Global Entry Interview Documents: What to Bring (Checklist)

Short answer: Bring a valid passport book and a valid driver's license or state-issued ID, both originals. If the address on your license is not current, also bring proof of residency such as a utility bill, lease or mortgage statement. Green card holders add their valid permanent resident card (I-551). Expired documents and copies are not enough. The exact list for your application is in your Conditional Approval Notification, under Notifications in your Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account, so check it before you go.

Having the right documents ready is what keeps the interview short. Below is what to bring, what the CBP officer actually checks, the extra documents some people need, what to wear, and a checklist you can run through the day before.

Required documents for U.S. citizens

• Valid U.S. passport book. This is the primary identity and citizenship document. It must be valid (not expired) and must match the passport number and details in your TTP application. If you renewed your passport after applying, update the TTP portal and bring the new passport.
• Valid driver's license or state-issued ID. Used as a second form of identification and to confirm your address. The name, and the address if it is printed on the ID, should match your application.

Bring originals, not photocopies, and make sure nothing has expired. Some enrollment centers state in their CBP notes that interviews will not be conducted without valid documents. If your passport or license expires soon, renew it before the interview so you are not sent away.

Check your Conditional Approval Notification

The most reliable list is the one CBP sends you. CBP's own notes for several enrollment centers say the required documentation is listed in your Conditional Approval Notification, which you can find under Notifications in your TTP account. Read it before your interview, because it reflects your application rather than a general rule.

It is also worth reading the instructions for your specific enrollment center. Some centers ask for things others do not mention, such as arriving early or bringing proof of residency. Use our enrollment center pages to find yours.

What CBP actually checks

At the interview, the CBP officer typically:

• Verifies that your passport and ID match the name, date of birth and other details in your TTP application.
• Confirms your citizenship or immigration status and your eligibility for Global Entry.
• May ask about your travel history, employment or address to confirm they match your application.
• Completes enrollment, including fingerprints and a photo, and then approves or defers your membership.

The officer is verifying your documents, not just collecting them. Inconsistencies, such as a different name on your ID than on your application or an expired passport, can delay or complicate the interview. For the kinds of questions officers ask, see common Global Entry interview questions.

Proof of residency (when it's needed)

Several enrollment centers say in their CBP notes that if the address on your driver's license is not current, you should bring another proof of residence, such as a utility bill or mortgage statement. Officers may also ask for it when:

• Your address has changed recently
• Your driver's license address does not match your application
• You are in a category where residency is routinely verified, such as some non-U.S. citizens

It is not always required, but one recent document showing your name and current address costs nothing to bring. For address changes during an application, see does changing your address delay Global Entry approval?

Extra documents some applicants need

• Name change documents. If your name differs between documents, for example after marriage, bring the marriage certificate or court order. See how to update Global Entry after a name change.
• Court documents for any arrest. CBP notes at several centers say that if you have ever been arrested, you should bring court documents showing the disposition of each arrest, regardless of the date or outcome.
• All your valid passports. Some centers ask applicants with more than one citizenship to bring every valid passport. See Global Entry for dual citizens.
• Consent letter for a child. Some centers ask that, when a child interviews without both parents present, you bring a letter of consent from the other parent along with a copy of that parent's ID. See can children use Global Entry with their parents?

Documents for green card holders and non-U.S. citizens

Lawful permanent residents and other eligible non-U.S. citizens should bring:

• Valid permanent resident card (I-551), if you are a green card holder. CBP's notes at several centers state this directly.
• Valid passport from your country of citizenship
• Valid U.S. driver's license or state-issued ID, when you have one
• Any visa or other entry document listed in your Conditional Approval Notification

Requirements vary by citizenship and status, so check your notification and the official Trusted Traveler Programs site. For more, see Global Entry for green card holders.

What to wear

There is no dress code. Neat, everyday clothes are fine. The interview is short and you are meeting an officer in an office, not going through a security checkpoint. Avoid hats or anything that covers your face, because the officer takes your photo.

Global Entry interview checklist

• Valid passport book that matches your TTP application
• Valid driver's license or state ID
• Proof of residency (utility bill, lease, mortgage or bank statement) if your license address is not current
• Permanent resident card (I-551) if you are a green card holder
• Name change documents if your name differs on any document
• Court documents for any past arrest
• A printed copy or screenshot of your conditional approval (optional backup)

The day before, confirm that everything is valid, that names and addresses match your application, and that you updated TTP if anything changed, such as a new passport. If you still need an interview slot, see how to get an earlier Global Entry interview.

Frequently Asked Questions

What documents do I need for my Global Entry interview?

A valid passport book and a valid driver's license or state-issued ID, as originals. Add proof of residency if your license address is not current, and your permanent resident card if you are a green card holder. Your Conditional Approval Notification in your TTP account lists what CBP expects from you.

Can I use a passport card instead of a passport book?

Plan on the passport book. Passport cards are not valid for international air travel, and CBP notes at some Global Entry centers specifically ask all applicants to bring a valid passport booklet.

Do I need to bring my conditional approval letter?

It is not usually required, because the officer can see your status in the system. A printed copy or screenshot is a sensible backup if there is a system problem or a question about your record.

What if my name on my passport doesn't match my driver's license?

Bring both documents plus the marriage certificate or court order that shows the name change, and explain the difference to the officer. What matters is that your documents can be tied to the name on your application.

What happens if I forget a document or it has expired?

The officer may not be able to complete your interview, and you would need to come back. Some centers state that interviews will not be conducted without valid documents. If you realize the night before that something is missing or expired, rescheduling is better than showing up without it.

What should I wear to my Global Entry interview?

Anything neat and comfortable. There is no dress code. Avoid hats or anything that covers your face, since the officer takes your photo.