Notice as of November 2006:
A press release has been
issued that the new online enrollment system launched November 1,
2006. The system will be able to process new and renewal
applications. People currently enrolled in the SENTRI program will
now enjoy a five year enrollment, the previous enrollment period was
two years.
For the latest information and how to use the new system, you may be
interested in visiting
FAQs about the SENTRI web based system
on the CBP website.
It is available in English and Spanish.
SENTRI On-Line Application
Background Information
The SENTRI program
began as a pilot program in Otay Mesa in 1995 and in San Ysidro in 2000.
Due to its success, the programs are now permanent. Enrollees renew
every five years. Below you will find information about the program, how
to enroll, how to change or add a vehicle, and how to renew your
enrollment.
What is the SENTRI program?
The SENTRI (Secure Electronic Network for
Travelers Rapid Inspection) program, launched by US Customs and Border
Protection, are dedicated commuter lanes where prescreened applicants
and vehicles are allowed to cross the border Northbound into the US
usually more quickly and efficiently. The enrollees have been rigorously
background checked and have been determined to be a low risk to the
security of the US border. As one approaches the inspection area, photos
and information are given to the inspector about the driver, passengers
and vehicle from the sticker "transponder" on the vehicle and the
information on the SENTRI Portpass card. Secondary inspection is
randomly determined by computer or if the inspector senses something
suspicious.
How do the SENTRI lanes work?
As you approach the inspection station,
your SENTRI Portpass card or cards will need to be read by the
electronic equipment. You will see a sign showing you where to point the
cards. Hold the cards out the window toward the equipment. Since your
vehicle sticker "transponder" is permanently applied to your windshield,
the equipment will also read it and send the information to the officer.
Once you approach the officer, hold out your SENTRI Portpass card or
card to him or her.
Who can apply for a SENTRI pass?
Anyone can apply, but not all are accepted.
How much
faster is the SENTRI line compared to the other border crossing lanes?
In general, the SENTRI is an average of 20 - 30 seconds faster
per vehicle inspected and therefore wait time, even during rush hour is
significantly reduced. Each SENTRI inspection is an average of 10
seconds. The SENTRI is especially convenient during the morning and
evening rush hour and on weekends.
What border crossings have a SENTRI
line?
The system is currently being used at the
Otay Mesa, San Ysidro, and Calexico border crossings in California and
the El Paso (Stanton Street Bridge) crossing in Texas.
Where are the lanes located?
The SENTRI lanes in San Ysidro and Otay
Mesa are located all the way to the far right and are sectioned off by
concrete dividers and have their own entrances.
How much does it cost to obtain a
SENTRI pass?
The total fee is $129.00 per person. Here
is a breakdown of the fees:
- Application fee $25.00 (or $50.00 total for husband, wife,
children)
- Fingerprint fee $24.00
- System cost fee $80.00 (or $160.00 total for husband, wife,
children)
Other fees:
- Lost Portpass card replacement fee $25.00
- Replacement fee for transponder $42.00
Additional fees apply to enroll more than one vehicle into the program
(up to 4 vehicles maximum). The fee applies towards two years enrollment
in the program.
How can I enroll?
Visit the Customs & Border Protection website to begin an
online application.
Where are the SENTRI offices and what are their
hours of operation?
- Otay Mesa SENTRI office (serves Otay and San
Ysidro crossings)
Otay Mesa Port of Entry
2500 Paseo Internacional
San Diego, CA 92154
Phone: 619.690.7600
We do not recommend leaving a message. The office is overwhelmed and
has not been calling people back. They accept walk-ins for
information and to obtain forms.
Phone Hours: Monday - Friday 7am - 8pm; Saturday and Sunday 7am -
3pm
Office Hours: Monday - Friday 7am - 8pm; Saturday and Sunday 7am -
3pm
- Calexico Port of Entry East
1699 East Carr Road, Building A
Calexico, CA 92231
Phone: 760.768.2488
Hours: Monday - Friday 8am - 3pm
- Nogales
9 North Grand Avenue
Nogales, AZ 85621
(520) 375-5785
- El Paso Texas Ysletta Port of Entry
797 X. Zaragoza Rd, Building A
El Paso, TX 79907
Phone: 915.872.3472
Hours: Monday - Friday 8am - 4pm
- Brownsville
3300 South Expressway 77/83
Brownsville, TX 78520
(956) 983-5668
- Laredo
Lincoln/Juarez Bridge Adm Bldg 2
Laredo, TX 78040
(956) 523-7399
- Hidalgo
6620 S. 33rd Street, Bldg J, Suite 20
McAllen, TX 78503
(956) 618-1680
How does the enrollment process work?
