Vault Guardian renewal education
What happens if your Global Entry expires?
Global Entry cuts international arrival wait times from 60+ minutes to under 5 and includes TSA PreCheck as a bundled benefit. Renewing on time isn't hard — but scheduling the interview is where most members get stuck.
Global Entry cuts international arrival wait times from 60+ minutes to under 5 and includes TSA PreCheck as a bundled benefit. Renewing on time isn't hard — but scheduling the interview is where most members get stuck.
You have 12 months before and 6 months after
CBP allows renewal starting 12 months before your expiration date. The remaining time on your existing membership carries over.
After expiration, you have a 6-month 'grace period' to renew before you must re-apply from scratch.
Renewal is a full re-application
Unlike TSA PreCheck, Global Entry renewal is a complete new application: fee ($120), background check, and potentially a new in-person interview.
Most conditionally-approved renewals now qualify for interview-on-arrival at major airports — no separate appointment needed.
Interview slots are the bottleneck
If a new interview is required, wait times at large enrollment centers (LAX, JFK, ORD) are 6–12 months out.
Interview-on-arrival is available at 65+ airports for approved travelers — it's the fastest option.
Your KTN and PASSID stay the same
Your Known Traveler Number (used in flight bookings) does not change on renewal.
Your PASSID (on the Global Entry card) does not change.
Expired Global Entry does not automatically re-cancel your NEXUS or SENTRI
NEXUS (US-Canada) and SENTRI (US-Mexico) are separate CBP Trusted Traveler programs with their own renewal cycles.
Manage each at ttp.dhs.gov.
Global Entry cards for land/sea travel need attention
The physical Global Entry card is used for entering the U.S. by land or sea. It has its own expiration matching your program.
Air travelers don't need to carry the card — CBP identifies you biometrically at kiosks.
VaultGuardian reminds you 12 months before Global Entry expires — the exact moment CBP opens renewal, so you skip the interview backlog entirely.
Download Vault Guardian to track renewals at 90, 60, and 30 days.