You can add Global Entry to an existing TSA PreCheck membership, but they are separate programs with separate fees and separate renewal dates

TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are two different trusted traveler programs run by different agencies. TSA PreCheck ($78 to $85 for five years) speeds you through security lines at U.S. airports. Global Entry ($100 for five years) does that plus lets you skip customs and immigration lines when you return to the U.S. from abroad.

If you already have TSA PreCheck, you do not automatically get Global Entry—you have to enroll in it separately and pay the separate fee. However, some Global Entry memberships come with TSA PreCheck included at no extra cost, so the path you take depends on whether you are adding Global Entry to an existing PreCheck membership or starting fresh.

Key Takeaways

  • Global Entry and TSA PreCheck are separate programs with separate enrollment fees and separate five-year renewal dates.
  • If you already have TSA PreCheck, you can enroll in Global Entry through the Trusted Traveler Programs Online System (TTPOS) and pay the Global Entry fee separately.
  • Global Entry membership includes TSA PreCheck benefits, so if you enroll in Global Entry first, you do not need to pay for PreCheck separately.
  • You will need a valid passport or passport card, a government-issued ID, and proof of lawful permanent resident status (if applicable) to enroll in Global Entry.
  • After you pay the Global Entry fee online, you must schedule and attend an in-person appointment at a Global Entry enrollment center to complete the process.

Enroll in Global Entry through the Trusted Traveler Programs Online System

Go to the official Trusted Traveler Programs Online System at ttp.cbp.dhs.gov. This is the only place to enroll in Global Entry or add it to an existing account. Log in with your existing TSA PreCheck credentials if you already have an account, or create a new account if you are starting fresh.

Click "Enroll" and select Global Entry from the list of programs. You will be asked to fill out a form with your personal information, passport details, travel history, and background questions. Answer all questions truthfully—false statements can result in denial or revocation of your membership. The form takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

After you submit the form, you will see a fee of $100. Pay by credit card or debit card. You will receive a receipt and a confirmation number. Save both. Your process status will show as "Pending" until you complete the in-person interview.

Schedule your in-person appointment at a Global Entry enrollment center

After you pay the fee, log back into TTPOS and schedule an appointment at a Global Entry enrollment center near you. The system will show you available dates and times at centers in your area. Most cities have at least one enrollment center; rural areas may require travel to the nearest major airport or city.

Appointments typically fill up weeks in advance, especially in major metropolitan areas. If no appointments are available in your preferred location, check nearby cities or set a reminder to check back in a few days—cancellations do open up. You can reschedule your appointment at any time through TTPOS if your plans change.

Bring the correct documents to your appointment

Bring a valid U.S. passport or passport card, a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or military ID), and your appointment confirmation from TTPOS. If you are a lawful permanent resident, bring your green card and a valid passport from your country of citizenship. If you are a conditional permanent resident, bring your conditional green card plus evidence of your conditional status.

Bring originals, not copies. The officer will examine them but will not keep them. If you do not have a passport yet, you will need to obtain one before your appointment—Global Entry requires proof of citizenship or lawful status, and a passport is the standard document for that.

Complete the in-person interview

At your appointment, a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer will review your process, examine your documents, and ask you questions about your background, travel history, and the information you provided online. The interview usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. Answer questions directly and honestly. The officer is checking for any discrepancies between your process and your answers in person.

You will also be fingerprinted and photographed for your Global Entry card. The officer will tell you whether you have been conditionally approved or if a decision is pending. Do not assume approval until you receive official notification through TTPOS.

Receive your Global Entry card and set up your membership

After your interview, CBP will mail your Global Entry card to the address you provided during enrollment. Cards typically arrive within two to four weeks, though timing varies by location and processing volume. Your card will have your name, photo, and a unique membership number.

Once your card arrives, log into TTPOS and set up your membership. Your TSA PreCheck benefits will be available when ready once your Global Entry membership is active, even if you enrolled in PreCheck separately before. You can use your Global Entry number at U.S. airports and at customs kiosks when you return from international travel.

Understand how Global Entry and TSA PreCheck renewal work together

Global Entry and TSA PreCheck have separate five-year terms and separate renewal dates. If you enrolled in TSA PreCheck first and then added Global Entry later, your PreCheck membership will expire on its original date, and your Global Entry membership will expire five years from when you paid the Global Entry fee. You will need to renew each program separately when its term ends.

If you enrolled in Global Entry first, your membership includes TSA PreCheck, but they still have the same five-year expiration date. When you renew Global Entry, your TSA PreCheck benefits renew automatically as part of that renewal. You do not pay twice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to renew TSA PreCheck and Global Entry at the same time?

No. If you enrolled in them at different times, they have different expiration dates and you renew them separately. You can renew either one through TTPOS whenever it expires. If you enrolled in Global Entry first, your PreCheck renews with it automatically.

What happens to my TSA PreCheck if I add Global Entry?

Your existing TSA PreCheck membership stays active and does not change. Adding Global Entry gives you additional benefits (customs and immigration lines) but does not affect your PreCheck status or expiration date. You will have two separate memberships with two separate renewal dates.

Can I use my TSA PreCheck number at the Global Entry kiosk?

No. At customs kiosks, you use your Global Entry membership number, which is printed on your Global Entry card. At airport security, you use your TSA PreCheck number. They are different programs with different numbers, even though Global Entry includes PreCheck benefits.

What if I am denied Global Entry?

CBP will send you a letter explaining the reason. You can request reconsideration through TTPOS, or you can reapply after addressing the issue that led to denial. Some reasons for denial (criminal history, immigration violations) may be permanent, while others (incomplete information) may be correctable.

Do I need to attend an interview if I already have TSA PreCheck?

Yes. Global Entry requires an in-person interview and fingerprinting at an enrollment center, regardless of whether you already have TSA PreCheck. The interview is separate from your PreCheck enrollment.