When can I renew my Global Entry?

You can submit a renewal application up to one year before your membership expires. Your existing benefits stay active until your expiration date, and CBP encourages renewing early because review can take time.

How much does it cost to renew Global Entry?

The renewal fee is $100, the same as the initial application. You pay when you submit your renewal through the Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) site.

Do I need another interview to renew Global Entry?

Many renewals are approved without an in-person interview. CBP may approve you based on your updated application. If they require an interview, you'll be notified and must schedule one at an enrollment center (or use Enrollment on Arrival if eligible).

What if my Global Entry already expired?

If your membership has expired, you cannot renew - you must submit a new application and pay the $100 fee again. You'll go through the full process including conditional approval and an in-person interview.

February 20, 2026 / 10 min read

Global Entry Renewal in 2026: Fee, Timeline, and Whether You Need an Interview

Global Entry renewal in 2026: fee, timeline, interview rules

Quick answer
Fee: $120 (unchanged in 2026)
Processing: 4–7 months from submission
Interview: Required for most renewals in 2026 — only a minority qualify for the no-interview path
Renew window: Up to 1 year before expiration
Don't wait: Renewals submitted within 6 months of expiration extend membership for 5 years from your current expiration date — earlier submissions don't shorten that window

If your expiration is within the next 12 months, you should renew now. Here's why.

When to renew

CBP allows you to submit a renewal anytime in the 12 months before your membership expires. You don't lose any time by renewing early — your new 5-year term starts from your existing expiration date, not from when you submit.

Practical guidance: if you're inside 12 months, submit. The longer you wait, the higher the risk of an interview slot bottleneck pushing you past your expiration date.

What renewal costs

The renewal fee in 2026 is $120, identical to the new-application fee. Some credit cards reimburse this as a statement credit — if yours does, the renewal is effectively free. Credit card reimbursement guide.

There is no separate renewal-specific fee structure.

Step-by-step: submitting your renewal

Sign in to TTP at ttp.dhs.gov
From your dashboard, click Renew Application
Update any changed information (address, passport, employment)
Pay the $120 renewal fee
Wait for renewal status to move to either Approved or Conditional Approval

Most renewals don't require new fingerprints, but some do — TTP will tell you if yours does.

Will you need an interview to renew?

Most likely yes, in 2026.

CBP's policy:

No interview required: A minority of renewing members are auto-approved without an interview, primarily those with extensive recent travel, no changes to their record, and clean status throughout the prior membership.
Interview required: Most renewing members. CBP issues conditional approval; you schedule an interview the same way a new applicant would.

You won't know which path you're on until CBP processes your renewal. If you're conditionally approved, plan for an interview.

If your renewal requires an interview, you're back in the same line as new applicants

CBP doesn't fast-track renewal interviews. You're competing for the same appointment slots as first-time applicants — and the wait at major centers is now 4–11 months. If you're inside 12 months of expiration, the math gets uncomfortable.

The two ways to avoid losing coverage: (1) submit renewal early and book the first interview slot offered, or (2) monitor for cancellations and grab a closer date.

What happens if your membership expires before you interview

If your existing Global Entry membership expires before your renewal is fully approved:

You lose Global Entry benefits at U.S. ports of entry (no kiosk access, no expedited customs)
You also lose TSA PreCheck (which is bundled with Global Entry)
You can still travel — you'll just go through standard customs
Your renewal continues processing; you don't have to start over

There is no "grace period." The day after expiration, your benefits are gone.

This is why the 12-month renewal window matters. If you're a major-hub applicant with an 8–11 month interview wait, submitting 6 months before expiration is cutting it dangerously close. See 2026 wait times by center.

Don't let your membership lapse

If your renewal interview date is past your expiration, GE Finder can move you up. Pick centers you can reach, we watch them, you book the first cancellation that lands before your expiration date.

Catch an earlier renewal slot

Renewal vs new application

If you let your membership lapse for too long, CBP may treat your next application as new rather than renewal. The fee is the same, but you'd lose any background-check head start and likely face a longer review.

Submitting a renewal — even if you suspect you'll need an interview — is always faster than starting fresh.

FAQ

Can I renew if my membership has already expired?

Yes, for a window after expiration. Beyond that, you'll need to submit a new application.

Do I need a new passport for renewal?

Only if your current one has expired or changed.

How early should I submit the renewal?

12 months before expiration is the maximum and usually the best choice.

Does renewing early shorten my new term?

No. Your new 5-year term starts from your existing expiration date.

If I'm renewing and need an interview, can I use Enrollment on Arrival?

Yes — same eligibility as new applicants. EOA guide.