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 applicant 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 still renew my TWIC card via 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 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.
How can I make an appointment for in-person enrollment?
You may make an appointment online through the TSA Enrollment 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 still go to work and/or gain access to a facility while I am 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 you ordered a replacement card. Please contact the U.S. Coast Guard for further details on their policy.
How do I assist someone with responding to their Preliminary Determination of Ineligibility?
TSA, pursuant to the Privacy Act of 1974, Title 5, United States Code, Section 552a, is not permitted to disclose information about someone other than to the applicant without that applicant’s written consent.
If you seek to support a person applying for one of TSA’s vetting programs, please have them complete the DHS Form 590- Authorization to Release Information to Another Person. Fax the signed form to (540) 710-2763.
How do I know to 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 do I report my TWIC card lost and or missing?
To report a card lost or missing, please contact 1-855-347-8371 weekdays 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET or by replacing your card online.
How long does it take to process my TWIC application? What if I don’t receive a response?
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. After an application is approved, you will receive a phone or email notification.
After notification, your TWIC card should arrive at the address provided during enrollment or at an enrollment center within 10 days. If it is not received within the 10-day period, applicants have 60 days to report non-receipt of the card by visiting the TSA Enrollment 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.
How long is a TWIC card valid for?
A TWIC card is valid for five years from the date it is issued to an applicant.
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.
TSA PreCheck® for Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC®) cardholders
Many TWIC cardholders meet the criteria for the TSA PreCheck Application Program and may be eligible for expedited screening. In addition to having a valid TWIC card, the TWIC holder must:
- Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or U.S. national
- Be approved for a TWIC outside TSA’s waiver process
- Not be under investigation as a result of TSA’s recurrent vetting
In order to participate TWIC cardholders should take the CIN on the back of their TWIC card and enter it in the known traveler number field of airline reservations made with a participating airline or in airline profiles. Visit TSA PreCheck for TWIC for more information.
What are the rules for handling a TWIC 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 car).
- 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 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 or by returning it to an enrollment center.
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. Review each potential disqualifying offense on the letter to determine if it is accurate as shown. As part of your redress, you may request an Appeal, a Waiver, or both.
TSA considers the following five criteria when determining whether to grant a waiver for a disqualifying criminal offense, as applicable:
- Circumstances of the disqualifying act or offense,
- Restitution made by the applicant,
- Any federal or state mitigation remedies (such as certificates showing completion of court-ordered substance abuse or other treatment programs),
- Court records or official medical release documents indicating the applicant no longer lacks mental capacity, and
- Any other factors that indicate the applicant does not pose a security threat, including evidence of rehabilitation.
You will have 60 days from receipt of the letter to submit your response to TSA or request additional time to respond. You may also contact 1-855-347-8371 weekdays 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET for assistance.
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 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 if additional information or follow up is necessary.
What personal information is stored on the TWIC card and how does TSA protect the privacy of the information?
Your full name, expiration date, digital photo and two fingerprints will be stored on your TWIC card. 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.
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 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 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.
Can I get the new TWIC NexGen card before my existing TWIC expires?
Yes. You can obtain a replacement for a $60 fee. Please visit the TSA Enrollment 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.
Can I keep my old TWIC upon receiving my new or 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.
Do I need to replace my existing TWIC card with the NexGen Card if my current TWIC is still valid?
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.
Do I need to replace my existing TWIC card with the NexGen card?
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.
Does this change the way I apply for the TWIC card?
No. New enrollments must continue to complete the in-person enrollment process at an enrollment center. You must provide the necessary identity/immigration documentation and submit fingerprints during your in-person enrollment. We recommend you schedule an appointment. Visit the TSA Enrollment website or call (855) 347-8371 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET for more information.
If you are a current TWIC card holder or it has been less than one year since your card expired, you may be eligible to renew your TWIC card online or in-person at an enrollment center.
What are some of the features of the new 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.
When will TSA begin issuing NexGen TWIC cards and what if I need my new card quickly?
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.
Why is TSA producing TWIC cards with a new design and what is the difference between the TWIC and the NexGen 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.
Will I have to pay more for the new TWIC NexGen Card?
No. There is no fee increase for the new cards.
Will I receive my new TWIC NexGen card when applying at an enrollment center?
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 pickup. 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.
Will the new TWIC NexGen card meet ID requirements to board a plane? Will TSA accept my expired TWIC card to board a plane if I have not received my new NexGen card?
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
Will TSA continue to offer direct mail delivery of the new TWIC NexGen, and if so, how long will it take?
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 pickup.
How can facility and vessel security officers download the Canceled Card List?
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.
How can the CCL reduce potential security vulnerabilities?
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.
What is the Canceled Card List (CCL)?
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.)
What is the difference between the Canceled Card List and Visual Canceled Card List?
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® Recurrent Vetting FAQ
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 watch list communications which may indicate potential national security threats.
In FY 2021, TSA implemented 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.