In principle, you shouldn't be required to show a physical Global Entry card when passing through customs at an airport. Let's be clear on this.
Members do not need the card to use the accelerated customs lanes for air travel, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Typically, the cards are used to enter the United States from land borders.
But throughout this year, we've heard from other passengers who encountered various scenarios where they were required to provide their physical card.
In fact, this summer we found four different situations where having your card on hand would be a good idea.
When you consider that a Global Entry card can serve as a backup form of identification at TSA checkpoints and that you can still use it if you don't obtain a Real ID by the federal deadline in May, it becomes clear why you should keep one in your wallet.
However, when we've discussed these cards in the past, we've heard from a number of passengers who either never received a physical Global Entry card or are currently unsure of where their card is.
Here's how to obtain a new or replacement card attesting to your Global Entry membership if you're interested in doing so and a current program participant.
Advice: How to obtain a replacement a Global Entry card
You must access the U.S. Department of Homeland Security website, ttp.dhs.gov, where you manage memberships in the Trusted Traveler Program, in order to obtain a new or replacement Global Entry card.
You'll sign in there.
You should be able to click "forgot my password" and perform a password recovery using the email address you used to create your account if it has been a while since you accessed your account online and you can't remember your password (I know I couldn't remember mine).
You should be able to view your active memberships—in your case and mine, Global Entry—once you've logged into your portal.
Your membership number, expiration date, and the earliest day you can renew your membership should all be listed in the box.
There is also a "Replace Card" button on your member information display.
After you click on that, you will be directed to a website where you must explain why you need a new card.
The CBP reiterates on this page that a Global Entry card is not necessary for air travel.
You could still need a card, though, for the reasons already explained.
You may require a new card for a number of reasons, such as a change in your personal information, the fact that you have never received a card, or a card that has been destroyed, lost, or stolen.
After you have responded to a few more questions, you can submit your application for a new card.
This is not the same as a card renewal, as the material on the page makes clear, and is just for replacement cards.
To truly renew your membership in the Global Entry program, you must go through the complete renewal process.
Thus, according to the CBP, "your program membership's expiration date remains the same if your card replacement request is approved."
In other words, you are not renewing your Global Entry membership; all you are doing is acquiring a new physical card.
In conclusion
Members of Global Entry shouldn't typically need to show a physical card to go into the fast lanes at customs.
In fact, with the aid of biometrics, Global Entry has become increasingly paperless and document-free.
It's a useful card to have in your wallet, though, given the rare instances we've heard about from members who have been required to show a card and how the card can assist you at the TSA checkpoint if you're unable to obtain a Real ID from now through May 2023.
This can be a quick and simple way to receive a new one if yours seems to have vanished (or you never saw one).
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