What a CBP Global Entry Enrollment Center Does

A CBP Global Entry Enrollment Center is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection office where you go in person to complete the final step of joining Global Entry, a trusted traveler program that speeds you through customs when returning to the United States. The enrollment center is where you submit your fingerprints, have your photo taken, and meet with a CBP officer who reviews your process and conducts a brief interview. This is not an office where you start the process — you submit your process online first, pay the fee, and wait for CBP to invite you to an enrollment center appointment.

Global Entry itself is a program run by U.S. Customs and Border Protection that lets you use dedicated kiosks at U.S. airports and some land borders instead of waiting in the regular customs line. The enrollment center appointment is the step that turns your online process into an actual membership card.

Key Takeaways

  • You must complete an online process and pay the program fee before you can schedule an enrollment center appointment.
  • The enrollment center is where CBP takes your fingerprints, photo, and conducts a short in-person interview to verify your identity and background.
  • Enrollment centers are located at major airports, some seaports, and a few land border crossings — the location you choose during your online process determines where you must go.
  • Bring a valid passport or passport card, a government-issued photo ID, and proof of your Social Security number to your appointment.
  • The in-person appointment usually takes 10 to 15 minutes, and you receive your membership card on the same day or by mail shortly after.

Where Enrollment Centers Are Located

CBP Global Entry Enrollment Centers operate at major U.S. airports, some seaports, and a handful of land border crossings. The exact locations change, but common sites include airports in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., as well as seaports in New York, Los Angeles, and Houston. A few land border locations exist in places like El Paso and San Diego, though these are less common.

When you fill out your online process, you choose which enrollment center you want to visit. CBP will not let you pick a center that is not yet available for your process date, so the list you see during your process reflects current openings. If your preferred location has no appointments available for months, you can choose a different center or wait for new appointment slots to open.

What Documents to Bring to Your Appointment

Bring your valid U.S. passport or passport card as your primary form of identification. If you do not have a passport, a valid passport card alone is acceptable. You also need a second government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, state ID card, or military ID all work.

You must also bring proof of your Social Security number. An original Social Security card, a tax return, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form all count as acceptable proof. A photocopy is not sufficient — bring the original document. If you cannot locate your Social Security card, a recent tax return or W-2 is the easiest substitute.

Bring the confirmation email or letter that CBP sent you when your appointment was scheduled. This shows the officer your appointment details and confirms you have already completed the online process and paid the fee.

What Happens During Your Enrollment Center Visit

When you arrive, a CBP officer will verify your identity using the documents you brought. They will ask you to confirm information from your online process — your name, address, employment, and travel history. This is a straightforward verification step, not an interrogation.

Next, the officer will take your photograph and collect your fingerprints using a digital scanner. The fingerprints are checked against CBP databases to confirm you have no disqualifying criminal history or immigration violations. This process takes a few minutes.

The officer will then conduct a brief interview, usually lasting 5 to 10 minutes. They may ask why you travel frequently, where you typically go, or what you do for work. They may also ask about any arrests, convictions, or immigration issues — answer honestly. The interview is designed to confirm that the information in your process is accurate and that you do not have a background that would disqualify you from the program.

If everything checks out, the officer will approve you on the spot. You will receive your Global Entry membership card when ready in some cases, or it will be mailed to you within one to two weeks. Your membership is valid for five years from the date of approval.

What Can Disqualify You at the Enrollment Center

CBP can deny your membership if the fingerprint check reveals a disqualifying criminal conviction, a pending criminal case, or certain immigration violations. Misdemeanor convictions do not automatically disqualify you, but felonies and crimes involving dishonesty, violence, or drugs often do. If you have a criminal history, CBP will review it case by case.

If the officer finds that information in your process was false or misleading, they can deny you and may refer the matter to law enforcement. If you made an honest mistake on your process — for example, you forgot to list a previous address — tell the officer before they discover it. Correcting it yourself looks far better than having them find the discrepancy.

If you are denied at the enrollment center, you can request a review or reapply after a set period, depending on the reason for denial. CBP will explain the reason and your options before you leave.

How to Schedule Your Enrollment Center Appointment

You schedule your appointment as part of the online process process on the CBP website. After you submit your process and pay the fee (currently $100 for a five-year membership), you will be asked to choose an enrollment center location and select from available appointment dates and times.

Appointment availability varies by location and season. Popular airports and times — such as early morning slots at major hubs — fill up quickly. If you do not see an appointment time that works for you, check back in a few days, as CBP releases new slots regularly. You can also choose a less busy location or time to increase your chances of finding an opening sooner.

Once you schedule your appointment, CBP will send you a confirmation email with your appointment date, time, location, and a list of documents to bring. Save this email or print it and bring it with you.

What to Expect if You Miss or Need to Reschedule

If you miss your appointment without canceling, CBP will likely cancel your process and you will lose the fee you paid. Some locations allow you to reschedule once if you contact them before your appointment time, but policies vary.

If you need to reschedule, contact the enrollment center directly as soon as possible. The phone number and contact information are in your confirmation email. Rescheduling is usually free, but availability may be limited, especially if you are trying to move your appointment to a sooner date.

If your circumstances change and you no longer want Global Entry, you can withdraw your process before your appointment. Contact CBP to cancel, and ask whether you can receive a refund of your fee. Refund policies depend on how far in advance you cancel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Global Entry at every U.S. airport?

No. Global Entry kiosks are available at most major U.S. airports, but not all. Smaller regional airports may not have them. When you return to the U.S., you can use a kiosk if one is available at your airport, or you go through the regular customs line. Check the CBP website for a list of airports with Global Entry kiosks before you travel.

What if I do not have a passport yet?

You cannot enroll in Global Entry without a valid U.S. passport or passport card. If you do not have one, you must explore for a passport first through your state's passport agency or a passport acceptance facility. Once you receive your passport, you can then submit your Global Entry process and schedule an enrollment center appointment.

How long does the whole process take from process to membership card?

The online process takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete. After you submit it and pay the fee, CBP typically sends you an appointment invitation within one to two weeks, though this varies by location. Your in-person appointment takes 10 to 15 minutes. You may receive your membership card the same day or within one to two weeks by mail. Total time from start to finish is usually one to three months, depending on how quickly appointment slots open at your chosen location.

Do I need to renew Global Entry?

Yes. Global Entry membership is valid for five years from your approval date. About six months before your membership expires, CBP will notify you that renewal is available. You can renew online without visiting an enrollment center, though CBP may require an in-person appointment for renewal in some cases. Renewal costs the same as the initial membership fee.

What if I have a criminal record?

CBP reviews each process individually. A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you, but certain convictions — particularly felonies, crimes involving dishonesty or violence, or drug offenses — often do. If you have a record, list it honestly on your process. The officer at your enrollment center appointment will review it and let you know whether you are approved or denied. Lying about a criminal history on your process can result in denial and potential legal consequences.