Global Entry Name Change [The Correct Way]

Did you recently go through a legal name change (marriage, divorce, or court-ordered) and need to update your name on your Global Entry membership?

If so, this post will guide you through your Global Entry name change.

We get a lot of questions from NewlyNamed customers asking how to update their Global Entry card after their name change.

For the most part, the answer is yes.

Global Entry is a great program and if you travel internationally at least once per year, we think it’s 100% worth updating.

Global Entry Overview

Global Entry is a Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) administered by the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) that speeds up your re-entry into the United States after an international trip. Global Entry allows for expedited passage through United States customs security checkpoints and provides you with TSA PreCheck status, which helps you through the security process at many airports across the United States. The cost for Global Entry is $100 which is valid for 5 years. To date, there are over 70 airports that have Global Entry kiosks.

What you'll need for your Global Entry Name Change

1. Your Global Entry card.
2. You must have physical possession of a U.S. Passport in your new legal name. Our passport name change guide will help you if you need to update your passport.
3. Your official legal name change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

How to update your name with Global Entry

1. Start by calling your nearest Global Entry Enrollment Center .
2. Ask a CBP officer if they can process your name change request over the phone. If they cannot, you will need to show up in person. Thankfully, no appointment is necessary so you can visit during normal business hours.
3. Visit a Global Entry Enrollment Center with your Global Entry card, your new U.S. Passport (in your new name), and your official legal name change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
4. When you arrive, present your documents to an officer to update your name. You aren't required to purchase a new Global Entry card if you're OK with your old name being on it. It will cost you $25 if you'd like a replacement Global Entry card in your new name.
5. Your name will be updated in the Trusted Traveler Program database immediately, allowing you to use Global Entry with your new name and passport. As an added bonus, your name will also be updated with TSA PreCheck!

NewlyNamed Tip: If there is an enrollment center at an airport you’ll be traveling out of soon, show up extra early before your flight and do your Global Entry name change then.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to update Global Entry if my name has changed?

If you've updated your passport, then Yes, you will need to update your name with Global Entry. Global Entry won't work if your name in the Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) database doesn't match the name on your passport. You'll need to visit a Global Entry Enrollment Center and request a name change.

I updated my passport to my new legal name. Do I need to update my Global Entry membership?

Yes, you’ll need to visit a Global Entry Enrollment Center and request a name change. The name on your passport must match the name of your Global Entry membership.

Will updating my name with Global Entry also update TSA PreCheck?

Yes! Updating your name with Global Entry will also update TSA PreCheck - but not the other way around. If you have both Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP), make sure to update Global Entry first! If you only have TSA PreCheck, you can learn more about updating your TSA PreCheck name here .

Does my Global Entry Number (CBP PASS ID) or Known Traveler Number (KTN) change after I update my name?

No! For Global Entry members, your CBP PASS ID does not change after you update your name with Global Entry. Your PASSID is the same number as your KTN. So, you don't need to update your PASS ID number or KTN in any of your airline loyalty accounts.

Does a Global Entry name change cost money?

No, updating your name on your Global Entry membership is free. You don't need to purchase a new Global Entry card.

Do I need a new Global Entry card after changing my name?

No, you don't need to purchase a new Global Entry card. If you would like your Global Entry card to match your new name you can pay the $25 replacement fee to have a new card created.

I updated my name with Global Entry. What should I do next?

Now that you've updated your Global Entry membership to match your new name, it's time to update all of your frequent flyer programs. This will make sure your Trusted Traveler Programs (Global Entry and TSA PreCheck) sync with your airline accounts.

Where can I learn more about my Global Entry membership and other Trusted Traveler Programs?

The CBP put together an informative summary here .

In summary, Global Entry is a valuable program if you travel internationally we recommend updating it to your new name.

It’s easy to update and will save you time and frustration when re-entering the United States.

Let us know if you have any questions in the comments below. Best of luck with the rest of your name change!

Featured Image By Calpak