What Global Entry Is and How the Card Replacement Process Works
Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows pre-screened travelers to move through customs and immigration more quickly when returning to the United States. The program costs $100 for five years of membership and includes benefits like expedited screening at airports, as well as access to trusted traveler programs like TSA PreCheck. Approximately 12 million people currently hold Global Entry memberships, according to CBP data.
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When you receive your Global Entry card, it arrives with an expiration date printed on the front. This card is your physical proof of membership and must be presented at designated kiosks in U.S. airports. The card itself is a plastic credential similar to a driver's license in size and appearance. Over time, cards can become damaged, lost, or worn from regular travel use, which is when you might need a replacement.
The replacement process involves contacting the Official Trusted Traveler Program website, where CBP manages all Global Entry account services. This is where members can request a new card if theirs is damaged or missing. The process typically takes several weeks from request to delivery. You do not need to pay an additional fee for a replacement card during your membership period—you only pay the renewal fee when your full five-year membership expires.
Understanding the difference between a card replacement and a membership renewal is important. A replacement card is issued if your current card is lost, stolen, or damaged, but your membership is still active. A renewal happens every five years when you must pay the $100 fee again to maintain your Global Entry status.
Practical Takeaway: Know that card replacements are different from renewals. If your card is damaged or lost but your membership is still valid, you can request a replacement at no charge through the official Trusted Traveler Program website.
Reasons You Might Need a Card Replacement
Several common situations make a Global Entry card replacement necessary. Physical damage is one of the most frequent reasons. Cards can become bent, cracked, or have their magnetic strips or embedded chips wear out from being carried in wallets and purses during frequent travel. Water damage is also common, especially for travelers who experience bag damage during flights or accidental spills. Even minor scratches or fading of the card number can make the card unreadable at airport kiosks.
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Loss and theft account for many replacement requests. Travelers sometimes lose their cards at airports, hotels, or during transit. Because Global Entry cards are valuable documents that contain personal identification and membership information, stolen cards should be reported immediately. Some travelers carry their Global Entry cards separately from their passports and regular identification for security reasons, but this can increase the risk of misplacing them during travel.
Wear and tear from heavy travel use is another common reason. Travelers who fly frequently—such as business professionals who take multiple flights per month—may find their cards deteriorate faster than those who travel occasionally. The repeated insertion of the card into kiosks, combined with being carried in pockets or bags, can gradually damage the card's condition over a five-year membership period.
Name changes also require a card replacement. If you marry, divorce, or legally change your name, your Global Entry card must be updated to reflect your current legal name. This ensures that your card matches your travel documents like your passport. The replacement card will have your new name printed on it and can be requested through your account.
Administrative errors on the card itself occasionally occur. Sometimes a card is printed with incorrect information, such as a misspelled name or wrong expiration date. In these cases, CBP issues a replacement card at no charge to correct the error.
Practical Takeaway: Physical damage, loss, theft, name changes, and printing errors are the main reasons to request a replacement card. Document the reason for your replacement when you submit your request, as this information helps CBP process your request correctly.
Step-by-Step Information About Requesting a Replacement Card
The replacement process begins on the Trusted Traveler Program website, which is the official portal for all Global Entry account management. This website is operated by CBP and is the only official channel for requesting a replacement card. You will need to log into your account using your username and password. If you have forgotten your login information, the website offers options to reset your password or retrieve your username.
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Once you are logged in, you will navigate to your account settings or membership information section. Here you will find an option to request a replacement card. You will be asked to select the reason for your replacement request from a dropdown menu. Options typically include lost card, stolen card, damaged card, name change, or other reasons. Selecting the correct reason helps CBP understand your situation and process your request appropriately.
After selecting your reason, you may be asked to provide additional details. If your card was stolen, for example, you might be asked whether you have filed a police report. If your card was damaged, you might describe the type of damage. For name changes, you will likely need to upload a copy of a legal document that shows your new name, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for a legal name change.
You will then review your request details to ensure everything is accurate before submitting. Double-check your address information, as your replacement card will be mailed to the address on file with CBP. If you have moved recently, update your address before submitting your replacement request to avoid delivery problems.
After submitting your request, you will receive a confirmation message with a reference number. Save this reference number, as you may need it to track your request status or contact CBP with questions about your replacement. CBP typically processes replacement requests within two to three weeks, though delivery time varies depending on mail service and your location.
Practical Takeaway: Use the official Trusted Traveler Program website to submit your replacement request, verify your address is current, and save your confirmation reference number for tracking purposes.
What Information You Will Need During the Replacement Process
Before starting your replacement request, gather several pieces of information to have available. First, you will need your Global Entry membership number, which appears on your current card or in your account information. If your card was lost or stolen and you do not have your membership number, you can find it by logging into your Trusted Traveler account. Your username and password will be required to access the website, so have these ready or be prepared to reset them if you have forgotten them.
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Your current address is essential information that CBP uses to mail your replacement card. The address should match the address associated with your Global Entry account. If you have moved since you first enrolled or last updated your account, you will need to update your address on file before requesting your replacement. Providing an incorrect address is one of the most common reasons replacement cards do not reach members.
If your card was stolen, you may need information about the theft, such as when and where it occurred. Some CBP offices ask whether you have filed a police report. If you have one, have the report number available. This documentation helps CBP process stolen card requests more efficiently and protects you against unauthorized use of your membership information.
For name change replacements, you will need a legal document that shows your name change. Acceptable documents typically include marriage certificates, divorce decrees, court orders, or other official documents issued by a government agency. This document may need to be uploaded to the website or mailed to CBP as part of your request, depending on the specific procedures in place.
Your phone number and email address should also be current in your account. CBP may need to contact you during the replacement process if there are questions about your request. Some CBP offices send email notifications when your replacement card ships, so having a current email address ensures you receive important updates.
Practical Takeaway: Gather your Global Entry membership number, confirm your current address, and have any supporting documents (for theft reports or name changes) ready before you log into the Trusted Traveler Program website to request your replacement.
Typical Timeline and What to Expect After You Submit Your Request
Understanding the processing timeline helps you plan your travel accordingly. After you submit your replacement request through the Trusted Traveler Program website, CBP typically takes three to five business days to review and approve your request. During this initial review period, CBP staff verify that your membership is active, check that your request includes all necessary information, and confirm that the reason for replacement is valid. You should not expect immediate confirmation beyond the automated confirmation message you receive when you submit your request