What Documents Actually Matter for Global Entry Interviews?

Short answer: For a Global Entry interview, the documents that actually matter are: (1) a valid passport (or other approved citizenship/identity document), and (2) a valid driver's license or state-issued ID. Some enrollment centers or situations may also require proof of residency (e.g., utility bill, lease) if your address is in question. CBP uses these to verify your identity and eligibility and to match you to your application. Bring originals; copies or expired documents are not sufficient for the primary verification. Optional but helpful: your conditional approval letter or a printed copy of your TTP dashboard showing your approval status.

Having the right documents ready avoids delays or being turned away. If you're not a U.S. citizen, required documents differ—see Global Entry for Non-U.S. Citizens: What's Different? and Global Entry Guide for Immigrants and Green Card Holders for green card holders and other eligible nationals.

Required Documents for U.S. Citizens

• Valid U.S. passport. This is the primary identity and citizenship document. It must be valid (not expired) and must match the passport number and details in your Trusted Traveler Programs (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 secondary form of identification and to verify your address when relevant. It should match the name and address (if applicable) on your application.

Expired documents are not accepted for primary verification. If your license or passport is expiring soon, renew before your interview so you're not turned away.

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 eligibility for Global Entry.
• May ask about your travel history, employment, or address to confirm consistency with your application.
• Completes the enrollment process (e.g., fingerprints, photo if not already on file) and approves or defers your membership.

Documents are checked in real time; the officer is not just "collecting" them but verifying identity and eligibility. Inconsistencies (e.g., different name on ID vs. application, expired passport) can delay or complicate the interview.

Proof of Residency (When It's Needed)

Some enrollment centers or officers may ask for proof of residency—for example, a utility bill, lease, or bank statement showing your current address—if:

• Your address has changed recently
• Your driver's license address doesn't match your application
• You're in a category (e.g., certain non-citizens) where residency is verified

It's not always required, but having one document (e.g., a recent utility bill or lease) in your name and address can smooth the process if asked. For address changes during an application, see Does Changing Your Address Delay Global Entry Approval?

Documents for Non-U.S. Citizens

Eligible non–U.S. citizens (e.g., U.S. lawful permanent residents, citizens of certain other countries) must bring:

• Valid passport from country of citizenship
• Permanent resident card (green card) or other proof of status as required by CBP
• Valid U.S. or state-issued ID (e.g., driver's license) when applicable

Requirements can vary by citizenship and status. Check the official Trusted Traveler Programs site and any correspondence from CBP for your specific document list. For more, see Global Entry Guide for Immigrants and Green Card Holders.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

For Global Entry enrollment, CBP typically requires a valid passport book for international travel eligibility. Passport cards are not valid for air travel outside the U.S. and are generally not sufficient as the primary document for Global Entry. Use your passport book.

Do I need to bring my conditional approval letter?

It's not always required—the officer can see your status in the system—but having a printed copy of your conditional approval or TTP dashboard can help if there's a system glitch or question. It's a good backup.

What if my name on my passport doesn't match my driver's license (e.g., maiden vs. married)?

Bring both documents and, if applicable, a marriage certificate or court order showing the name change. Explain the discrepancy to the officer. Consistency between your application and your documents is what matters; CBP can accept a legal name change with supporting documentation.