? | Transportation Security Administration (2024)

® | Transportation Security Administration (1)

What is a TWIC Card?

® | Transportation Security Administration (2)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.

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

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.

  • Enrollment
  • News
  • Cancelled Card List
  • TWIC® Technology

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. See other acceptable documents.
  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 endorsem*nt, 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:

  • Incomplete or false application information.
  • Disqualifying criminal offenses and other factors.
  • TSA PreCheck for TWIC :
    November 3, 2022
    TSA announces fee reductions for many Hazardous Materials Endorsem*nt andTransportation Worker Identification Credential applicants | Transportation Security Administration
  • TWIC Fee Change:
    July 8, 2020
    Active TWIC and HME holders can use their credentials to obtain TSA PreCheck

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.

Self- Certification for TWIC® Reader Vendors

TWIC® electronic card readers are devices that comply with the TWIC Reader Hardware and Card Application Specification published by TSA and are available through a variety of manufactures. Each manufacture offers a range of readers designed for specific use cases in various models and TWIC Authentication Modes.

TWIC readers and supporting systems are currently being evaluated against a strict set of Test Cases and once they are successfully completed, test cases will be listed on the TWIC Self-Certification Qualified Technology List (TWIC SC-QTL). The SC-QTL list of manufacturers is made available by the TSA to maritime facilities, vessel operators, and the general public and includes detailed reader information. The TSA TWIC Reader SC QTL is updated as additional readers are tested and Self- Certified by the manufacturer.

Purpose of the TWIC Reader SC-QTL

The purpose of the TWIC Reader Self- Certification Qualified Technology List, SC-QTL, effort is to:

  1. Provide a simple to use “TWIC Reader Catalog” where maritime operators, other relying third parties and product specifiers may see a list of TWIC reader products that meet the operational and technical requirements of their facility or vessel as well as other local and TSA requirements.
  2. Provide manufacturers with a public place to list their qualified TWIC reader products and show what Mode(s) of Operation each product is capable of performing.
  3. Offer maritime operators’ confidence that their product selection will indeed be a good fit for their particular operation and evaluated by independent laboratories for compliance.

Current SC-QTL listed readers may be subject to firmware and or hardware updates by the manufacturer and shall be re-tested and recertified by the manufacturer.

Files

  1. SC-QTL Application and Process Roadmap
  2. TWIC Legacy Reader Application form
  3. TWIC Legacy Reader Test Procedures as per claimed reader capabilities
  4. TWIC Legacy Reader Test Card Suite
  5. TWIC SC-QTL Certificate of Completion with SC-QTL Number
  6. Legacy Files
  7. 7a.
  8. 7b.
  9. 7c.
  10. 7d.

TWIC® Technical Advisory

  • TA-2024-TWIC001-V1.0
  • TA-2023-TWIC001-V1.0
  • TA-2022-TWIC002-V1.0
  • TA-2022-TWIC001-V1.0

® | Transportation Security Administration (3)

Contact Us

If you have questions about your TWIC application call
1-855-347-8371
Representatives are available weekdays from:
8 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET.
To check your application status online click here.

FAQ
Click here to find answers to all of your frequently asked questions related to TWIC.

? | Transportation Security Administration (2024)

FAQs

How do I speak to someone at TSA PreCheck? ›

No problem! Reach us at @AskTSA on Facebook, Twitter & Apple Messages, or call (866) 289-9673.

What to expect at TSA airport assessment? ›

Here's an overview of its different steps:
  • The Check-In Stage. ...
  • TSA Color Vision Test. ...
  • The Paneled TSA Standardized Interview. ...
  • TSA Standardized Interview Performance Tip. ...
  • Why Does the TSA Use Panel Interviews? ...
  • Scored Based Interview Questions. ...
  • Fingerprinting and Your Digital Photo.

How long does it take for TSA PreCheck approval? ›

How do I know when I'm approved for TSA PreCheck®? Most applicants receive their Known Traveler Number (KTN) in 3-5 days, though some applications can take up to 60 days.

How long is the TSA hiring process? ›

How long does the TSO hiring process take? The entire process may take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years. The application timeline for the TSA varies in length depending on the number of vacancies in the government department.

