TWIC®

Apply Online Renew Online Schedule an Appointment Find an Application Center Replace a Card

The Transportation Worker Identification Credential, also known as TWIC®, is required by the Maritime Transportation Security Act for workers who need access to secure areas of the nation’s maritime facilities and vessels. TSA conducts a security threat assessment (background check) to determine a person’s eligibility and issues the credential. U.S. citizens and immigrants in certain immigration categories may apply for the credential. Most mariners licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard also require a credential. Regarding card usage and facility access requirements, please contact the U.S. Coast Guard.

 

Important Notice: TSA recommends that all applicants enroll for TWIC® (including renewals) a minimum of 60 days before applicants require a valid TWIC. TSA is experiencing increased demand for TWIC, and the processing times for some applicants may exceed 45 days.

Apply

Complete the online application or you can complete the entire process in person at an application center.
Schedule an appointment online or call (855) 347-8371 weekdays, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET. Walk-ins are welcome but appointments take priority.
Visit a TWIC application center to:
  1. Provide required documentation, be fingerprinted and take a facial photo. Bring your current U.S. passport or a driver’s license and birth certificate.
  2. Pay a non-refundable fee valid for five years with a credit card, money order, company check or certified/cashier’s check.
    • New applicant: $125.25
    • New applicant reduced rate: $93.00*
    • In-Person renewal: $125.25
    • Online renewal: $117.25
    • Replacement card: $60.00
  1. You can have your card mailed to your home address or you can pick it up at the application center. You can check your status online at any time.
 

To be eligible for the reduced rate you must present a valid driver license with a hazardous materials endorsement, or a Free and Secure Trade card. Please note, if you select the reduced rate, your new TWIC card will be valid for five years from the chosen document’s issuance date.

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:

TWIC® FAQ

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.

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®.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

  • 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.

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. 

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.

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 Services website 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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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®.

TWIC® Recurrent Vetting FAQ

TSA adjudicates recurrent vetting notifications by applying the same disqualifying factors and processes used to adjudicate the initial security threat assessment. Once TSA makes a determination of ineligibility based on recurrent vetting factors, the agency issues a preliminary determination of ineligibility to the TWIC® holder and allows the individual to appeal or apply for a waiver. If a final determination of ineligibility is made, TSA notifies the applicant and revokes the TWIC® card.

In some circumstances, an investigation may be needed, or the recurrent vetting may indicate that an applicant poses a serious or imminent threat. In such cases, TSA conducts investigations with DHS’s Homeland Security Investigations and other law enforcement agencies. When it’s determined a TWIC® applicant may pose an imminent threat, TSA can immediately suspend the applicant’s TWIC® card.

TWIC® recurrent vetting provides near real-time continuous monitoring of the eligibility status of approved TWIC® applicants for the length of the valid security threat assessment.

Since TWIC® was launched in 2007, TSA has conducted recurrent vetting of cardholders through the terrorist screening database and vetted individuals who may be wanted by police and/or who may have warrants out for their arrest via the National Crime Information Center.

In 2014, TSA expanded TWIC® security threat assessment recurrent vetting capabilities by enrolling TWIC® applicants in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Automated Biometric Identification System (IDENT). IDENT is a system of databases that store and share biometric and biographical information, such as fingerprints and digital photographs, for more than 259 million individuals. 

IDENT sends TSA a notification to indicate that information on a TWIC® holder was received via a biometric fingerprint match to an identity or individual in its database that may result in a TWIC® card being revoked. IDENT notifications include immigrant and non-immigrant benefit status changes, immigration enforcement activities, new arrests, arrest warrants and/or individuals who may be wanted by police, and terrorist watchlist communications which may indicate potential national security threats.

In fiscal year 2021, TSA will implement the FBI’s Next Generation Identification Rap Back for TWIC® holders. This program provides a subscription-based recurrent vetting service, allowing unsolicited notification of changes to a TWIC® applicant or cardholder’s criminal history records information.

When TSA decides to revoke a TWIC® card, the agency informs facility security officials via the TWIC® Canceled Card List and the Visual Canceled Card List. The two lists are publicly available (including only Federal Agency Smartcard Numbers (FASC-Ns) or Credential Identification Numbers (CINs); no personally identifiable information) and updated daily to display TWIC® cards that have been canceled, allowing facility and vessel operators to determine whether a presented TWIC® card is valid.
 
