What is a twic card?

What is a TWIC card?

A TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential) card is a biometric identification card issued by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to individuals who need unescorted access to secure areas of maritime facilities and vessels. The card contains the holder's name, photograph, and biometric information such as fingerprints. TWIC cardholders must pass a security threat assessment and background check before the card is issued. The card is used to verify the identity of the holder and to ensure that only authorized personnel have access to secure areas.

Why would I need a TWIC card?

You may need a TWIC card if you work in a maritime industry and need unescorted access to secure areas of maritime facilities or vessels. This includes individuals such as longshoremen, truck drivers, port employees, and merchant mariners. If your job requires you to enter areas such as cargo terminals, port facilities, and vessels that are regulated by the TSA, you will likely be required to have a TWIC card. Additionally, certain areas of the coast and waterways may also require a TWIC card for access.

How much does it cost to obtain a TWIC card?

The cost of obtaining a TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential) card can vary depending on your location and the type of application you are submitting.
As of 2023, the fee for

New applicant: $125.25
New applicant reduced rate:
In-Person renewal: $125.25
Online renewal: $117.25
Replacement card: $60

25. However, fees are subject to change, you can check the TSA's website for the most current fee information.

Additionally, there may be additional fees for things such as fingerprinting, background check, and other services that are required as part of the TWIC card application process. These additional fees can vary depending on your location, so it's best to check with the TSA or the TWIC enrollment center where you plan to apply for more information on the specific costs.

It's also worth noting that you may be eligible for a fee waiver if you are a maritime worker with low income, and you can check the TSA's website for more information.

I have a felony will I be able to obtain a twic card ?

Whether or not you will be able to obtain a TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential) card if you have a felony conviction will depend on the specific circumstances of your conviction and the requirements of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

According to TSA guidelines, having a criminal conviction does not automatically disqualify an individual from obtaining a TWIC card. However, the TSA conducts a security threat assessment (STA) on all TWIC card applicants, which includes a background check.

The TSA will review the nature, circumstances, and relevance of the conviction in relation to the TWIC card eligibility requirements, and make a determination on whether the individual poses a security threat. Factors such as the type of crime, how long ago it was committed, and the individual's rehabilitation efforts will be considered.

It's also worth noting that certain types of criminal convictions may be grounds for disqualification for a TWIC card. For example, certain felony conviction related to espionage, sabotage, treason, terrorism, or transportation security incident are disqualifying.

It's best to contact the TSA or the TWIC enrollment center to understand the specific guidelines and process for obtaining a TWIC card with a felony conviction.

Eligibility

You may apply if you are a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, naturalized citizen or a nonimmigrant alien, asylee, or refugee who is in lawful status.

Applicants may be ineligible due to:

Incomplete or false application information.
Disqualifying criminal offenses and other factors.

Where can I apply for a twic card?

You can apply for a TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential) card at a TWIC enrollment center. TWIC enrollment centers are located throughout the United States, and you can find the nearest one to you by using the TWIC enrollment center locator on the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website.

When you apply for a TWIC card, you will be required to provide certain information and documents such as proof of identity and citizenship, proof of employment or job offer in the maritime industry, and fingerprints. You will also be required to pay a fee, as well as any additional fees that may be required for fingerprinting and other services.

It's also worth noting that you will be required to have an appointment to apply for a TWIC card. You can schedule your appointment online or by phone. The process of applying for a TWIC card can take up to several weeks, so it's best to plan ahead and apply well in advance of when you will need the card.

You can check the TSA's website for more information on the TWIC card application process and to find the nearest TWIC enrollment center.

Apply here!

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach to you TWIC by calling (855) 347-8371 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET. If you cannot find an answer to your question.

Can a TWIC® card be confiscated or taken from an individual by an employer?

No. The TWIC® card is the property of TSA.

Exception: an employer must retrieve a TWIC® card from an alien when their work visa expires and return it to TSA. Law enforcement, TSA or U.S. Coast Guard personnel may also confiscate a TWIC if used in conjunction with a crime.

Can I apply for TWIC® with a non-binary gender and gender non-conforming identity document on the TWIC® application?

Yes, TSA is committed to promoting the freedom, dignity, and equality of all people, including LGBTQIA+. Individuals who apply for TWIC®, including persons utilizing a non-binary and gender non-conforming identity document, may self-select Male, Female, or Another Gender as their gender when applying for TWIC®.

How can I go to work gain access to a facility while waiting for my replacement card?

U.S. Coast Guard policy allows workers who meet certain requirements to continue to have access to a regulated facility while waiting for their replacement card. One of the conditions is to have a receipt showing that you ordered a replacement card. Please contact the U.S. Coast Guard for further details on their policy.

How can I make an appointment for in-person enrollment?

You may make an appointment online through the Universal Enrollment Services website or by calling (855) 347-8371 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET. If pre-enrollment is available, you may make an appointment online during the pre-enrollment process.

How can I request a replacement TWIC® card or request a card transfer?

Request a TWIC® replacement card or card transfer online or call 855-347-8371 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET. If paying by company check or with a money order, you must visit an application center and have the card ordered.

How do I change the gender I provided to TWIC®?