Do you have to answer TSA questions? ›

If you are a non-citizen visa holder or visitor, you may be denied entry into the United States if you refuse to answer officers' questions. Officers may not select you for questioning based on your religion, race, national origin, gender, ethnicity, or political beliefs.

Can I walk in to apply for TSA PreCheck? ›

You can pre-enroll online and make an appointment for the in-person process, or walk-in to an enrollment center without an appointment. The online application takes five minutes to complete with the in-person visit taking 10 minutes.

How hard is it to pass the TSA test? ›

Many consider the test hard and you'll likely find it difficult if you don't prepare. The most challenging aspect of the original TSA CBT is the X-ray image interpretation section. The pass rate for this section is around 30%.

How do you know if you failed the TSO test? ›

You will receive a message within minutes of taking the test confirming whether you have passed (or failed) the test.

How to pass the TSA interview? ›

TSA Interview Tips
  1. Show up on time for check-in.
  2. Make sure you come prepared with two forms of ID.
  3. Get a good night's sleep before in the interview.
  4. Make sure you have your glasses or contacts if needed.
  5. Use your candidate dashboard to collect any needed information.

What is the quickest way to get approved for TSA PreCheck? ›

When approved to travel with TSA PreCheck®, low-risk travelers will have a smoother experience at the airport security checkpoint. The fastest and easiest way to enroll in TSA PreCheck® is to start the application online.

Should you dress up for TSA PreCheck interview? ›

Generally, an interview calls for you to wear professional attire. That said, a TSA PreCheck interview is pretty informal, so you can likely get away with dressing casually. Still, we recommend you leave the pajamas at home.

Is it hard to get hired TSA? ›

Getting into the TSA is not difficult because there are only a few basic requirements. You need to be a U.S. citizen and at least 18 years old. High school education is needed and you need to be healthy and able to pass a drug screening test. A background investigation will also need to be conducted.

How do I know if I passed the TSA exam? ›

The TSA assessment is extremely important because it gives TSA more in depth insight into your skills. Candidates will be required to take the test at designated testing centers. Within a few minutes of taking the CBT test for TSO positions you will receive an email letting you know whether you passed.

What shows up on a TSA background check? ›

The TSA Background Check

From checking credit rating to unpaid debts, and criminal convictions, there are a number of factors that can you lead to automatic disqualification. The background check is thorough and is conducted at a State or Government Facility.

How do I contact clear customer service? ›

You may terminate your Free Membership and request the removal of your personal information from CLEAR's databases by emailing your request to memberservices@clearme.com or by contacting CLEAR's customer service group at 1-855-CLEARME (253-2763) or through our chat function.

How do I speak to American customer service? ›

American Customer service At +1-888-838-04[97] Does American give you hours to cancel flight? American's -Hours Cancellation policy allows you to Cancel your booking within hours of purchase for a full refund +-1-888-838-04[97] ️.

How do I check my TSA PreCheck status? ›

How to check TSA PreCheck status
  1. Visit the TSA PreCheck website and click on the "Check Status" button.
  2. Enter your full name, date of birth and passport number or your Known Traveler Number (KTN).
  3. Review your TSA PreCheck status. ...
  4. Apply if you've not yet registered for TSA PreCheck membership.

What does a TSA customer service representative do? ›

As an Enrollment Agent (i.e., Customer Service Rep), you'll be collaborative and inclusive as you provide great customer service in our retail stores by helping customers realize an easier flying experience through TSA Precheck or by initiating background checks and other services for various federal or state programs ...

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Twana Towne Ret

Last Updated:

Views: 5647

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (44 voted)

Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Twana Towne Ret

Birthday: 1994-03-19

Address: Apt. 990 97439 Corwin Motorway, Port Eliseoburgh, NM 99144-2618

Phone: +5958753152963

Job: National Specialist

Hobby: Kayaking, Photography, Skydiving, Embroidery, Leather crafting, Orienteering, Cooking

Introduction: My name is Twana Towne Ret, I am a famous, talented, joyous, perfect, powerful, inquisitive, lovely person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.