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 is the SENTRI office and what are the
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.
Monday - Friday 6am - 8pm; Saturday and
Sunday Closed
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: Daily 4am - midnight including
holidays
Otay Mesa: Daily 5am - 8pm including 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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