Your Free Guide to Finding Your Global Entry Number

Understanding Global Entry and How It Works

Global Entry is a U.S. government program that allows pre-screened travelers to move through airport security and customs faster when returning to the United States. The program is managed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), a division of the Department of Homeland Security. When you enroll in Global Entry, you receive a trusted traveler number—also called your Global Entry number—that becomes part of your official enrollment record.

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The program works by creating a dedicated lane at security checkpoints and customs areas specifically for Global Entry members. Instead of standing in the regular security line, members use expedited screening lanes where CBP officers have already reviewed background information about you before you arrive at the airport. This process typically takes significantly less time than standard security screening.

When you travel internationally and return to the United States, you can use automated kiosks at customs to process your entry. These kiosks scan your passport or travel document and your Global Entry number, then generate a receipt that you present to a CBP officer. The entire process usually takes just a few minutes compared to 30 minutes or more in standard customs lines.

Global Entry membership lasts for five years from the date of enrollment. You'll receive a physical membership card in the mail that displays your Global Entry number, along with your Known Traveler Number (KTN). This KTN can be added to airline reservations to receive TSA PreCheck benefits at domestic airport security lines as well, giving you two separate travel convenience benefits.

Takeaway: Global Entry provides a trusted traveler number that serves as your key to expedited security and customs screening. Knowing how the program functions helps you understand why CBP requires background checks and thorough vetting before enrollment.

Locating Your Global Entry Number After Enrollment

Once you've completed the Global Entry enrollment process and been approved, your Global Entry number becomes part of your official CBP records. The most straightforward way to find your number is to check the physical membership card you receive in the mail. This card, which typically arrives within two to four weeks after approval, displays your Global Entry number prominently on the front.

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The CBP's official website, cbp.gov, provides an online portal where you can view your enrollment information. To access this portal, you'll need to create an account or use existing login credentials. Once logged in, you can navigate to your trusted traveler program information and view your assigned Global Entry number at any time. This method is useful if you need your number before your physical card arrives or if you've misplaced your card.

Your Global Entry number is also included in any confirmation documents you received during the enrollment process. If you enrolled through the Global Entry program's official channels, check your email for confirmation letters or enrollment summaries that may display your number. Some people find this information in documents they downloaded during registration.

Additionally, when you use Global Entry at an airport kiosk or security checkpoint for the first time, officers can look up your enrollment record if you provide your passport information. If you need to know your number for airline reservations or other purposes before your card arrives, contacting CBP's Trusted Traveler Program office directly can provide your information over the phone after they verify your identity.

Takeaway: Your Global Entry number appears on multiple sources: your membership card, CBP's online portal, enrollment confirmation documents, and can be retrieved through official CBP channels if needed.

Using Your Number for Airline Reservations and Travel

Your Global Entry number and Known Traveler Number (KTN) should be entered into your airline reservation system when you book flights. Most major airlines including United, American, Delta, Southwest, and others have fields in their booking systems where you can add your KTN. This information tells the airline and TSA that you're a pre-screened trusted traveler eligible for TSA PreCheck screening at domestic airports.

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When entering your number during airline booking, look for fields labeled "Known Traveler Number," "KTN," "Trusted Traveler Program," or similar language. Some airlines display this in the "Special Services" or "Frequent Flyer" section of your reservation. If you don't see a field for this information, check the airline's website for instructions specific to that carrier. Major airlines prominently feature where to add trusted traveler information.

Once your KTN is in your reservation, you may see a TSA PreCheck indicator on your boarding pass. This indicator—typically marked as "TSA Pre" on the pass—shows that you can use expedited screening lines. When you arrive at the airport security checkpoint, look for the dedicated PreCheck lane, which is usually near the regular security checkpoint but clearly marked. You'll keep your shoes, belts, and light jackets on, and laptops and liquids may stay in your bags during screening.

For international travel, your Global Entry number is what matters. You don't need to add anything to your airline reservation for this benefit. Instead, use your Global Entry number directly when you return to the United States at customs. The number is already in the CBP system, and officers will see your pre-screened status when you present your passport.

Your Global Entry number and KTN follow you for five years of membership. Make note of your KTN especially, as you'll use it for every domestic flight reservation to ensure TSA PreCheck benefits are applied to that trip.

Takeaway: Add your KTN to every airline reservation to activate TSA PreCheck benefits, and use your Global Entry number at international customs upon return to the United States.

Where Your Information Is Stored and How to Access It

Your Global Entry enrollment information is stored in CBP's official database, which is managed through the Trusted Traveler Programs office. This database includes your background check results, biometric information, and your assigned Global Entry number. CBP maintains this information in secure government systems protected by federal data security standards.

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The primary way to retrieve your information is through the CBP's online Trusted Traveler Program portal at ttp.cbp.dhs.gov. This portal allows you to log in with credentials you created during enrollment or with other government login systems like Login.gov. Once logged in, you can view your enrollment status, your Global Entry number, your KTN, and your membership expiration date. The portal also shows when your membership is set to renew or expire.

If you prefer not to use the online portal, you can contact the CBP's Trusted Traveler Program office by phone. Customer service representatives can look up your enrollment information if you provide identifying details such as your date of birth, passport number, and other personal information. The CBP website lists phone numbers for different regions, allowing you to reach the office that serves your area.

Your Global Entry membership card itself contains all the information you need for reference: your Global Entry number, your KTN, your name, your membership expiration date, and usually a photograph. Many travelers keep this card in their wallet or with their passport for easy reference during travel. If your card is lost or damaged, you can request a replacement through the CBP portal or by contacting customer service.

Your information may also appear in correspondence from CBP, such as renewal notices sent before your membership expires. These official notices include your Global Entry number and other relevant details about your account status.

Takeaway: Your Global Entry information lives in CBP's secure database and is accessible through the official online portal, phone support, or on your physical membership card.

What Information You Need Before Starting the Enrollment Process

Before you begin the Global Entry enrollment process, gather several important documents and information. You'll need a valid passport or passport card issued by the United States. Your passport should be current and not expired. Some people use their passport card instead of a full passport, and both are acceptable for Global Entry purposes. Make sure you have the specific passport number and issue date readily available.

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You should also have current contact information including a phone number where you can be reached and an email address. CBP uses these to communicate with you throughout the enrollment process and to send important updates about your membership. Ensure the email address and phone number you provide are ones you actively monitor and can maintain throughout your five-year membership period.

Prepare information about your travel history and citizenship status. You may be asked to provide details about countries you've traveled to in recent years and your current citizenship or immigration status. If you're a permanent resident or visa holder, have your immigration documentation available. CBP needs to verify your background for national