Global Entry Application: Required Documents and Submission Guidelines

Last Updated May 14, 2025

To complete a Global Entry application, travelers must provide a valid passport or U.S. permanent resident card as primary identification. Proof of residency and additional documents, such as a visa or travel history records, may be required depending on the applicant's nationality. An interview appointment is also necessary, where fingerprinting and a background check will confirm eligibility for expedited border processing.

What Documents Are Needed for Global Entry Application?

Number Name Description
1 Valid Passport A valid passport is a mandatory document for the Global Entry application, serving as the primary proof of identity and citizenship during the enrollment process. Applicants must ensure their passport is current and unexpired to avoid delays or denial in the Trusted Traveler Program approval.
2 Permanent Resident Card (if applicable) Applicants who are permanent residents must provide a valid Permanent Resident Card as part of the Global Entry application to verify their immigration status. This document ensures eligibility and is required alongside a valid passport and other identification for the enrollment process.
3 U.S. Visa (if applicable) Applicants for Global Entry must provide a valid U.S. visa if they are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents, ensuring the visa remains current and unexpired during the application process. The visa serves as a critical document for identity verification and eligibility assessment by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
4 Proof of Citizenship (if requested) Proof of citizenship for a Global Entry application typically requires a valid U.S. passport or a birth certificate accompanied by a government-issued photo ID. These documents verify your identity and citizenship status, ensuring compliance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection requirements for expedited international travel screening.
5 Proof of Residency (e.g., driver's license, utility bill) Proof of residency is essential for a Global Entry application and can be demonstrated with documents such as a valid driver's license or a recent utility bill showing your current address. These documents verify your residency status and are required alongside identification and citizenship proofs to complete the application process successfully.
6 Birth Certificate (if requested) A birth certificate may be required during the Global Entry application process to verify your identity and citizenship, especially if other documents like a passport are unavailable or insufficient. This official record must be an original or certified copy issued by the government, clearly displaying your full name, date of birth, and place of birth.
7 Employment Authorization Document (if applicable) The Global Entry application requires a valid passport and one form of identification, with an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) accepted as a secondary ID if applicable. Applicants presenting an EAD must ensure it is current and government-issued to meet the program's stringent security criteria.
8 Name Change Documents (if applicable) Applicants for Global Entry must provide legal documentation of a name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order, if their current name differs from the one on their identification documents. Ensuring these documents are original or certified copies is crucial to verify identity and maintain the integrity of the application process.
9 Court or Legal Documents (if applicable) Applicants for Global Entry must submit court or legal documents if they have any criminal history, including certified court dispositions, arrest records, or probation paperwork. Failure to provide accurate and complete legal documentation can result in application denial or delays during the background check process.
10 Interview Appointment Confirmation The Global Entry application requires applicants to bring the Interview Appointment Confirmation to their enrollment center appointment as proof of scheduled interview. This confirmation, usually accessible through the Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) website, is essential for verifying the applicant's scheduled time and ensuring the interview proceeds smoothly.

Overview of the Global Entry Application Process

What documents are needed for the Global Entry application? The Global Entry application process requires a valid passport and one other form of identification, such as a driver's license or ID card. Proof of residency, like a utility bill or lease agreement, must also be submitted to verify your address.

Eligibility Criteria for Global Entry Applicants

To apply for Global Entry, you must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or a citizen of certain other countries such as Mexico, the Netherlands, or South Korea. Eligibility criteria require a clean criminal record and no history of customs, immigration, or agriculture violations. Your application must include a valid passport or permanent resident card and government-issued identification.

Essential Documents Needed for Global Entry

Document Type Description Purpose
Valid Passport U.S. citizens must provide a valid U.S. passport or a U.S. passport card. Establishes identity and citizenship for international travel verification.
Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) For lawful permanent residents applying for Global Entry. Confirms lawful permanent residency in the United States.
Driver's License or State ID Government-issued photo identification, such as a driver's license or state ID card. Verifies identity and residency within a U.S. state.
Conditional Approval Notification Notification from U.S. Customs and Border Protection indicating pre-approval for interview scheduling. Required to proceed to the enrollment interview for final approval.
Payment Confirmation Receipt of the non-refundable application fee payment, usually $100. Proof of fee payment to process the application.

How to Prepare Your Passport and Identification

Preparing your passport and identification is essential for a successful Global Entry application. Ensure all documents meet the program's specific requirements before submission.

  • Valid Passport - Your passport must be current and not expired to verify citizenship and facilitate international travel.
  • Government-Issued ID - A valid driver's license or state ID card is required to confirm your identity during the application process.
  • Document Consistency - The information on your passport and identification should exactly match to avoid delays or application denial.

Additional Documentation for Lawful Permanent Residents

Applying for Global Entry requires specific documentation to verify identity and citizenship. Lawful Permanent Residents must provide additional paperwork to complete their application process.

  • Valid Permanent Resident Card - You must submit your current green card as proof of lawful permanent residency.
  • Government-issued Identification - A valid passport or driver's license is required to confirm identity.
  • Proof of Residency - Documents like utility bills or lease agreements may be requested to verify your address.

Providing these additional documents ensures your Global Entry application proceeds without delays.

Proof of Residency Requirements

Proof of residency is a crucial requirement for the Global Entry application process. You must provide documents that verify your current address, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement, issued within the last six months. These documents confirm your eligibility and help streamline the approval process for expedited travel benefits.

Submitting Supporting Documents Online

Submitting supporting documents online is a crucial step in the Global Entry application process. You must upload valid identification and proof of citizenship to complete your application.

Documents such as a passport or permanent resident card are commonly required. Ensure all scanned files are clear and legible to avoid delays in processing.

Scheduling and Preparing for the Interview

To schedule a Global Entry interview, applicants must first receive conditional approval after completing the online application. The interview appointment can be booked through the Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) website, selecting a convenient enrollment center location.

Before the interview date, applicants should gather essential documents including a valid passport, one additional form of identification such as a driver's license, and their conditional approval notification. Bringing proof of residency, such as a utility bill or lease agreement, is recommended to streamline the verification process during the interview.

Common Mistakes in Document Submission

Submitting the correct documents is crucial for a successful Global Entry application. Many applicants make errors that delay the approval process.

  1. Incomplete identification - Failing to provide a valid passport or permanent resident card causes application rejection.
  2. Expired documents - Using expired passports or ID cards results in automatic disqualification.
  3. Unclear copies - Submitting blurry or illegible scanned documents leads to delays and additional requests for resubmission.

What Documents Are Needed for Global Entry Application? Infographic

Global Entry Application: Required Documents and Submission Guidelines


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The information provided in this document is for general informational purposes only and is not guaranteed to be complete. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of the content, we cannot guarantee that the details mentioned are up-to-date or applicable to all scenarios. Topics about What Documents Are Needed for Global Entry Application? are subject to change from time to time.

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