You can upgrade by paying the Global Entry fee and submitting a new process through the same trusted traveler program system
Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck benefits, so upgrading means paying the difference between what you already paid and the full Global Entry cost, then explore through the Department of Homeland Security's Trusted Traveler Programs website. You do not need to wait for your TSA PreCheck to expire — you can upgrade when ready and your new Global Entry membership will begin once approved. The process takes about 15 minutes online, though approval itself usually takes two to four weeks.
The key difference: TSA PreCheck costs $78 to $85 for five years and covers U.S. airport security lines. Global Entry costs $100 to $120 for five years and includes TSA PreCheck plus expedited customs and immigration screening when you return to the United States from abroad. If you travel internationally even once a year, Global Entry typically pays for itself in time saved at customs alone.
Key Takeaways
- You pay only the difference between your TSA PreCheck fee and the Global Entry fee, not the full Global Entry price again.
- explore through the official Trusted Traveler Programs website (trusted-traveler.com), not through a third-party service.
- Your TSA PreCheck benefits continue while your Global Entry process is being reviewed, which usually takes two to four weeks.
- Global Entry automatically includes TSA PreCheck, so you will have both sets of benefits once approved.
- You will need your current TSA PreCheck membership number and a valid passport to start the upgrade.
Where to start the upgrade on the official website
Go to trusted-traveler.com and log in with the same account you used for TSA PreCheck. If you do not remember your login, use the "Forgot Password" link on the homepage. Once logged in, look for "Manage Your process" or "My Account" — the exact wording changes, but it will be in the top navigation.
From there, select "Upgrade to Global Entry" or "Modify process." The system will show you the fee difference you owe. Pay that amount by credit card or debit card — the site accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. You will receive a confirmation email when ready with your new process number.
What information you need to have ready
Gather your current TSA PreCheck membership number (it is on your Known Traveler Number card or in your trusted-traveler.com account), a valid U.S. passport, and your Social Security number. Have a recent color photo of yourself ready — the system will ask you to upload a digital image, and it must meet specific requirements: head-on, no sunglasses, no hat, plain background, taken within the last six months.
If your passport is expired, renew it before upgrading. The system will not accept an expired passport, and Global Entry requires a valid one for international travel anyway. If you have changed your name since your TSA PreCheck was issued, bring documentation of the legal name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) — you will need to upload an image of it during the process.
The timeline from upgrade to approval
After you submit your upgrade process, the system moves through three stages. First, a background check runs — this usually takes three to five business days. You will see your process status change from "Pending" to "Under Review" on your trusted-traveler.com account. Second, an officer reviews your process and supporting documents, which adds another one to two weeks. Third, if approved, you will receive an email asking you to schedule an in-person appointment at a Global Entry enrollment center.
That appointment is the step many people forget about. You cannot use Global Entry until you have completed it in person. The appointment itself takes about 15 minutes — an officer will verify your identity, take your fingerprints, and issue your Global Entry card on the spot. You can schedule the appointment as soon as you receive the email, and most enrollment centers have openings within two weeks. Until you complete the appointment, your TSA PreCheck remains active, so you can still use expedited security lines at U.S. airports.
Finding an enrollment center near you
The trusted-traveler.com website has a searchable map of enrollment centers. Click "Enrollment Centers" on the homepage, enter your city or ZIP code, and the map shows all locations within 50 miles. Most major airports have a Global Entry enrollment center, and many cities have additional locations at passport acceptance facilities or Department of Homeland Security offices.
Some enrollment centers are busier than others. If your nearest location shows no appointments for several weeks, check centers 30 to 50 miles away — you may find an opening sooner. You can reschedule your appointment at any time, so if a closer location opens up later, you can move your appointment there. Bring your passport, Social Security card, and a second form of ID (driver's license works) to your appointment.
What happens to your TSA PreCheck during the upgrade
Your existing TSA PreCheck membership stays active and valid throughout the upgrade process. You can continue using your Known Traveler Number at U.S. airport security lines while waiting for Global Entry approval. Once you complete your in-person Global Entry appointment, your new Global Entry membership begins when ready, and your TSA PreCheck is folded into it — you do not have two separate memberships.
Your TSA PreCheck expiration date does not change. If your TSA PreCheck was set to expire in 2027, your Global Entry membership will also expire in 2027. This means you are not paying for extra time you do not need. When both expire, you will renew Global Entry as a whole, not TSA PreCheck separately.
If your process is denied or delayed
Denials are rare, but they happen if background checks reveal disqualifying criminal history or immigration issues. If your process is denied, you will receive an email explaining the reason and your right to appeal. You can request reconsideration through your trusted-traveler.com account, and an officer will review the decision. The appeal process takes another four to six weeks.
If your process is straightforward delayed beyond four weeks, contact the Trusted Traveler Programs customer service line at 1-877-227-5511. They can check the status of your specific process and tell you whether it is waiting for additional documents or still in the review queue. Have your process number ready when you call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I lose my TSA PreCheck if I upgrade to Global Entry?
No. Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck as part of the membership. Once your Global Entry is approved, you will have both benefits under one membership. Your TSA PreCheck does not expire or get replaced — it straightforward becomes part of your Global Entry benefits.
Can I upgrade before my TSA PreCheck expires?
Yes. You can upgrade at any time, even if your TSA PreCheck has years remaining. You will pay only the difference between the two fees. Your new Global Entry expiration date will match your original TSA PreCheck expiration date, so you are not paying for duplicate time.
What if I cannot find an enrollment center appointment near me?
Check enrollment centers 30 to 50 miles away — many have sooner openings. You can also reschedule your appointment later if a closer location opens up. Some airports and passport facilities add appointment slots throughout the month, so check back every few days if your preferred location is full.
Do I need to renew my passport before upgrading?
Yes, if your passport is expired. The upgrade process requires a valid passport number and will not accept an expired one. Renew your passport first, then start your Global Entry upgrade.
What if I move to a different country after upgrading?
Global Entry remains valid as long as you hold a valid U.S. passport and have not been denied entry to the United States. If you become a citizen of another country or lose your U.S. citizenship, your Global Entry membership ends. Contact Trusted Traveler Programs if your citizenship status changes.