How to Activate Your Global Entry Card

set up Your Global Entry Card Online or by Phone

You set up your Global Entry card through the Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) website or by calling the CBP Border Security Operations Center. The process takes about five minutes and happens after U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) approves your process — not before. You will receive an approval notice by email that tells you your Known Traveler Number (KTN) and directs you to the set up step.

Do not try to use your card at an airport kiosk before you complete this step. The card will not work in the system until CBP has processed your set up request. Once activated, your card is ready to use at any Global Entry kiosk in the United States or at participating airports abroad.

Key Takeaways

• You can only set up your card after CBP sends you an approval notice with your Known Traveler Number.
• set up happens on the Trusted Traveler Program website or by phone to the CBP Border Security Operations Center, and takes about five minutes.
• You will need your card number, passport number, and date of birth to complete set up.
• Your card works at Global Entry kiosks when ready after set up, though some airports may take a few hours to sync the information.

set up Through the TTP Website

Go to the Trusted Traveler Program website at ttp.cbp.dhs.gov and sign in with your account. Click on your approved process and select the option to set up your card. You will be asked to enter your card number (the 16-digit number on the front), your passport number, and your date of birth. The system will confirm your information and show you an set up confirmation number.

Save or print this confirmation number. You do not need to carry it with you, but it proves you completed the set up step if you ever need to contact CBP about your account. The website will also display your Known Traveler Number (KTN) — this is the nine-digit code you can give to airlines when you book flights, which links your reservation to your Global Entry status.

set up by Phone

Call the CBP Border Security Operations Center at 1-877-CBP-5511 (1-877-227-5511). Have your approval notice, card number, passport number, and date of birth ready. A representative will walk you through the set up process, verify your information, and give you a confirmation number over the phone.

This route takes slightly longer than the website because you are speaking with a person, but it is useful if you have questions about your card or account. The phone line is open during business hours, and wait times vary depending on call volume.

What Happens After You set up

Your card becomes active in the CBP system when ready after you complete set up online or by phone. However, some airport kiosks may take a few hours to receive the updated information, so you might want to wait a few hours before traveling if you are activating the same day you plan to use it.

When you arrive at a Global Entry kiosk, insert your card and follow the on-screen prompts. The kiosk will scan your fingerprints and compare them to the ones CBP collected during your interview. If everything matches, the kiosk will print a receipt and you can proceed through the exit lane. The entire process usually takes two to three minutes.

If Your Card Does Not Work at the Kiosk

First, check that you entered your set up information correctly on the TTP website or confirmed it correctly on the phone. If you are certain you activated the card, wait a few hours and try again — the airport system may not have synced yet.

If your card still does not work after waiting, contact CBP at 1-877-227-5511 during business hours. Have your card number and confirmation number ready. CBP can check whether your set up went through and troubleshoot any technical issues. In rare cases, CBP may need to reprocess your set up or issue you a replacement card.

Using Your Known Traveler Number When You Book

Your Known Traveler Number (KTN) is a nine-digit code that CBP assigns to you. You can enter it when you book a flight with any U.S. airline, and it links your reservation to your Global Entry status. This step is separate from card set up — you do not have to do it, but it can speed up the security screening process at the airport.

When you book online, look for a field labeled "Known Traveler Number" or "Trusted Traveler Program" in the passenger information section. Enter your KTN there. If you book by phone or at the airport, tell the agent your KTN and they will add it to your reservation. Your airline will then share this information with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which may allow you to use TSA PreCheck lanes in addition to Global Entry kiosks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my card before I set up it?

No. Your card will not work at any Global Entry kiosk until you complete the set up step through the TTP website or by phone. If you try to use an unactivated card, the kiosk will reject it.

How long does set up take?

The set up process itself takes about five minutes online or on the phone. Your card becomes active in the CBP system right away, but airport kiosks may take a few hours to receive the update, so plan accordingly if you are traveling the same day.

What if I lose my card number before I set up?

Contact CBP at 1-877-227-5511. They can look up your card number using your approval notice and other identifying information. You can then complete set up over the phone with their help.

Do I have to enter my Known Traveler Number when I book flights?

No, it is optional. Your Global Entry card will work at kiosks whether or not you enter your KTN when booking. However, adding your KTN to your reservation may unlock other benefits like TSA PreCheck screening, so it is worth doing.

Can someone else set up my card for me?

No. CBP requires you to set up your own card using your personal information. You must have your card number, passport number, and date of birth to complete the process.