You can upgrade TSA PreCheck to Global Entry by paying the difference in cost and submitting additional information to U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Global Entry includes everything TSA PreCheck offers, plus expedited customs screening when you return to the United States from abroad. If you already have TSA PreCheck, you do not need to start over—you can add Global Entry to your existing account and pay only the difference between the two programs' fees. The process takes place entirely through the Global Entry process portal, and approval typically takes four to six weeks.

The key difference is cost and scope. TSA PreCheck costs $78 to $85 for five years and covers domestic flights only. Global Entry costs $100 for five years and covers both domestic flights (through TSA PreCheck) and international arrivals. When you upgrade, you pay roughly $15 to $22 more, depending on how much time remains on your current TSA PreCheck membership.

Key Takeaways

  • You upgrade through the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection website at cbp.gov, not through TSA or any third-party service.
  • The upgrade fee is the difference between what you already paid for TSA PreCheck and the full Global Entry price, prorated for the remaining time on your membership.
  • You will need to provide additional information beyond what you submitted for TSA PreCheck, including passport details, travel history, and employment information.
  • After you pay the upgrade fee, you must attend an in-person appointment at a Global Entry enrollment center to complete the process, which includes a brief interview and biometric collection.
  • Your TSA PreCheck benefits continue without interruption while your Global Entry process is being reviewed.

Where to Start the Upgrade Process

Go to the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection website at cbp.gov/trusted-traveler. This is the only place where you can manage your Global Entry account. Do not use a third-party website or service—CBP does not partner with private companies for upgrades, and scams targeting travelers are common.

Log in with your existing TSA PreCheck account credentials. If you do not remember your username or password, use the "Forgot Username" or "Forgot Password" link on the login page. Once you are logged in, you will see your current membership status and an option to upgrade to Global Entry. Click that option to begin.

What Information You Will Need to Provide

Global Entry requires more detailed information than TSA PreCheck. Have the following documents and details ready before you start the process:

  • Your valid passport number and expiration date
  • Your passport country of issue
  • Your current employer name and address
  • A list of countries you have visited in the past five years (the process will ask for dates and reasons)
  • Your current address and any addresses where you lived in the past five years
  • Phone numbers where you can be reached during business hours

The process will also ask about your criminal history, immigration violations, and any customs or agriculture violations. Answer these questions truthfully. CBP conducts background checks that include FBI records, so dishonesty will result in denial and may affect your TSA PreCheck status as well.

Paying the Upgrade Fee

The upgrade fee appears on the process screen once you have filled in your information. CBP calculates this as the full Global Entry fee minus the amount you paid for TSA PreCheck, adjusted for the time remaining on your current membership. If your TSA PreCheck expires in two years and you paid $85, your upgrade fee will be roughly $15 to $22, depending on the exact expiration date.

You can pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check. CBP accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. The payment is processed when ready, and you will receive a confirmation number. Save this number—you will need it to schedule your in-person appointment.

Scheduling Your In-Person Appointment

After you pay, you must complete an in-person appointment at a Global Entry enrollment center. This is not optional. The appointment typically lasts 10 to 15 minutes and includes a brief interview and fingerprinting.

To find an enrollment center near you, go back to cbp.gov/trusted-traveler and use the "Find an Enrollment Center" tool. Enter your city or zip code. Most major airports have enrollment centers, and many cities have dedicated CBP offices. Some enrollment centers are busier than others—if your nearest location has a long wait, consider traveling to a less busy one.

Click on an enrollment center to see available appointment times. You can usually book an appointment within one to four weeks. Select a time that works for your schedule and confirm. You will receive an email confirmation with your appointment details, location, and what to bring.

What to Bring to Your Appointment

Bring your valid passport and one additional form of government-issued photo identification, such as a driver's license. Bring the confirmation email from CBP with your appointment details and confirmation number. If you have changed your name since you submitted your TSA PreCheck process, bring a document proving the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. The interview officer will ask you basic questions about your travel history, employment, and the information you provided in your process. Answer honestly and directly. The officer is not trying to trick you—they are verifying that the information in your process is accurate. After the interview, you will provide your fingerprints digitally, and the appointment is complete.

What Happens After Your Appointment

CBP will conduct a final background check using your fingerprints and the information you provided. This typically takes two to four weeks. You will receive an email notification when your Global Entry membership is approved. Your approval email will include your Global Entry Known Traveler Number (KTN), which you use when booking flights and at airport kiosks.

Your TSA PreCheck benefits remain active throughout this entire process. You can continue using TSA PreCheck at security checkpoints while you wait for Global Entry approval. Once Global Entry is approved, you can use either your TSA PreCheck or Global Entry benefits—Global Entry is straightforward the expanded version that also covers international arrivals.

If your process is denied, CBP will send you a letter explaining the reason. You can request reconsideration by responding to that letter within 30 days. Common reasons for denial include criminal history, immigration violations, or inconsistencies in your process. If you believe the denial was made in error, contact the enrollment center where you had your appointment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not wait until your TSA PreCheck is about to expire to upgrade. If your membership expires before your Global Entry process is approved, you will lose TSA PreCheck benefits during the gap. Start the upgrade process at least three months before your TSA PreCheck expires.

Do not provide incomplete or inaccurate information on your process. CBP cross-references your answers with government databases, and discrepancies will trigger a denial. If you are unsure about a date or detail, leave it blank rather than guessing, and explain the gap during your in-person interview.

Do not miss your in-person appointment. If you cannot make it, cancel at least 24 hours in advance through the CBP website and reschedule. If you miss your appointment without canceling, you may lose your process fee and have to start over.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I upgrade if my TSA PreCheck is about to expire?

Yes, but CBP will prorate your upgrade fee based on the remaining time. If your TSA PreCheck expires in one month, your upgrade fee will be very small. However, once your TSA PreCheck expires, you lose those benefits when ready, even if your Global Entry process is still pending. Plan your upgrade so that Global Entry approval comes before your TSA PreCheck expires.

What if I was denied TSA PreCheck in the past?

You cannot upgrade to Global Entry if you do not currently have an active TSA PreCheck membership. If your TSA PreCheck was denied or revoked, you must reapply for TSA PreCheck first. Contact the TSA directly to understand why you were denied and whether you can reapply.

Do I need to renew my passport before I upgrade?

No, but your passport must be valid at the time you submit your process and at the time of your in-person appointment. If your passport expires within the next six months, it is a good idea to renew it before you upgrade, to avoid complications during your background check.

Can I upgrade online without going to an enrollment center?

No. Global Entry requires an in-person appointment for biometric collection and identity verification. This is a federal requirement and cannot be waived. You must complete the appointment to finish your upgrade.

How long does the whole upgrade process take?

From the moment you start the online process to the moment you receive your Global Entry number, plan for six to ten weeks. This includes time to schedule your appointment (one to four weeks), attend the appointment, and wait for final approval (two to four weeks). Your TSA PreCheck remains active the entire time.