an expedited airport security process when traveling internationally. This means no processing lines or paperwork (beyond the customs declaration form) are typically required when re-entering the United States. If you've found Global Entry to be a time-saver when traveling internationally, you may want to keep an eye on your membership's expiration date.

So, when does Global Entry membership expire? A membership is good for five years and expires on your anniversary in the fifth year. However, you may begin the renewal process up to one year prior to expiration. To make it simple, the expiration date will be printed on your Global Entry identification card. Additionally, you can check your membership status online through your Trusted Traveler Program account.

The Global Entry renewal process is like the original application process, though there are some things to be aware of.

Global Entry renewal process

The Global Entry renewal process starts online with your Trusted Traveler profile. You can then scroll to the Program Membership and click “renew membership." Next, choose the program you want to rejoin, which in this case is Global Entry.

The site will also ask you to acknowledge that a background check and an interview is required. However, some members renewing their Global Entry membership may be approved without an interview.

Required documents

When you renew Global Entry online, you may find it convenient to have some documents and information on hand:

• Passport or permanent resident card 
• Driver's license
• Any past and current addresses since the last time you were approved
• All employment history since the last time you were approved
• A list of countries visited since the last time you were approved
• Any criminal history

After you fill out and confirm all the information, you will then be prompted to pay for your membership.

Costs of Global Entry

Currently Global Entry costs $100, though costs are always subject to change so be sure to check the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website for the most up-to-date information.

There are travel credit cards available, such as Chase Sapphire Reserve, that will reimburse you with a statement credit of up to $100 every four years for the application fee if you use that card to pay for it. Once your payment is submitted, you will have to wait to see if you've been approved without an interview or if you must schedule one to complete your Global Entry renewal process.

Interview information

How quickly you're able to schedule an interview will depend on the location, as availability varies. If your local enrollment center doesn't have any available interviews, you may be able to take advantage of Enrollment on Arrival. This will allow you to complete your interview on-the-spot at specific airports upon re-entry from an international trip. No appointment is required for Enrollment on Arrival.

Additionally, U.S. Customs and Border Protection is currently piloting a program that allows eligible travelers renewing a membership to schedule a virtual interview. At its core, the Global Entry interview is a way for an official to further verify your information. In addition to answering questions, you will have to present a few documents. These include your passport or permanent resident card, proof of address and a secondary form of identification. If any other documents are required, such as a change of address form or court documents, the Trusted Traveler website will typically alert you.

After the interview, the official will take your biometrics, including fingerprints and a photo.

Global Entry renewal past expiration date

If you applied for renewal before your expiration date but were still waiting for approval when your expiration date came and went, don't fret. There is a Global Entry grace period of 24 months, meaning you can continue to use your Global Entry benefits for up to two years past expiration as long as you applied before the expiration date.

However, if you do miss your expiration date, you won't necessarily be treated as a brand-new applicant. Under the current pilot program, the qualifications for possibly receiving a virtual interview are as follows:

• Be conditionally approved
• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a photo on file with Customs and Border Protection taken within the past 10 years and at the age of 14 or older
• Have previously submitted fingerprints to Customs and Border Protection

As for other tips on how to renew Global Entry after expiration, the process is the same – fill out the application online and schedule an interview.

In summary

If you want to keep your Global Entry membership, it's important to keep an eye on your expiration date. With that in mind, you'll now know when and how to renew Global Entry. And from there, the world is yours to explore.