Your Global Entry card works at the airport kiosk the moment you receive it in the mail

You do not need to take any separate step to "turn on" your Global Entry card. Once U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) mails the physical card to you, it is ready to use when ready at trusted traveler kiosks in U.S. airports and at certain land borders. The card itself contains a chip encoded with your enrollment data, and CBP's systems already know you are an approved member.

What you do need to do is know where to use it and what to bring. The card works only at dedicated kiosks marked for Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI members — not at regular customs lines. You will also need a valid passport to use the kiosk, since the system reads both your card and your passport together.

If your card arrives damaged, does not work at a kiosk, or you never receive it after 30 days, contact CBP's Global Entry program directly through the official CBP website to report the issue and request a replacement.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Global Entry card works at airport kiosks as soon as it arrives — no set up step is required.
  • You must use the card at kiosks marked for trusted traveler programs, not at regular customs inspection lanes.
  • Bring your valid passport every time you use the kiosk, since the system reads both your card and your passport.
  • If your card does not arrive within 30 days of approval, or if it does not work at a kiosk, contact CBP through their official website to request a replacement.
  • Your membership is valid for five years from the date CBP approves your enrollment, and you can renew it before expiration through the same online system.

What to do when your card arrives in the mail

CBP mails your card to the address you provided during your enrollment interview. The envelope will have a return address from the CBP enrollment center. Open it and check that the card has your correct name, date of birth, and card number printed on the front. The back of the card will show your membership expiration date — typically five years from your approval date.

Keep the card in a safe place, but plan to carry it with you when you travel internationally through a U.S. airport or land border. Unlike some government cards, Global Entry does not require you to register it with CBP or link it to your passport in any system. The card itself is your proof of membership.

Using your card at airport kiosks

When you arrive at a U.S. airport after international travel, look for signs directing you to the Global Entry kiosk area. These kiosks are usually located in the customs hall, separate from the regular inspection lines. Insert your card into the slot on the kiosk, then scan your passport when prompted. The kiosk will display your photo and ask you customs declaration questions on a screen.

Answer the questions truthfully — the kiosk is connected to CBP's database and flags anything that does not match your records. Once you finish, the kiosk prints a receipt. Take the receipt to the customs officer at the exit, who will scan it and wave you through. The entire process typically takes two to five minutes.

If the kiosk rejects your card or says you are not enrolled, do not assume the card is broken. First, check that you inserted it correctly and that your passport is valid. If the problem persists, step out of the kiosk line and speak to a CBP officer, who can look up your enrollment status manually. This happens occasionally due to temporary system glitches.

What happens if your card does not work

A non-working card at the kiosk can mean several things. The chip may be damaged from wear or moisture, your enrollment may have lapsed without renewal, or there may be a temporary system issue. Try the card at a different kiosk in the same airport first — sometimes one kiosk malfunctions while others work fine.

If no kiosk reads your card, inform a CBP officer and ask to proceed through the regular customs line. You will not lose your Global Entry membership; you straightforward will not get the expedited process that day. After you return home, contact CBP through their official website to report the card malfunction and request a replacement. CBP will mail you a new card at no charge, and your membership expiration date does not change.

Renewing your membership before it expires

Your Global Entry membership lasts five years from the date CBP approves your enrollment. About 90 days before your expiration date, you can log into your CBP enrollment account online and start the renewal process. You will need to update your information, pay the renewal fee (currently $100, though this may vary), and complete a new background check.

You do not need to attend an in-person interview for renewal in most cases. CBP will mail you a new card before your current one expires, so there is no gap in your membership. If you miss the renewal window and your card expires, you can still renew, but you will have to go through the full enrollment process again, including an interview appointment.

Using your card at land borders

Global Entry also works at certain U.S. land borders with Canada and Mexico, though not all ports of entry have kiosks. When you drive up to a border crossing that has a Global Entry lane, follow the signs to the dedicated lane and insert your card into the kiosk. The process is the same as at airports: scan your passport, answer questions, and proceed when cleared.

At land borders without kiosks, you can still show your Global Entry card to the customs officer, and it may speed up your inspection, though the officer has discretion. Always have your passport and any required documents ready regardless.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to register my card with CBP after I receive it?

No. Your card is ready to use the moment it arrives. CBP already has your enrollment data in their system, and the card's chip contains your membership information. You do not need to register it anywhere.

What if I lose my Global Entry card while traveling?

Contact CBP through their official website as soon as you can to report it lost. You can still use your passport to go through regular customs. Once you are home, request a replacement card, which CBP will mail to you. Your membership remains active during this time.

Can I use my Global Entry card if my passport is expired?

No. The kiosk requires a valid passport to work. You must renew your passport before you can use Global Entry again. A valid passport is required every time you use the card.

How long does it take to receive my card after approval?

CBP typically mails cards within two to four weeks after your enrollment interview is approved. If you do not receive your card within 30 days, contact CBP through their website to check the status and request a replacement if needed.

What if I move before my card arrives?

Contact CBP through their website to update your mailing address before your card ships. If your card has already been mailed to your old address, you can request that CBP mail a replacement to your new address.