You need to update your Global Entry record with U.S. Customs and Border Protection before your old card expires

When you marry and change your name, your Global Entry membership stays active—but your card and the name in the system must match your current legal identity. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) does not automatically update your record when you change your name. You have to request the change yourself through the Global Entry enrollment system, and CBP will issue a new card with your updated name at no extra cost.

The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes online, and you do not need to visit an enrollment center unless CBP asks you to. Your membership expiration date does not change—you keep the same renewal schedule you had before.

Key Takeaways

  • Log into your Global Entry account at the CBP Trusted Traveler Programs portal and update your legal name in your profile.
  • Upload a copy of your marriage certificate or court order showing your name change as proof of the legal change.
  • CBP will review your request and issue a new card at no cost; the process usually takes two to four weeks.
  • Your membership expiration date stays the same, so you do not lose any time on your current membership.
  • If CBP cannot verify your name change from the documents you upload, they will ask you to visit an enrollment center in person.

Log into the Trusted Traveler Programs portal and update your name

Go to the CBP Trusted Traveler Programs website at trusted.cbp.gov and sign in with your existing Global Entry account. Click on your profile or account settings—the exact wording varies, but look for a section labeled "Update Profile" or "Edit process."

Find the field for your legal name and enter your new name exactly as it appears on your current government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID). Do not use nicknames or abbreviations. Save the changes before moving to the next step.

Upload proof of your legal name change

CBP requires documentation showing that your name change is legal. The most common documents are a marriage certificate or a court order if you changed your name through a court process. Some states also issue a separate name change certificate; if you have one, that works too.

Take a clear photo or scan of the document and upload it through the portal. Make sure the image shows the full document, is in color or black and white (either is fine), and is readable—blurry or cropped images may be rejected and slow down the review. The file should be in PDF, JPG, or PNG format. CBP typically accepts files up to 5 MB.

Wait for CBP to review and approve your request

After you submit your updated information and documents, CBP will review your request. This usually takes two to four weeks, though it can be faster or slower depending on how many requests they are processing. You can check the status of your request by logging back into your account on the Trusted Traveler Programs portal.

CBP will send you an email when your request is approved. The email will tell you that a new card is being printed and will include an estimated delivery date. Your new card will arrive by mail at the address on file in your account.

What to do if CBP asks you to visit an enrollment center

If CBP cannot verify your name change from the documents you uploaded—for example, if the image is too blurry or the document is not clear enough—they will send you a message asking you to visit a Global Entry enrollment center in person. You can schedule an appointment through the Trusted Traveler Programs portal by selecting an enrollment center near you and choosing an available time slot.

Bring your marriage certificate (or court order) and a current government-issued ID to the appointment. The officer will review your documents, take a new photo if needed, and process your name change on the spot. You will still receive a new card by mail; the in-person visit just confirms your identity and the legal change.

Update your passport and other travel documents at the same time

While you are updating Global Entry, also update your passport with your new name if you have not already. Your passport and Global Entry name must match when you travel. You can renew your passport by mail or in person depending on how much time is left on your current passport and whether you need expedited processing.

If you have a state ID or driver's license, update that too. TSA PreCheck and other trusted traveler programs also require your name to match your ID, so updating everything at once saves you from having to do this process multiple times.

What happens to your membership during the name change

Your Global Entry membership does not pause or reset when you change your name. Your membership expiration date stays the same, and you keep all the benefits of your membership while your request is being reviewed. You can continue to use your old card at Global Entry kiosks until your new card arrives, though the name mismatch may cause the kiosk to flag your transaction—if that happens, you can show the officer your marriage certificate and explain that your new card is on the way.

Once your new card arrives, destroy your old card or cut it up so it cannot be used. Some people keep the old card as a souvenir, but CBP recommends destroying it to prevent confusion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my old Global Entry card while waiting for the new one?

Yes, you can use your old card at Global Entry kiosks, but the name mismatch may trigger a manual review. Have your marriage certificate or updated ID ready to show the officer. Once your new card arrives, stop using the old one.

Do I have to pay a fee to update my name on Global Entry?

No. Updating your name on an active membership is free. You only pay the membership fee when you first enroll or when you renew after your membership expires.

What if I lost my marriage certificate?

Contact the vital records office in the county or state where you were married and request a certified copy. This usually costs $10 to $25 and takes one to two weeks by mail. Some states offer expedited processing for an extra fee. You can also use a court order showing your name change if you have one.

How long does it take to get my new Global Entry card?

CBP usually approves the name change within two to four weeks, and the card arrives by mail within one to two weeks after approval. Total time is typically three to six weeks, though it can be faster or slower depending on processing volume.

Will my Global Entry membership renewal date change?

No. Your membership renewal date stays the same. If your membership was set to expire in 2027, it will still expire in 2027 after you update your name.