SENTRI is the world's first automated dedicated commuter lane, using advanced Automatic Vehicle Identification (AVI) technology modified to meet the stringent law enforcement needs at the border, while at the same time providing a more efficient means of traffic management, thereby reducing congestion. SENTRI is a border management process that has allowed the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection to vigorously enforce the law and swiftly accelerate the inspections of certain low risk, pre-enrolled crossers at ports of entry. The system identifies travelers who pose little risk to border security, verifies their low risk status through extensive record checks, and screens approved participants, and their vehicles, each and every time they enter the United States. SENTRI was first implemented at the Otay Mesa, California port of entry on November 1, 1995. SENTRI Dedicated Commuter Lanes also exist at El Paso (Stanton Street Bridge) and San Ysidro.

Wait Times With SENTRI
Participants in the program wait for much shorter periods of time than regular lanes to enter the United States, even at the busiest time of day. Critical information required in the inspection process is provided to the inspector in advance of the passenger's arrival thus reducing the inspection time from an average of 30-40 seconds to an average of 10 seconds. Upon reaching the booth, the driver stops, reaches out the window and swipes an electronically coded PortPass card through a magnetic stripe card reader. If both the inspector and the SENTRI electronic equipment approve, the traffic light turns green, the exit gate raises, the tire shredders retract, and the traveler can drive into the United States.

SENTRI Application Information:
The SENTRI Program requires all applicants to enroll in person at the SENTRI Enrollment Center. Enrollment is scheduled by appointment. To schedule your appointment, please call the Otay Mesa, CA SENTRI DCL Office at (619) 690-7600 Monday through Friday 8:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. The SENTRI DCL Enrollment Center for both Otay Mesa and San Ysidro located in:

Otay Mesa SENTRI Office
2500 Paseo Internacional
Otay Mesa, California 92143-3231


Or the El Paso, Texas SENTRI Office at (915) 872-3472 Monday through Friday 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. The SENTRI DCL Enrollment Center for El Paso is located in:

Ysletta Port of Entry
797 X. Zaragoza Road, Building A
El Paso, Texas 79907

The SENTRI program uses Form I-823. You can print and fill out your form before you go Click Here to print a I-823 form. When applying, each SENTRI applicant must bring with them the following information:

Step 1
Forms must be completed prior to the applicant's arrival at the Enrollment Center. The applicant must also provide originals and copies of the following documents at that time:
1. Evidence of Citizenship. Birth Certificate, U.S. Passport, or Naturalization Certificate
2. Valid Passport/Visa or other entry document, if applicable
3. Evidence of Lawful Permanent Residence in the United States, if applicable
4. Valid Driver's License issued by the state in which you reside
5. Current Vehicle Registration (not vehicle title) and evidence of U.S. Automobile Insurance - if the vehicle is not registered in the name of the applicant, a notarized letter authorizing its use by the applicant is needed. A company vehicle requires written authorization on company letterhead. Vehicles registered in Mexico must be covered by an insurance policy written by a company authorized to write motor vehicle liability insurance in the U.S.
6. Evidence of Employment or Financial Support. Most recent year's tax return, most recent pay receipts, or Direct Deposit Salary Statement. Self-employed applicants must present business license, current tax information, and bank statements.
7. Evidence of Residence. Mortgage or rent payment receipts and utility bills
A non-refundable $25.00 application fee and a $24.00 fingerprint fee are required in the initial interview. Upon completion of the interview, the applicant’s fingerprints are taken, copies of all documents made, and an applicant file is created.

Step 2
The applicant will be contacted at a later date for a final appointment, during which the vehicle will be inspected and a transponder issued for the registered vehicle. All vehicles must conform to the required maximum wheel base length of 142 inches and maximum height of 75 inches. A final system cost fee of $80.00 will be due on the second interview.
Upon successful completion of the application process and the vehicle inspection, each applicant will be enrolled in the SENTRI DCL system and issued a SENTRI DCL PortPass. Minor applicants under the age of 14 will not be fingerprinted. However, their presence is required for the enrollment process. Should there be situations in which minor children under the age of 18 will be enrolled as participants without their parents/legal guardians, the parent or legal guardian must accompany their minor applicant during all steps of the application process.
Required Fees
Application Fee: $25.00 per person (or a maximum of $50.00 total for husband, wife and minor children)
Fingerprint Fee: $24.00
System Costs Fee: $80.00 per person (or a maximum of $160.00 total for a husband, wife and minor children)
TOTAL FEE $129.00 per person
If an approved participant wishes to register more than one vehicle for use in the SENTRI DCL lane (maximum of 4 vehicles), or an approved participant wishes to be registered in more than one vehicle (maximum of 8 persons per vehicle), an additional fee of $42.00 per vehicle will be assessed. Enrollees will be charged a $25.00 replacement fee for a card that has been lost, stolen or destroyed and a $42.00 replacement fee for a lost, stolen or destroyed transponder.
Payment of fees may be made by Master Card, VISA and American Express. For instructions regarding payments by checks or money orders, click here to see additional payment instructions. Exact dollar amount in U.S. currency is acceptable. NO COINS. A $30.00 charge is imposed if a check is not honored by the bank on which it was drawn. All fees are non-refundable.

Source - U.S. Customs and Border Protection

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