Hyphenated last name global entry
 

I have a hyphenated last name. I want to apply for global entry but I don't want to mess up the last name on my passport the name is hyphenated but when I get tickets for flights those systems either run it all together or leave space but not hyphen. I want to make sure of what I should put as my last name when i am applying to global entry so that it will match and not cause issues.

Take a look at the machine readable line at the bottom the picture page on your passport.

The part after "P<XXX" (XXX would the the code for your country) and before the "<<" would be your last name. If you see a single "<", replace it with a space when making your application.

Example:

Human Readable Section
Last Name: Smith-Jones
Given Name(s): Amy Kathleen

Machine Readable Section
P<USASMITH<JONES<<AMY<KATHLEEN

When filling out forms, use "SMITH JONES" as your last name.

I wouldn’t worry about what is on the bottom of the passport. If hyphen is printed on the actual name, it should be included in the application.

I tend to think GE is tied to the passport number not name via MRZ.

I have first hand experience of hyphen in given name and it has not been an issue with GE, NEXUS, or PreCheck.

When making booking, the hyphen is included if allowed and replace with space if is not accepted. Has not been a problem at all even when booking via OTA, airline partner, directly with airline where some systems allow for hyphen and others spaces only and some systems where neither hyphen or space is allowed.

I have hyphenated last name and it is shown as that on my GE/PASSID/TTP