Individuals with an active TWIC® may call (855) 347-8371 weekdays, between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. ET, to request a gender data update with the TWIC® Program. Please note, updating your gender will not impact your TWIC® status.

How do I renew my TWIC®?

TWIC® card holders may renew their TWIC® card online up to one year prior to the expiration date printed on their card and up to one year after their card expires. After one year, you will be considered a new enrollee, subject to the standard in-person enrollment process. To be eligible for online renewal, you must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or a lawful permanent resident.

If you have changed your name since enrollment, you must contact the TSA Help Center at 855-DHS-UES1 (855-347-8371) to update your name before renewing online. If you are not eligible for online renewal, you can follow the same steps as a new applicant to renew your TWIC® card in person at an enrollment center.

How does TSA protect the privacy of the information I provide?

To ensure your privacy is protected, your data is encrypted, stored and transmitted securely using methods that protect the information from unauthorized retrieval or use.

How much does a TWIC® card cost?

The fee for a new TWIC® enrollment is $125.25, and the credential is valid for five years. If you hold a valid Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME) or a Free and Secure Trade (FAST) card, you may pay a reduced fee of $93.00. If you choose to pay the reduced fee, you must present your HME or FAST card at the time of enrollment. If you pay the reduced fee, your TWIC® card expiration date will be five years from the issuance date of the supporting FAST card or the expiration date of your current, unexpired HME. If you are renewing your TWIC® card, you will be charged a fee of $125.25 to renew in-person, or if you are eligible for online renewal and choose to renew online the fee will be $117.25.

How will my name appear on my TWIC® card?

Your first name, middle initial, and last name will be displayed on your TWIC® card. Prefixes and suffixes are not displayed.

If I find my lost card after I reported it missing, can I still use it?

No. If you find your card after ordering a replacement, then you should destroy the old card or return it directly to TSA to the address on the back of the card.

What are the rules for handling a TWIC®?

Protect your card by keeping it in the hard plastic case provided with your TWIC.
Do not place or hang in direct sunlight (for example, do not place on dashboard, visor, or hang from rear view mirror of automobile).
Do not flex, bend, or punch a hole in the card.
Do not carry the TWIC in your wallet, as it is subject to bending.
Do not laminate or apply any tape or labels to the TWIC.
Do not punch a hole in the card to wear it on a string; use the card holder.
Do not place the card near a magnet or in a strong magnetic field.Industrial magnets (e.g. scrap yards, container lifters, etc.) may damage a TWIC if it is in close proximity to the magnetic source.

What does it mean that I can self-select my preferred gender during the TWIC® application process?

You can select gender on your TWIC® application that is most appropriate for you - Male, Female, or Another Gender. The gender on your identification document does not have to match the gender you select on your TWIC® application. Medical certification or a physician's letter is not required when enrolling with a gender that does not match the gender on your identification documents.

What happens after I submit my application?

TSA’s goal is to provide you with a response within 60 days of receiving the information you provided at enrollment. This may take longer if there was difficulty capturing your fingerprints during enrollment. You can check your status online at any time.

What if I haven’t received my TWIC® card yet?

TWIC® applicants who request their TWIC® card by mail will receive a phone or email notification that the card has been mailed. After notification, it should arrive at the address provided during enrollment or at an enrollment center within 10 days. If it is not received within the ten days, applicants have 60 days to report non-receipt of the card by visiting the Universal Enrollment Serviceswebsite or calling (855) 347-8371 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET. Failure to report non-receipt of the card within 60 days will result in a $60 fee to replace the lost card.

What if I no longer meet the eligibility requirements?

You must report the disqualifying condition to TSA and surrender your TWIC to TSA by mailing the card to the address on the back.

What if I receive a Preliminary Determination of Ineligibility letter from TSA?

If TSA finds potentially disqualifying information, TSA will send you a letter with instructions on how to proceed.

What is the legal interpretation of the phrase “field of transportation”?

The legal interpretation of the phrase “field of transportation” as it relates to fees covering the cost of vetting services can be found on the Federal Register as Docket ID TSA-2016-0001.

What is the TWIC annotated B-1 visa and who can apply for one?

Foreign nationals who perform maritime services in the United States and require access to secure areas of facilities and vessels can apply for this type of B-1 visa, specifically designed for the TWIC program. These individuals are required to meet the eligibility requirements set forth by the Department of State for a B-1 visa (‘Temporary Visitor for Business’) and are required to provide an official letter from their employer stating that a TWIC is required to perform the individual’s job in the maritime industry.

This letter must be provided to the relevant U.S. Embassy or Consulate as part of the individual’s visa application. The employer letter must contain details such as the type of work performed by the individual, the location and duration of the work, as well as employer contact information is required if additional information or follow up is necessary.

What personal information is stored on my TWIC® card?

Your full name, expiration date, digital photo and two fingerprints.

Where can I find information about TWIC® readers?

Information about TWIC® readers can be found on the U.S. Coast Guard Homeport website.

Who is considered part of the field of transportation and can pay for TSA’s vetting services through user fees?

According to fee statute (6 U.S.C. 469(a)), the field of transportation includes any individual, activity, entity, facility, owner or operator that is subject to regulation by TSA, the Department of Transportation or the U.S. Coast Guard. This also includes individuals applying for trusted traveler programs, such as TSA PreCheck®.