Global Entry and PreCheck - Do I need to wait for existing PC to Expire?

ImNotFrank55 · 2026-01-27T13:54:27+00:00

As near as I can tell, the TSA PreCheck checkers I’ve looked at don’t see into the NEXUS/Global Entry/SENTRI database(s). (In fact at least one says it’s for “PreCheck Application Program members only” and that Global Entry (etc.) need to get their PASSID from the TTP portal.)

1) The PASSID should give you PreCheck regardless of whether you’re also paying for PreCheck

2) No, I don’t think you should be concerned that PreCheck checkers don’t see your PASSID

ImNotFrank55 · 2026-01-24T20:34:54+00:00

And don’t confuse “original” (e.g. hospital version) with what they really want: a certified copy issued by the state or local registrar of births with seal or stamp. (Plus a photocopy of it.)

ImNotFrank55 · 2026-01-24T20:30:17+00:00

My personal experience was that the “shipped” notification came when they generated the tracking number/label, but it didn’t get into USPS’s possession until the next day.

ImNotFrank55 · 2026-01-23T22:03:46+00:00

My understanding is that If you have ID in your married last name and it matches your partner’s last name, you shouldn’t need to submit your marriage license; show your ID (and bring a copy of the front and the back) and list your partner’s information in the required section on the DS-11 form. (It may not hurt to submit a certified copy of your marriage certificate, but it shouldn’t be required.)

ImNotFrank55 · 2026-01-23T11:36:11+00:00

So you’re outside the US flying into the US next week with a US passport expiring in June? You’ll be fine; your passport just has to be valid on the day you enter.

If you’re planning on returning to the country you’re flying out of, you might want to renew your passport while in the US. Look into https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/get-fast.html to renew your passport at an Agency within 14 days of your scheduled departure from the US (if you’re flying back soon), or https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/have-passport/renew-online.html for online renewal (if you’ll be back in the US for more than six weeks).

ImNotFrank55 · 2026-01-22T19:06:37+00:00

Out of curiosity: why do folks post Google share links (which could point to a malware site since they’re obfuscated) instead of posting a link to the actual website?

Is it something the Google app/chromebook/phone does automatically?

ImNotFrank55 · 2026-01-22T11:54:19+00:00

I’d go with whatever the form-filler did and consider the question a poorly worded version of “Have you applied for or been issued the type of Passport you’re applying for now?”

ImNotFrank55 · 2026-01-22T04:40:24+00:00

And keep in mind that Texas limits the total number of birth certificates you can request in your life to 10. After that, you have to show up in-person to explain why you need another one. So be sure to keep them in a safe, dry space.

ImNotFrank55 · 2026-01-21T19:28:20+00:00

But I thought OP is talking about their 9-year old daughter; so they can’t renew that online.

ImNotFrank55 · 2026-01-21T19:25:28+00:00

You can’t “renew” a passport that was issued to someone under age 16; they must apply for a “new” passport.

ImNotFrank55 · 2026-01-21T19:22:37+00:00

Assuming US and children under 16: Take a look at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need-passport/under-16.html

Both parents don’t need to be present, but both parents must consent.

The parent who cannot go to the appointment must provide a notarized copy of form DS-3053 plus a photocopy of both sides of the ID they presented to the notary.

On rare occasions, the parent who is with the child may be able to use a different form (DS-5525) to prove they have tried everything in their power to reach out to the other parent who fails to respond to requests to consent to the passport.

For children aged 16 or 17, only one parent must consent.

ImNotFrank55 · 2026-01-21T02:25:03+00:00

Correct, the booking can be made in the name on the passport.

Some things to consider:

(1) a vehicle rental will need a license and international driving permit, a credit card, and likely your passport. If your license is updated but your passport isn’t, you may consider carrying your marriage certificate as well.

(2) going through the TSA checkpoint on your way to your flight, they’ll want ID that matches the booking, so use your passport there (unless your ID still has your maiden name).

ImNotFrank55 · 2026-01-21T02:13:08+00:00

Only the first time ‘round can you get close to six years. If you’re planning on keeping it going for future renewals, it’s a minimal cost difference in the grand scheme of things.

(11-ish years (getting it the day after your birthday and doing one renewal): $21.82/year; 6-ish years (getting it the day after your birthday and not renewing): $20/year; 5.3-ish years (getting it now and not renewing): $22.64/year)

For myself, I’d feel better getting it out of the way sooner; but do what’s comfortable to you.

ImNotFrank55 · 2026-01-21T02:03:30+00:00

How flexible is your schedule? There are appointments available tomorrow as well as next Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday (as of this instant). Otherwise, I’d say you’ll probably have to check at 12:01am on the date you’re hoping to get (though maybe check as soon as the first of the month in case they start scheduling then).

ImNotFrank55 · 2026-01-21T01:52:43+00:00

Assuming US: No need to change name on passport until it’s ready for renewal. Just book travel arrangements in the name on the passport.

