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SENTRI & GLOBAL ENTRY

HOW TO MAINTAIN, RENEW, AND KEEP YOUR PROGRAM UP-TO-DATE

As a SENTRI or Global Entry user, keeping your account accurate and compliant is
essential for smooth, predictable border crossings.


The guidance below reflects common issues raised by CBP officers and recurring
questions from Trusted Traveler users in the CaliBaja region.

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Keep Your Vehicle
Information Current

Vehicle compliance is one of the most common reasons for delays or violations.

 

• Ensure both front and back license plates are properly mounted.

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•You may enroll a new vehicle with dealer plates and update the record once permanent plates are issued.

Keep Your Personal
Information Up to Date

Bear in mind that TTP accounts are valid for 5 years. A lot of things can happen
within this time frame

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Log in to your Trusted Traveler Program account and update any changes immediately,
including:

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  • Residential (physical) address

  • Mailing address

  • Employer or occupation

  • Legal name changes

  • Driver’s license number or expiration date

  • Passport information (for Global Entry or SENTRI users with passport benefits)

Mailing Address vs. Physical Address (Important)

Mexican Citizens must list their physical address in Mexico. To receive your Trusted Traveler card, you may use a U.S. mailing address (such as a Postal Annex, UPS Store, or other private mailbox).


U.S. Citizens and Legal Permanent Residents (Green Card Holders) must list their physical address in the United States. A separate U.S. mailing address may be used to receive the Trusted Traveler card.


There was a common misconception that Mexican citizens needed a physical address in the U.S. in order to comply and receive their membership card.

Program Rules: Do Not Apply to a Different Program While Active

You may not apply to a different Trusted Traveler Program while you still have an active account.
Examples:

  • ❌ Do NOT apply for Global Entry if you already have an active SENTRI account

  • ❌ Do NOT apply for SENTRI if you already have an active Global Entry account

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Doing so may result in:

  • Loss of Trusted Traveler privileges

In order to switch between programs, you need to call enrolment center and cancel current program and submit a new application for your new program.

Adding Global Entry Benefits While Keeping SENTRI (Special Case)

There is a limited exception:
Adding Global Entry to Your Passport (Without Applying Again)

  • Eligible only for U.S. Citizens and U.S. Legal Permanent Residents

  • Allows SENTRI users to access Global Entry benefits at airports

  • Does not require submitting a new application

 

To do this:

  • Contact the Enrollment Center and schedule an appointment

  • Your SENTRI status remains active and uninterrupted

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Otay Mesa Enrollment Center: (619) 690-7600

Passport Requirements (Global Entry Users)

  • A valid passport is required for Global Entry

  • If you renew your passport, you must update:

  1. Passport number

  2. Expiration date

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Failure to update passport information may result in temporary suspension of benefits.

Plan Ahead for Renewals

  • Trusted Traveler memberships are valid for five years

  • You may renew up to one year before expiration

  • During renewal:

  1. Benefits typically remain active while the application is pending

A. Typically program is still active 24 months after card expiration (as long as you submitted your renewal application before card expiration date)

  • We strongly recommend:

  1. Calendar reminders

  2. Email alerts

  3. Periodic account checks

Enrollment Period Differences Between Programs

  • Global Entry generally has shorter enrollment and interview timelines

  • SENTRI processing times are typically longer and more vehicle-intensive

  • A valid passport is required for Global Entry enrollment

The Anatomy of a Trusted Traveler Card

Key elements on your card include:

  • Program type (SENTRI / Global Entry)

  • Citizenship

  • Trusted Traveler Number (Known Traveler Number / PASSID)

  • Card security code

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Important Activation Tip
Before using your card for the first time — including renewals — you must:

  • Log in to your TTP account

  • Activate the card

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Failure to activate may result in lane issues or delays.

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If Your Application Is Denied or Your Membership Is Revoked

  1. Submit a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request at: https://www.foia.gov/

  2. Once you receive a response:
    o Contact the Enrollment Center
    o Request a     supervisor interview for further guidance

Official CBP Resources & FAQs (Reference)

For the most current rules and official guidance, visit:

  1. Trusted Traveler Programs Overview - https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs

  2. CBP Trusted Traveler FAQs - https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/trusted-traveler-programs-faqs

  3. Trusted Traveler Program Account Login - https://ttp.dhs.gov/

  4. CBP Help Desk (To update account information without needing to set an office appointment). https://www.help.cbp.gov/s/?language=en_US

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Key Enrollment Center Information

The Otay Mesa Enrollment Center is located at:

  • 9725 Via de la Amistad,

       San Diego, CA 92154

  • Phone: (619) 690-7600

  • Hours: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM

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Tip: A live representative is usually available if you remain on the line during business hours.

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If you have any specific questions, please feel free to email us.

Disclaimer:
This information is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute official guidance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Policies, procedures, and eligibility requirements may change at any time. Final determinations regarding Trusted Traveler Program participation are made solely by CBP. Travelers

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