The presence of a TWIC® card on the Canceled Card List and/or Visual Canceled Card List cannot be used to infer derogatory information about the cardholder; it simply indicates the card is no longer valid. While the two lists include cards that are revoked after recurrent vetting, the lists also include cards that have been replaced because they are lost, stolen or damaged.  TWIC® cards that are canceled cannot be removed from the two lists, and canceled cards should be returned to TSA. 

TWIC® Canceled Card List (CCL) FAQ

TSA's Canceled Card List is updated every 24 hours and available online at https://universalenroll.dhs.gov/. TSA daily validates the accuracy of the list and provides transparent messaging on the list’s availability.

The Canceled Card List allows facilities and vessels to determine if TSA canceled a TWIC® card. If TSA determines that a TWIC® cardholder is ineligible for a TWIC® or poses a potential threat to national or transportation security, the cardholder’s TWIC® will be listed on the Canceled Card List. Using this information, facility security officials can make informed decisions on granting cardholders unescorted access to secure areas.

The TWIC® Canceled Card List provides security officials a list of TWIC® cards that were canceled after issued to the cardholder. This list includes TWIC® cards that were canceled due to a cardholder being ruled ineligible and cards reported lost, stolen or damaged. TWIC® cards that are canceled cannot be removed from the Canceled Card List or Visual Canceled Card List. All canceled TWIC® cards should be returned to TSA. (Note: TSA does not cancel expired cards. Security personnel can validate whether a TWIC® has expired by visually checking the card's expiration date printed on the front of the card.)

TSA provides users with a Canceled Card List and Visual Canceled Card List. The Canceled Card List provides the Federal Agency Smart Credential Numbers (FASC-Ns) of canceled cards. The Visual Canceled Card List provides the Credential Identification Numbers (CINs) of canceled cards.

When security officials cannot visually inspect a card’s Federal Agency Smart Credential Numbers, they commonly use the Canceled Card List in physical access control solutions or readers in which the TWIC® card is electronically inspected to manage access control. Credential Identification Numbers are visibly printed on the front and/or back of the TWIC® card, and security officials may use the Visual Canceled Card List to support visual inspection of TWIC® cards.

TWIC® NexGen Card FAQ

Yes. You can obtain a replacement for a $60.00 fee. Please visit the Universal Enrollment Services website or call (855) 347-8371 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET, or visit an enrollment center to request a replacement TWIC® card.

No. The TWIC® card is property of the federal government.

During the enrollment process, TWIC® applicants are required to acknowledge their understanding that when they receive or pick up a new/replacement TWIC®, or when their TWIC® card expires, they are responsible for turning in their previous TWIC®. On receipt of the new TWIC® NexGen card, please send the previous and/or expired TWIC® to the TSA address on the back of the card or return the card to an enrollment center.

Yes. You may renew your TWIC® card online or in-person at an enrollment center.

If you renew in-person, we recommend that you schedule an appointment. If appointments are not immediately available at the enrollment center of your choice, we encourage you to schedule an appointment at one of the alternate enrollment centers in the area. Appointments are encouraged to save you time but are not required as most enrollment centers will accept walk-ins for TWIC® applicants.

No. The current TWIC® design will remain valid until the expiration date listed on the card. Both the current and new TWIC® NexGen cards will be accepted.

No. New enrollments must continue to complete the in-person enrollment process at an enrollment center. You will be required to provide the necessary identity/immigration documentation and submit fingerprints during your in-person enrollment. We recommend that you schedule an appointment. Visit the Universal Enrollment Services website or call (855) 347-8371 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET for more information.

If you are a current of previous TWIC® card holder, you may be eligible to renew your TWIC® card online or in-person at an enrollment center up to one year prior to the expiration date printed on your card and up to one year after your card expires.

All applicants should plan to enroll or renew at least 60 days prior to the date they require a TWIC®.  Dependent on potential disqualifying factors or delivery issues, most new TWIC® cards will arrive within 7-10 business days after the TWIC® is approved by TSA. If the U.S. Postal Service cannot deliver your card to the address you provided, it will not be forwarded and the card will be returned to TSA. Please make sure you maintain an updated address with Universal Enrollment Services.

Applicants may check the status of their enrollments at the Universal Enrollment Services website or by calling (855) 347-8371 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET. Please note, when checking your status online you will be required to enter the same contact information (phone or email) provided during enrollment.

