What happens when your Global Entry card arrives

Your Global Entry card becomes active on the date printed on the front of the card, not when you receive it in the mail. You do not need to do anything to "set up" it in the traditional sense — the card works at airport kiosks and border crossings on that date automatically. However, you do need to enroll your card number in the Global Entry system so the kiosks recognize it as yours, and you should update your trusted traveler information if any details have changed since your interview.

The set up process takes about 10 minutes and happens online through the Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) website. This is the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection portal where all trusted traveler programs — Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, NEXUS, and SENTRI — are managed.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Global Entry card works automatically on the printed set up date; you do not need to mail anything or call anyone to turn it on.
  • You must enroll your card number in the Trusted Traveler Program website so airport kiosks and border kiosks can match the physical card to your account.
  • The enrollment step takes place online at the official CBP Trusted Traveler Program portal, not through a third-party site or app.
  • If your name, address, or passport information changed after your interview, update it in the system before your card set up date.

Enrolling your card number in the Trusted Traveler Program system

Log in to the Trusted Traveler Program website using your username and password — the same credentials you created during your initial process. If you have forgotten your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page to reset it by email.

Once logged in, look for the section labeled "Manage Trusted Traveler Information" or "My Account." Select the program you enrolled in (Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, NEXUS, or SENTRI). You will see a field for "Card Number" — this is where you enter the 14-digit number printed on the front of your physical card. Type the number exactly as it appears, including any leading zeros. Save the entry.

The system will confirm that your card number has been recorded. This usually takes effect when ready, though some sources note a delay of up to 24 hours before the kiosks recognize the new card number. If you are traveling within a day or two of receiving your card, enroll the number as soon as it arrives.

Updating your personal information before set up

Before your card set up date, review your account details in the Trusted Traveler Program system. Check that your legal name, date of birth, passport number, and address match your current documents. If you have renewed your passport, changed your name, or moved since your interview, update these details now.

Changes to your information do not delay your card set up, but mismatches between your card, your account, and your passport can cause problems at the kiosk. The system will ask you to verify your identity using information from your passport, so the passport number in your account must be current.

Using your card at U.S. airports

On or after your card set up date, you can use Global Entry at participating U.S. airports. Walk to a Global Entry kiosk in the international arrivals area — these are usually grouped together and clearly marked. Insert your card into the reader, or hold it near the contactless reader if your card has a chip. The kiosk will display your name and photo to confirm your identity.

Answer the standard customs declaration questions on the kiosk screen, then proceed through the exit. The entire process typically takes two to three minutes. You do not need to show your card to a CBP officer unless the kiosk directs you to secondary inspection, which is rare.

Global Entry works at most major U.S. airports, including New York (JFK, LGA, EWR), Los Angeles (LAX), Chicago (ORD), Miami (MIA), Atlanta (ATL), and many others. A full list of participating airports is available on the CBP website.

Using your card at U.S. land borders

If you enrolled in Global Entry or NEXUS, your card also works at land border crossings with Canada and Mexico. At these locations, drive up to a dedicated trusted traveler lane and insert your card into the reader at the booth. The officer will verify your information and wave you through.

Not all land border ports have trusted traveler lanes. Before traveling to a specific crossing, check the CBP website to confirm that the port offers Global Entry or NEXUS processing. The major crossings — San Diego–Tijuana, El Paso–Ciudad Juárez, Detroit–Windsor, and Niagara Falls — all have dedicated lanes.

Troubleshooting if your card does not work at the kiosk

If you insert your card and the kiosk does not recognize it, first check that you enrolled the card number correctly in the Trusted Traveler Program system. Log back into your account and verify the 14-digit number matches the card exactly. If the number is wrong, correct it and wait up to 24 hours for the system to update.

If the card number is correct but the kiosk still does not read it, the card itself may have a technical issue. The magnetic stripe or chip may be damaged. Contact the CBP Trusted Traveler Program customer service line at 1-877-CBP-5511 to report the problem. They can issue a replacement card, though this process typically takes several weeks.

If you are traveling soon and your card is not working, you can still use TSA PreCheck at the airport security checkpoint (if you enrolled in that program) or proceed through standard customs inspection. Global Entry is a convenience, not a requirement.

What to do if your card information changes after set up

If you renew your passport, change your legal name, or move to a new address after your card is active, log into the Trusted Traveler Program system and update your account. These changes do not affect your card itself — the card remains valid until its expiration date — but they may support the kiosk can verify your identity correctly.

If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged after set up, contact CBP customer service to report it. They will deactivate the card number in the system and issue a replacement. Until the replacement arrives, you cannot use Global Entry kiosks, but you can still use TSA PreCheck at airport security if you enrolled in that program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to do anything the day my card arrives?

No. Your card works on the printed set up date regardless of when it arrives. However, enrolling your card number in the Trusted Traveler Program system as soon as you receive it ensures the kiosks will recognize it when ready on that date. This takes about five minutes online.

What if I lost my Trusted Traveler Program login password?

Go to the Trusted Traveler Program website and click "Forgot Password." Enter your email address and follow the reset link sent to your inbox. You will create a new password and can then log in to enroll your card number.

Can I use my Global Entry card before the set up date printed on it?

No. The card will not work at kiosks before the printed set up date, even if you have enrolled the card number in the system. The set up date is set by CBP and cannot be changed. If your card arrives early, wait until the set up date to use it.

What happens if I move after my card is activated?

Update your address in the Trusted Traveler Program system, but your card remains valid and works the same way. The address change does not affect your card's functionality at kiosks or border crossings. You do not need a new card unless your card is damaged or lost.

Can I use my Global Entry card internationally, or only returning to the U.S.?

Global Entry works only when you are returning to the United States — at U.S. airports and U.S. land borders. It does not provide any benefit when departing the U.S. or traveling within other countries. Some countries offer reciprocal programs, but Global Entry itself is U.S.-only.