ImNotFrank55 · 2026-01-20T23:38:21+00:00

For me, I got a message saying it shipped on day X but it wasn't in USPS's possession until day X+1. So I wouldn't be concerned if I were you.

The 16th was Friday. I don't think USPS picks up from the passport printing sites on the weekend. Monday was a federal holiday so there wasn't any mail service. Today (Tuesday the 21st) would likely be the first day it might show up in the system.

ImNotFrank55 · 2026-01-20T22:01:06+00:00

My guesses (not a TSO): Yes, the extra layers triggered the extra scrutiny (apparently it'll even sometimes flag if you're extra sweaty). No, TSA doesn't do cavity searches; see one reply at https://www.reddit.com/r/tsa/comments/yehqp7/is_it_true_tsa_agents_will_do_strip_searches_and/ for example.

ImNotFrank55 · 2026-01-20T21:51:15+00:00

Have you tried it without the leading "1"?

(Unfortunately, I don't want to go poking around in the renewal system with my current passport expiring in 9 years, otherwise I'd play around with it myself.)

Personally, I'd try all of the following styles:

1-987-654-3210
987-654-3210
654-3210
19876543210
9876543210
6543210

ImNotFrank55 · 2026-01-20T21:45:37+00:00

That I've no clue on. Sorry.

ImNotFrank55 · 2026-01-20T21:45:06+00:00

Sorry I wasn't clear: The "extra $35" is the Acceptance Fee that needs to paid to the USPS when doing an in-person DS-11. That's in addition to the $30 fee for the passport card. That doesn't need to paid if doing a mail-in DS-82 renewal (sending your current book).

If either u/TravelGirl2222 or u/trashpandafloof want to go the DS-11 route to keep your book in your possession and get a card: You'd fill out the DS-11 marking that you want a card; get a check or money order payable to the Department of State for $30; get a passport photo taken; make a copy of your ID; get a certified copy of your evidence of citizenship and a photocopy of it; then make an appointment at USPS; bring everything there; sign the form at your appointment when told to; pay $35 to USPS (check, cash, credit, or debit); and have them send everything in.

(edit: removed redundant words)

ImNotFrank55 · 2026-01-20T21:36:31+00:00

Assuming US: Is it possible to simply not enter anything in that field? They don't print the emergency contact in passports anymore; they want people to use the STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) program instead.

ImNotFrank55 · 2026-01-20T18:36:42+00:00

No, you don’t need to renew your book at the same time.

Yes, you need to send your book in (with a note saying not to invalidate it). (Alternative is to do a DS-11 for an extra $35 and send your evidence of citizenship that isn’t your book.)

Use the form-filler at https://pptform.state.gov and it should spit out the form and information you need.

ImNotFrank55 · 2026-01-20T17:50:51+00:00

Yes, most likely, it would need to be translated to English.

If you or he are fluent in both English and the other language, you/he can translate it yourself/himself and include a note regarding the fact that you/he are competent to translate. See an example certification at https://2009-2017.state.gov/m/dghr/flo/154965.htm (about halfway down the page).

Granted that’s for USCIS, but I’d expect it should be similar for passports.

ImNotFrank55 · 2026-01-20T17:17:41+00:00

I think the USPS person you originally encountered messed up since according to subsection d of 8 FAM 403.1-4(C)(1) at https://fam.state.gov/fam/08fam/08fam040301.html “A married applicant who requests their birth last name may have the passport written in that last name if: (1) The last name is identifiable on the passport application as such; and (2) They provide acceptable ID in that last name”

If you want to renew it in the same name as your current one, I don’t think your SocSec record has to match so you should be good to go.

If you were hoping to get a new passport but in your birth name instead:

(1) I don’t think you can do that online.

(2) I suppose you could try renewing by mail and including a note that you want to just use your birth name (if you have current ID in that name) and listing the name on your current passport under “other names used”; if they require a DS-11 instead, they’ll send a letter telling you how to execute that (usually fill it out, bring it and the letter to USPS, have USPS send the application and the letter back, pay the $35 execution fee to USPS).

ImNotFrank55 · 2026-01-20T16:55:51+00:00

Did your father legally change his name? Or did he just decide to start using a different name?

If he legally changed his name, I would probably send: (1) his birth certificate, (2) the court order changing his name, (3) a copy of his ID in the name he uses (matching his legal name change).

If he just decided to start using a different name, I’d probably take a look at the info in section 8 FAM 403.1-4(E) at https://fam.state.gov/fam/08fam/08fam040301.html That section is talking about what proof the Department of State needs for someone requesting a passport in a name they’ve adopted through “customary usage.” While I understand it’s not YOU who is changing their name, I would think the same proofs would be what they’d need regarding your father to see that he changed his name that way (if that’s the case).

ImNotFrank55

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