No. TSA will not accept an expired TWIC® to board a plane. Please plan to apply for and receive a new TWIC® prior to the printed expiration date.

No. The current TWIC® cards will remain valid until the expiration date printed on the card. TWIC® card holders are not required to request a new or replacement TWIC® card until the card expires.

Note: Eligible TWIC® card holders may apply for a TWIC® and extend the validity of their TSA Security Threat Assessment at any point during its 5-year validity. TSA encourages TWIC® card holders to apply for a new TWIC® card at least 60 days prior to expiration to ensure timely delivery and/or pick-up of the new TWIC® card.

The new TWIC® card design incorporates enhanced security features, including tactile printing, holographic laminate, and an Integrated Circuit Chip with the card holder’s name and photograph, card expiration date, and two biometric fingerprint templates. Additionally, the TWIC® NexGen card design will include a color-coded expiration date to promote secure validation of TWIC® by inspectors and facility or vessel owners and operators.

 It’s important to plan ahead to ensure you complete the TWIC® application with enough time to receive a TWIC® card through the mail or via an enrollment center. Most applicants without disqualifying factors will receive their TWIC® cards in less than 10 business days.

Due in part to potential disqualifying factors or delivery issues, TSA suggests applicants apply a minimum of 60 days in advance. TSA does not offer next day or expedited delivery at this time. Please use the Universal Enrollment Services website or call (855) 347-8371 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET for additional assistance.

TSA began issuing the new TWIC® NexGen cards on July 10, 2018, for all new and replacement TWIC® cards. In July, TSA ended production of the current TWIC® design and all cards issued by TSA will be the new, more secure card. 

TSA first issued the TWIC® card in 2007. Over the past decade, the TWIC® card’s vulnerability to potential counterfeiting efforts and fraudulent use has increased. The new TWIC® NexGen card design uses the latest technology to safeguard your identity and promote the secure use of the credential at regulated facilities or vessels.

No. There is no fee increase for the new cards.

No. You will not receive your new TWIC® card during your enrollment. All cards will be printed and mailed from a central facility to the applicant’s designated address or an enrollment center for pick-up. Generally, TWIC® applicants without disqualifying factors will receive their TWIC® in approximately 7-10 business days. Due in part to potential disqualifying factors or delivery issues, TSA suggests applicants apply a minimum of 60 days in advance.

Yes. The new card meets TSA security standards for valid identification, and a valid unexpired TWIC® can be used to board planes. TSA officers are trained to recognize the TWIC® as an acceptable form of identification.

Note: Certain airports, facilities or vessels may request additional information to verify one’s personal identity. Please see the access requirements of individual authorities, owners or operators for additional information.

Yes. TSA will continue to direct mail TWIC® cards to the card holder’s designated address. Alternatively, TWIC® applicants may request to have their TWIC® card shipped to an enrollment center for in-person pick-up.

Contact TWIC

(855) 347-8371
Weekdays:
8 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET

TWIC® Technical Advisory

 TWIC® Technical Advisory Change in Canceled Card List Domains by July 2024

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TSA PreCheck® for TWIC®

Eligible TWIC holders may access TSA PreCheck® screening lanes by providing the identification number printed on their TWIC card during the reservation process.  Card holders must include the TWIC Credential Identification Number (CIN) in the Known Traveler Number (KTN) field of each reservation made with a participating airline.  Please visit the TSA PreCheck® page for more information.

TWIC® NexGen

On July 10, 2018, TSA began issuing a new more secure TWIC®.  The new design aims to deter counterfeiting efforts and mitigate the fraudulent use of the credential by incorporating enhanced security features.  The new card design is compatible with qualified TWIC® readers.

TWIC Fee Change

Effective November 3, 2022, the fee for applicants with a comparable HME or Free and Secure Trade (FAST) STA decreased from $105.25 to $93.00. The fee for an online TWIC renewal is $117.25, a reduction from the previous in-person fee of $125.25.

New Requirement

Starting July 1, 2015, applicants who were born in the United States, and who claim U.S. citizenship, must provide documents to prove their citizenship. Visit required documentation for updated information.

Mailed Cards

Applicants who request to receive their card by mail will receive a phone or email notification that the card has been mailed. You have 60 days to report if you did not receive the card. Failure to report in 60 days will result in a $60 fee to replace the lost card.