- Complete an
online application
- Follow the online instructions from the SENTRI office. They will
notify you when to schedule your interview appointment.
- To be prepared for your initial appointment, make sure you have
the originals and a copy of each document below for the office to
keep on file:
- Evidence of Citizenship: Birth Certificate, US Passport, or
Naturalization Certificate
- Valid passport, visa or other entry document if applicable.
- Evidence of lawful permanent residence in the US if
applicable.
- Valid driver's license issued by the state in which you
reside.
- Current vehicle registration and evidence of US automobile
insurance; if the vehicle is not registered in the name of the
applicant, a notarized letter signed by the vehicle owner
allowing use of the vehicle is required. Mexican registered
vehicles must bring proof of having US auto insurance.
- Evidence of employment of financial support: recent tax
return, recent pay stubs, or direct deposit statements. Persons
who are self employed must bring business license, current tax
information and bank statements.
- Evidence of residence: mortgage or rent payment receipts and
utility bills.
- Marriage certificate
- Original only: "Carta de no antecedentes penales" for
Mexican nationals residing in Mexico.
- The application fee and fingerprint fee are required at the
initial appointment and your fingerprints will be taken.
- After conducting a background check, the SENTRI office will
contact you to set the final appointment. During the final
appointment, your vehicle is inspected and the transponder is
installed. The final fee of $80.00 is required at this time.
Final Appointment Guidelines (Vehicle Inspection)
- You must arrive to your appointment 30 minutes before your
scheduled time
- Both front and back license plates need to be attached to the
vehicle
- The windshield must be free of cracks
- The windows on the driver's and front passenger's side must not
be tinted
- Bring valid vehicle registration and one copy
- Bring valid insurance and one copy
- Bring valid driver's license and one copy
- Park in visitor's parking
- Do not use your cell phone
- No pets allowed
What forms of payment are accepted?
Accepted forms of payment are Visa, Mastercard,
American Express, check or money order. Cash (US dollars) is accepted if
it is presented in the exact dollar amount. No coins are accepted. They
do enforce a returned check fee and all fees are non-refundable.
What are the hours of operation of the
SENTRI lanes?
San Ysidro :
24 Hours a Day - As of January 1, 2008
Otay Mesa:
5:00 AM-8:00 PM(Pacific) Weekdays (Monday-Friday) 5:00 AM-12:00
AM(Pacific) Weekends (Saturday-Sunday) 5:00 AM-12:00 AM(Pacific)
Holidays
What if I already have a SENTRI pass and I need to
change a vehicle?
- Visit the SENTRI office to obtain a "Change of Vehicle"
application. Bring a copy of the new vehicle's registration and
insurance cards to submit on the spot.
- The SENTRI office will call you within two weeks to schedule an
appointment for the vehicle inspection once your application has
been approved.
- Once your application is approved, you will be called to
schedule your appointment. As of August 2006 it is taking about two
weeks more for your appointment date.
- Read the "Final Appointment Guidelines" above regarding what you
will need to bring to your appointment .
- The fee for changing a vehicle is $42.00.
How may I add passengers to my vehicle?
Passengers no longer have to be added to a vehicle. As long as the
vehicle has the new SENTRI transponder (the thin sticker) and the
passengers cards are updated with a bar code sticker, they may cross in
any vehicle.
How do I renew my SENTRI pass?
- If you need to renew, visit the SENTRI
online enrollment system
to submit an application.
- You may need to present the following at your renewal
appointment:
- Evidence of Citizenship: Birth Certificate, US Passport, or
Naturalization Certificate
- Valid passport, visa or other entry document if applicable.
- Evidence of lawful permanent residence in the US if
applicable.
- Valid driver's license issued by the state in which you
reside.
- Current vehicle registration and evidence of US automobile
insurance; if the vehicle is not registered in the name of the
applicant, a notarized letter signed by the vehicle owner
allowing use of the vehicle is required. Mexican registered
vehicles must bring proof of having US auto insurance.
- Evidence of employment of financial support: recent tax
return, recent pay stubs, or direct deposit statements. Persons
who are self employed must bring business license, current tax
information and bank statements.
- Evidence of residence: mortgage or rent payment receipts and
utility bills.
- Marriage certificate
- Original only: "Carta de no antecedentes penales" for
Mexican nationals residing in Mexico
- Your photo will be taken again and a new SENTRI card issued
which will be valid for five years.
- Renewal fees:
- Application fee: $25.00
- System cost fee: $80.00
- Fingerprint fee: $24.00 (if necessary)
- Secondary vehicle fee: $42.00 each vehicle
More Information
For further information about the SENTRI program,
visit:
the
US Customs and Border Protection website.
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