You can change your name on Global Entry through the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) website or by visiting a Global Entry enrollment center in person
Global Entry is a trusted traveler program run by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that lets you skip regular security lines at airports and use expedited processing at the border. Your membership is tied to your name, so if your legal name changes—through marriage, divorce, court order, or any other reason—you need to update it in the system. The TSA handles name changes for most trusted traveler programs, including Global Entry, and the process takes a few weeks.
You have two main routes: update online through the TSA's website if you have a current Global Entry card, or visit an enrollment center in person. The online method is faster and requires only your membership number and proof of your legal name change. If you cannot access the online system or prefer to do it face-to-face, enrollment centers are located at airports and some other locations across the country.
Key Takeaways
- Name changes are processed by the TSA through their online portal or at Global Entry enrollment centers, not by CBP directly.
- You will need your current Global Entry membership number and a document proving your legal name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
- Online updates typically take two to four weeks; in-person updates at an enrollment center may be faster but depend on center availability.
- Your Global Entry card itself will not change until your membership renews, but your account and trusted traveler status will reflect the new name when ready.
- If you cannot locate your membership number, you can find it on your Global Entry card, in your TSA account, or by calling the TSA's trusted traveler customer service line.
Updating your name online through the TSA website
The fastest way to change your name is through the TSA's online portal. Go to the TSA's trusted traveler website and log in with your existing account credentials. Once logged in, navigate to your Global Entry membership details and select the option to update your personal information. You will be asked to enter your new legal name and upload a document that proves the change—this is typically a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
The document you upload must be a clear, legible scan or photo. Make sure the file is in a common format like PDF, JPG, or PNG. The TSA will review your submission and send you an email confirmation once the change has been processed. This usually takes two to four weeks. During this time, your account will show both your old and new names until the update is finalized.
Keep in mind that your physical Global Entry card will still show your old name until you renew your membership. However, your trusted traveler status and airport privileges will be tied to your new legal name in the system right away, so you can use your card at airports and borders without delay.
Changing your name in person at an enrollment center
If you prefer to handle the change face-to-face, you can visit a Global Entry enrollment center. These are located at major airports and some other locations. You will need to bring your current Global Entry card, a government-issued photo ID, and an original or certified copy of the document proving your name change. The staff will verify your documents, update your account on the spot, and issue you a new card with your updated name.
The advantage of the in-person route is that you walk out with a new card when ready, rather than waiting for a replacement to arrive by mail. However, enrollment centers have limited hours and appointment availability varies by location. You can find the nearest center and book an appointment through the TSA's trusted traveler website. Some centers allow walk-ins, but calling ahead is always safer.
Bring originals or certified copies of your name-change documents—photocopies are usually not accepted. If you have lost your Global Entry card or it is damaged, the enrollment center can issue a replacement at the same time they update your name.
What documents you need to prove your name change
The TSA requires proof that your legal name has actually changed. The documents they accept include a certified marriage certificate, a divorce decree showing your new name, a court order for a legal name change, or a state-issued ID or passport that reflects your new name. If you have already updated your driver's license or passport, either of those will work on their own.
The document must be an original, a certified copy, or a notarized copy. A photocopy of a marriage certificate or divorce decree is usually not enough. If you are updating online, you can upload a clear scan or photo of the document. If you are visiting an enrollment center, bring the physical document with you.
If you have changed your name through a court order but have not yet updated your state ID or passport, bring the court order itself along with your current ID. The TSA will accept the court order as proof of the legal change.
Timeline and what to expect while your change is being processed
Online name changes typically take two to four weeks from the time you submit your documents. The TSA will send you an email when your submission is received and another when it has been approved. During the processing period, your account will show your new name, but your physical card will still display your old name until your membership renews or you request a replacement.
If you visit an enrollment center, the update happens when ready and you receive a new card on the spot. You can use your new card right away at airports and border crossings. If you submitted your change online and want a new card before your membership renewal date, you can request a replacement card through the TSA website, though there may be a small fee.
If you do not receive a confirmation email within a week of submitting your online request, check your spam folder or contact the TSA's trusted traveler customer service line. They can confirm whether your submission was received and check the status of your update.
If your Global Entry membership is expired or about to expire
If your Global Entry membership has already expired, you cannot update your name through the online system. Instead, you will need to renew your membership and update your name at the same time. You can do this online through the TSA website or in person at an enrollment center. The renewal process includes a name update, so you will provide your new legal name and supporting documents as part of the renewal process.
If your membership is expiring soon—within the next few months—you can update your name now and then renew when your membership is due. There is no need to wait. However, if you want to avoid paying the renewal fee and straightforward update your name, do it before your membership expires.
Renewal fees vary but are typically around $100 for a five-year membership. When you renew, you will receive a new card with your updated name, so you will not need to request a separate replacement.
Troubleshooting common issues with name changes
If your online submission was rejected, the most common reason is that the document you uploaded was unclear or in an unsupported format. Try uploading again with a clearer scan or photo, or convert your file to PDF format. If the rejection message mentions a specific problem, follow those instructions. If you are still having trouble, visit an enrollment center instead—staff there can help you troubleshoot on the spot.
If you submitted your change online but never received a confirmation email, log back into your TSA account and check whether your name has been updated. If it has, your change went through and you should receive your new card or confirmation within a few weeks. If your account still shows your old name, try submitting again or contact the TSA's customer service line.
If you have a hyphenated name, a name with special characters, or a name from another language, make sure you enter it exactly as it appears on your legal documents. The TSA system can handle these, but inconsistencies between your documents and your account entry can cause delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Global Entry card with my old name on it while my name change is being processed?
Yes. Your trusted traveler status is tied to your account, not your card. Once your name change is submitted and received by the TSA, you can use your Global Entry benefits at airports and borders even though your physical card still shows your old name. The system will recognize you by your membership number and your updated legal name.
Do I need to update my name with CBP separately, or does the TSA handle it?
The TSA handles the name change for your Global Entry account. You do not need to contact CBP separately. However, if you hold other trusted traveler programs like NEXUS or SENTRI, you may need to update those separately through their own systems.
What if I changed my name but do not have the original marriage certificate or court order?
You can request a certified copy from the county clerk's office where the marriage or court order was filed. This usually takes a few weeks and costs a small fee. Alternatively, if you have already updated your state driver's license or passport to reflect your new name, you can use that as proof instead of the original document.
Will changing my name affect my trusted traveler status or benefits?
No. Your Global Entry benefits remain the same. Updating your name straightforward ensures that your account and your physical card match your current legal name. Your membership status, expiration date, and all your trusted traveler privileges stay exactly as they were.
How long does it take to get a new Global Entry card after I update my name?
If you update online, your new card is mailed to you and typically arrives within two to four weeks. If you update in person at an enrollment center, you receive your new card when ready. If you want a replacement card faster than the standard timeline, you can request expedited shipping through the TSA website, though this may involve an additional fee.