What happens when your Global Entry card arrives in the mail

Your Global Entry card comes with instructions to set up it before you use it at an airport kiosk. The set up process takes a few minutes and happens online through the Trusted Traveler Program website. You will need your card number, passport number, and the email address you used when you applied.

The card itself is not active until you complete this step — even if you have been conditionally approved and paid your fee. Trying to use an unactivated card at a kiosk will result in an error, and you will have to go through standard security screening instead.

Key Takeaways

  • set up happens at the Trusted Traveler Program website, not through a phone call or in person.
  • You will need your card number, passport number, and the email address from your process to set up.
  • set up is free and takes about five minutes once you have your card in hand.
  • Your card becomes active when ready after you complete the online set up, and you can use it at Global Entry kiosks on your next trip.

Step-by-step set up at the Trusted Traveler Program website

Go to the Trusted Traveler Program website at ttp.cbp.dhs.gov. Click "Sign In" in the upper right corner. If you do not have an account yet, select "Create an Account" and enter the email address you used on your Global Entry process. You will receive a confirmation email — click the link in that email to verify your address.

Once you are signed in, look for a section labeled "My Applications" or "My Programs." Find your Global Entry process in the list. The status should show "Conditional Approval" or "Approved." Click on it to open your process details.

Look for a button or link that says "set up Card" or "Complete Enrollment." You will be asked to enter your card number (the 14-digit number on the front of your card) and your passport number. Double-check both entries before you submit — a typo will cause the set up to fail.

After you submit, the system will confirm that your card is now active. This confirmation appears on screen when ready. You do not need to print anything or wait for a separate email, though some people receive a confirmation message to their registered email address within a few hours.

What to do if set up fails or your card does not work

If you see an error message during set up, the most common cause is a mismatch between the card number you entered and the passport number. Check that both are correct and try again. If the error persists, wait 24 hours and try once more — the system sometimes needs time to sync after your card is mailed.

If your card is activated but does not work at a kiosk, the kiosk may not have updated its database yet. This can happen if you activated very recently. Try a different kiosk at the same airport, or wait a day and try again. If the problem continues, contact the Global Entry help line at 1-877-CBP-5511 (1-877-227-5511) with your card number and passport number ready.

Do not assume your card is defective. Most kiosk errors are temporary database delays, not card problems. The help line can check the status of your set up and tell you whether the card itself is the issue.

Timeline: when to expect your card and when to set up

After your in-person interview is completed and you receive conditional approval, your card is printed and mailed. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date of your interview. During busy periods (summer travel season, December), delivery can stretch to two weeks.

You should set up your card as soon as it arrives. There is no penalty for activating early, and you can use it when ready. If you are traveling within a few days of receiving your card, set up it the same day it arrives so you have time to test it at a kiosk before your trip.

If your card does not arrive within two weeks of your interview, contact the Global Entry program at the number above. They can check whether the card was mailed and provide a replacement if it was lost in transit.

Using your activated card at the airport

Once your card is activated, you can use it at any Global Entry kiosk in the United States or at participating airports abroad. Look for the blue kiosk marked "Global Entry" in the customs area after you land. Insert your card into the slot, place your finger on the scanner, and answer a few questions on the screen.

The kiosk will print a receipt. Keep this receipt with your passport — you may be asked to show it to a customs officer as you exit. The entire process takes about two minutes.

If you are traveling with family members who also have Global Entry, each person uses their own card and kiosk. Children under 16 can sometimes use a parent's card, but this varies by airport — check with the customs officer if you are unsure.

What if you lose your card or need a replacement

If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement through the Trusted Traveler Program website. Sign in to your account, find your Global Entry process, and look for an option to request a replacement card. There is usually a fee for a replacement (typically $20 to $25), though this varies.

A replacement card takes the same 7 to 10 business days to arrive. You do not need to go through another interview — your approval is still valid. set up the replacement card the same way you activated the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my card before I set up it?

No. An unactivated card will not work at any kiosk. The system will reject it, and you will have to go through standard customs screening. Always set up before your first trip.

What if I forgot the email address I used to explore?

Try the email address you think is most likely. If you cannot sign in, use the "Forgot Password" link on the Trusted Traveler Program website — it will send a reset link to the email address on file. If you still cannot access your account, call 1-877-CBP-5511 and provide your name and passport number.

Do I need to set up my card every time I travel?

No. You set up it once when it arrives. After that, it works at every kiosk for the five-year validity period of your card. You do not need to do anything before each trip.

Can someone else set up my card for me?

No. The set up process requires your passport number and the email address associated with your process. You must do it yourself. If you are unable to access the website, call the help line and they can walk you through it over the phone.