(Last updated: April 2025)
You can now update your Global Entry name online — here’s how to do it fast.
Did you recently go through a legal name change (marriage, divorce, or court-ordered) and need to update your name on your Global Entry membership?
If so, this post will guide you through chainng your name on your Global Entry membership.
We receive so many inquiries from NewlyNamed customers about whether and how to update their Global Entry card after changing their name.
For the most part, the answer is yes - you should update your Global Entry membership to reflect your new name. There are a few cases where you will want to wait to update your Global Entry membership and we explain why.
Luckily, Global Entry recently started allowing online name changes which will make the process much easier for you.
Global Entry is a great program and if you travel internationally at least once per year, we think it’s 100% worth updating.
Global Entry Overview
Global Entry is a Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) administered by the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) that speeds up your re-entry into the United States after an international trip. Global Entry allows for expedited passage through United States customs security checkpoints and provides you with TSA PreCheck status, which helps you through the security process at many airports across the United States. The cost for Global Entry is $100, which is valid for 5 years. To date, there are over 70 airports that have Global Entry kiosks.
What you'll need for your Global Entry Name Change
- Your Global Entry card.
- You must have physical possession of a U.S. Passport in your new legal name. Our passport name change guide will help you if you need to update your passport if still need to update it.
- Your official legal name change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
NewlyNamed Tip #1: If you received TSA PreCheck through your Global Entry membership, your TSA PreCheck membership will update automatically after your name is updated with Global Entry!
How to Update Your Name with Global Entry (Online):
- Visit help.cbp.gov and click 'Ask a Question'
- Under 'Topic', select Trusted Traveler Program
- Under 'Applicable Issue', select Update documents in my account
- Under 'TCC Program', select TTP: Global Entry
- Under Description: type name change on account
- Attach a color photocopy of your updated passport showing your new name
- You will receive a confirmation email after the update has been made. Online name changes can take up to 8 weeks to process.
Once you submit your request, you will receive a confirmation email from CBP that includes your case number. Please note that you may need to visit an enrollment center in person to complete the process if for some reason the CPB can't process your request electronically. Generally, name changes take between 3 to 8 weeks to process.
How to Update Your Name with Global Entry (In Person):
- Start by calling your nearest Global Entry Enrollment Center.
- Ask a CBP officer if they can process your name change request over the phone. If they cannot, you will need to show up in person. Thankfully, no appointment is necessary so you can visit during normal business hours.
- Visit a Global Entry Enrollment Center with your Global Entry card, your new U.S. Passport (in your new name), and your official legal name change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
- When you arrive, present your documents to an officer to update your name. You aren't required to purchase a new Global Entry card if you're OK with your old name being on it. It will cost you $25 if you'd like a replacement Global Entry card in your new name.
- Your name will be updated in the Trusted Traveler Program database immediately, allowing you to use Global Entry with your new name and passport. As an added bonus, your name will also be updated with TSA PreCheck!
NewlyNamed Tip #2: If there is an enrollment center at an airport you’ll be traveling out of soon, show up extra early before your flight and do your Global Entry name change then.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to update Global Entry if my name has changed?
If you've updated your passport, then Yes, you will need to update your name with Global Entry. Global Entry won't work if your name in the Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) database doesn't match the name on your passport. You'll need to visit a Global Entry Enrollment Center and request a name change.
I updated my passport to my new legal name. Do I need to update my Global Entry membership?
Yes, you’ll need to update your name with Global Entry online OR visit a Global Entry Enrollment Center and request a name change. The name on your passport must match the name of your Global Entry membership.
Will updating my name with Global Entry also update TSA PreCheck?
Yes! Updating your name with Global Entry will also update TSA PreCheck - but not the other way around. If you have both Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP), make sure to update Global Entry first! If you only have TSA PreCheck, you can learn more about updating your TSA PreCheck name here.
Does my Global Entry Number (CBP PASS ID) or Known Traveler Number (KTN) change after I update my name?
Nope - your PASS ID/KTN will staty the same! For Global Entry members, your CBP PASS ID does not change after you update your name with Global Entry. Your PASSID is the same number as your KTN. So, you don't need to update your PASS ID number or KTN in any of your airline loyalty accounts.
Does a Global Entry name change cost money?
No, updating your name on your Global Entry membership is free. You don't need to purchase a new Global Entry card.
Do I need a new Global Entry card after changing my name?
No, you don't need to purchase a new Global Entry card. If you would like your Global Entry card to match your new name you can pay the $25 replacement fee to have a new card created.
I updated my name with Global Entry. What should I do next?
Now that you've updated your Global Entry membership to match your new name, it's time to update all of your frequent flyer programs. This will make sure your Trusted Traveler Programs (Global Entry and TSA PreCheck) sync with your airline accounts.
Do I need to update airline frequent flyer programs?
Yes. Be sure to update your name on all airline accounts so they match your passport and Global Entry info. This helps avoid issues with TSA PreCheck and boarding passes.
Where can I learn more about my Global Entry membership and other Trusted Traveler Programs?
The CBP put together an informative summary here.
In summary, Global Entry is a valuable program for international travelers, and we recommend updating it to reflect your new name.
It’s easy to update and will save you time and frustration when re-entering the United States.
Let us know if you have any questions in the comments below. Best of luck with the rest of your name change!
-Colie Founder/CEO, NewlyNamed
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Featured Image By Calpak
