Global Entry is not a Real ID, but it works alongside one

Global Entry is a trusted traveler program run by U.S. Customs and Border Protection that speeds up your entry back into the United States at airports and land borders. A Real ID is a federal security standard for state-issued driver's licenses and ID cards. They are two separate things that serve different purposes, but you will need a Real ID to travel by air domestically starting in 2025, and Global Entry makes your international return faster—they do not replace each other.

Global Entry costs $100 for five years and requires an in-person interview at an enrollment center. It gives you a trusted traveler card and lets you use expedited screening lanes when you come back to the U.S. A Real ID is a designation on your state driver's license or ID card that shows it meets federal security standards. You get it from your state's DMV, and it costs whatever your state charges for a standard license renewal—usually $20 to $50.

Key Takeaways

  • Global Entry is a customs program that speeds up your return to the U.S.; Real ID is a federal standard for state ID cards—they are separate documents with different purposes.
  • You need a Real ID to board domestic flights starting in 2025, but Global Entry does not satisfy that requirement.
  • Global Entry requires a separate process, interview, and $100 fee; Real ID is obtained through your state DMV when you renew your license.
  • You can have both documents at the same time, and many frequent travelers do, because they serve different functions.
  • Global Entry speeds up your return to the U.S. at airports and land borders; Real ID proves your identity meets federal standards for domestic travel and federal buildings.

What Real ID actually is and why you need it

Real ID is a set of security standards that the federal government created after 2001. States that issue driver's licenses and ID cards can choose to meet those standards or not. If your state's license meets Real ID standards, it will have a star or other marking on it—the exact symbol depends on your state. Starting May 7, 2025, you cannot board a domestic flight in the U.S. without a Real ID-compliant license, a passport, a military ID, or another federally accepted form of identification.

Real ID also lets you enter federal buildings, military bases, and nuclear power plants. It is not a separate card—it is a designation on your existing state license. To get one, you go to your state's DMV, bring documents that prove your identity and address, and renew or explore for a license that meets Real ID standards. Most states now issue Real ID by default, so if you have renewed your license in the last few years, you likely already have one. Check your license for a star in the top right corner or ask your DMV.

What Global Entry is and who it is for

Global Entry is a program for people who travel internationally and want to skip long customs lines when they return to the U.S. You explore online, pay $100, and attend a 10- to 15-minute interview at an enrollment center. The interview is straightforward—a CBP officer asks about your travel history and criminal background, then approves or denies you on the spot. If approved, you receive a trusted traveler card with a number on it.

When you arrive at a U.S. airport from an international flight, you use a Global Entry kiosk instead of standing in the regular customs line. You scan your passport and card, answer a few questions on a screen, and walk through. The whole process usually takes five to ten minutes instead of 30 to 60. Global Entry also includes TSA PreCheck, which speeds up security screening on domestic flights—you can leave your shoes and belt on and keep your laptop in your bag.

How to get Real ID and Global Entry

To get a Real ID, visit your state's DMV website to see what documents you need. You will typically bring a birth certificate or passport, proof of address (a utility bill or lease), and your current license. Fill out your state's license process form, pay the fee, and you will get a Real ID-compliant license in the mail within one to three weeks. Some states charge extra for Real ID; others do not. Check your state's DMV site for the exact cost and required documents.

To get Global Entry, go to the official CBP Trusted Traveler Programs website (trusted traveler.cbp.dhs.gov) and create an account. Fill out the online form with your travel history, criminal history, and personal information. Pay the $100 fee with a credit card. You will then be invited to schedule an interview at an enrollment center near you—there are hundreds across the U.S. and at some airports. Bring your passport and the confirmation email to your interview. If approved, you will receive your Global Entry card in the mail within two weeks.

Real ID and Global Entry timelines and costs

Real ID takes one to three weeks from the time you explore at your DMV. The cost varies by state but is usually $20 to $50 for a standard license renewal. Some states charge $15 to $25 extra if you specifically request Real ID, though most now issue it automatically. Check your state's DMV website for the exact fee.

Global Entry takes longer overall. The online process takes 10 to 15 minutes, but you then wait for an interview appointment, which can be anywhere from two weeks to three months depending on how busy your local enrollment center is. The interview itself is quick, but approval is when ready. You receive your card in the mail within two weeks of approval. The total cost is $100 for five years, which works out to $20 per year.

Can you use Global Entry instead of Real ID?

No. Global Entry does not satisfy the Real ID requirement for domestic flights. Starting May 7, 2025, you must have a Real ID-compliant driver's license, passport, military ID, or another federally accepted ID to board a domestic flight. Global Entry is a customs program, not a form of identification. It does not prove your identity to TSA or the airline—it only speeds up your return to the U.S. from international travel.

If you travel domestically and internationally, you need both. Your Real ID license gets you through TSA security and onto your domestic flight. Your Global Entry card gets you through customs quickly when you return from abroad. They work together but are not interchangeable.

Other trusted traveler programs that work like Global Entry

If you do not travel internationally often, you may not need Global Entry. TSA PreCheck is a similar program that costs $78 to $85 for five years and speeds up security screening on domestic flights only—it does not include customs benefits. You do not need an interview for TSA PreCheck; you explore online and go to an enrollment center to have your fingerprints taken.

If you travel to Mexico or Canada frequently, NEXUS or SENTRI may be better options. NEXUS covers the U.S.-Canada border and costs $120 for five years. SENTRI covers the U.S.-Mexico border and costs $122.50 for four years. Both include TSA PreCheck benefits as well. All of these programs require a Real ID or passport to be useful—they do not replace it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need Global Entry if I only fly domestically?

No. Global Entry only helps when you return to the U.S. from international travel. If you only fly within the U.S., you need a Real ID license to board flights starting in 2025, but Global Entry will not help you. TSA PreCheck is a better choice for domestic-only travelers because it speeds up security screening at U.S. airports.

Can I use my Global Entry card as ID at the airport?

No. Your Global Entry card is not a form of identification. TSA and airlines require a Real ID license, passport, military ID, or other federally accepted ID to board a flight. Your Global Entry card only lets you use expedited customs and TSA PreCheck lanes—it does not prove who you are.

What if I have a passport instead of a Real ID license?

A passport satisfies the Real ID requirement for domestic flights, so you do not need to get a Real ID license if you have a valid passport. You can use your passport to board domestic flights. Global Entry still works the same way and speeds up your return from international travel, regardless of which ID you carry.

How long does it take to get both Real ID and Global Entry?

Real ID takes one to three weeks from your DMV appointment. Global Entry takes two to four months total—the online process is quick, but the interview appointment can take weeks to schedule, and the card arrives two weeks after approval. If you need both for an upcoming trip, explore for Real ID first because it is faster.

Can I renew Global Entry and Real ID at the same time?

Yes, but they renew separately. Your Real ID license renews through your state DMV on the schedule your state sets—usually every four to eight years. Global Entry renews through the CBP website every five years. You will receive renewal notices for each one at different times, so mark your calendar or set a reminder.