Frequently Asked Questions

Federal law and operational considerations restrict the return of prohibited items that are left at the security checkpoint.

The choice to hire an attorney is solely your decision. You are afforded the options of requesting an Informal Conference or a Formal Hearing (see related questions below), with or without legal representation.

All disputes or mitigating information specific to an individual case must be submitted to the Special Enforcement Program Office in writing. The preferred way to contact us is by email, at NOV.APO@tsa.dhs.gov. If you are unable to contact us by email, you can send your correspondence, in writing, to:

U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Special Enforcement Program Office 
6595 Springfield Center Drive
Springfield, VA 20598-6801

Please include your full name, TSA case number and case agent’s name (found in the Notice of Violation), and your contact information (i.e., telephone numbers, mailing address, and email address).

The TSA interpretive rule found in the Federal Register (Vol. 68, No. 31) provides guidance to the public on the types of property TSA considers to be weapons, explosives, and incendiaries prohibited in airport sterile areas and in the cabins of aircraft under the TSA regulations. The interpretation also provides guidance on the types of items permitted in sterile areas, the cabins of passenger aircraft, and in passengers’ checked baggage. You may view the TSA interpretive rule in its entirety.

TSA’s civil penalty amounts are based on published Sanction Guidance. Proposed penalty amounts are generally set at the low end of each violation category range. In some cases, however, penalties may be higher based on aggravating circumstances present in the case (e.g. repeat violations). You read the TSA Sanction Guidance Table in its entirety. If you believe that you cannot afford the proposed amount, you may select Option 3 in the Options Sheet and follow the instructions provided.

Individuals who commit certain violations of Federal security-related regulations, such as interference with security operations, assault, threat, intimidation, or interference with flight crew, physical or sexual assault or threat of physical or sexual assault of any individual on an aircraft, access control violations, providing false or fraudulent documents, making a bomb threat, or bring a firearm, explosive, or other prohibited items to an airport or on board an aircraft are denied expedited screening for a period of time. The duration of disqualification for expedited screening will depend upon the seriousness of the offense and/or a repeated history of regulatory violations.

The notice of violation process and the TSA PreCheck® disqualification process are separate processes and are handled by different offices. Individuals with questions concerning their TSA PreCheck® status should contact us through X (Twitter @AskTSA), Facebook Messenger (http://www.fb.com/AskTSA), Apple Business Chat or by texting "Travel" to AskTSA (275-872). You can also contact the TSA Contact Center at (866) 289-9673 or fill out an online form.  Individuals with questions concerning their notice should contact their case agent in the Special Enforcement Program Office. Your case agent will not be able to assist you with questions concerning your TSA PreCheck® status, and both AskTSA and TCC will not be able to help you with questions concerning your notice of violation. Learn more about TSA PreCheck®

The quickest way to contact the Special Enforcement Program Office is to email to NOV.APO@tsa.dhs.gov and include your full name, TSA case number and case agent’s name (found in the Notice of Violation), and your telephone number. 

You may also contact the Special Enforcement Program Office at (571) 227-3994. Be prepared to leave a message providing your name, phone number, the case number and correct spelling of the individual who is listed on the notice of violation, and your case agent’s name. Your message will be directed to your case agent for a return call. It is TSA's goal to return all calls within 72 hours; however, in the event of a delay, the date of your message will be taken into consideration.

You may submit your payment electronically through www.pay.gov, a secure website administered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Select “DHS/TSA” on the “Find an Agency” page to access TSA civil penalty payments. Your TSA case number will begin with the number "2" and will consist of 11 characters.

You may also mail your payment with the payment page provided in your notice of violation to:

Transportation Security Administration
P.O. Box 530262
Atlanta, GA 30353-0262

If you are paying my check or money order, please make your payment payable to: Transportation Security Administration and write your case number and name on the check or money orders.

TSA is unable to advise passengers/individuals at the time of the incident whether or not they will be assessed a civil penalty. When an incident occurs, the screening personnel forward the information to the TSA regulatory department to determine if a violation of the Transportation Security Regulations occurred. Once the investigation has concluded and it is determined that a violation did occur, the individual is notified by a notice of violation.

A Notice of Violation is a civil matter, not criminal. The civil penalty associated with your Notice of Violation is a monetary penalty for a regulatory violation. Any criminal charges you may incur are separate from your civil matter with TSA and are handled by local or state courts. Your case with TSA does not dictate or eliminate your local or state charges and vice versa.

You may respond to the Notice of Violation by choosing one of the five options listed in the options sheet that is attached to your notice. Instructions for submitting your response are contained in the options sheet.

All communications with TSA in regard to a specific Notice of Violation must be made in writing with an appropriate options sheet selection by emailing NOV.APO@tsa.dhs.gov. Please include your full name, TSA case number and case agent’s name (found in the Notice of Violation), and your contact information (i.e., telephone numbers, mailing address, and email address) in your email. 

You may also respond by mail to:

U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Special Enforcement Program Office 
6595 Springfield Center Drive
Springfield, VA 20598-6801

Your response is due within 30 days of your receipt of the NOV.

Learn more by reviewing the regulation.

Learn more by reviewing the regulation.

You must wait until your hearing is scheduled. This task is not completed by the Special Enforcement Program Office, so please be patient and wait for your case to be called for the formal hearing.

The informal conference is a meeting with a TSA official to discuss your case. It allows you to present information that you would like the TSA to consider before making a final decision. If you request an Informal Conference, a TSA official will be assigned to your case and will contact you to schedule and hold the Informal Conference. Further action is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the facts and circumstances of each case.

If you fail to respond to the notice of violation within 30 days of receipt, TSA will issue you a final notice. If you fail to respond to the final notice within 15 days of receipt, TSA will then assess against you the full civil penalty amount proposed in your NOV, and may refer this matter to the U.S. Department of the Treasury or to the U.S. Department of Justice for collection of this debt owed to the U.S. government.

A notice of violation is a notification by TSA of the initiation of a civil penalty action against an individual for an alleged violation of a security requirement outlined in the Transportation Security Regulations.

The notice of violation was sent to you because you are alleged to have violated a security requirement when you were at an airport.

This option is a settlement offer by the TSA in an effort to resolve this matter fairly and quickly.

Projects previously funded for facility modification by the Electronic Baggage Screening Program through either another transaction agreement or memorandum of agreement are not eligible for additional funds.

Should projects previously funded by TSA require additional funds, the project sponsor should submit a request including a detailed cost estimate. TSA will not reimburse for anything outside of the existing scope or for cost incurred before it is executed. The project sponsor must contact the appropriate point of contact.

TSA will not provide funding for a checked baggage inspection system project that does not have an authorized funding agreement in place.

Airports may submit applications for more than one project; however, a separate application for each individually designed and constructed project is required for the following reasons:

• To ensure a unique request identification number is included in each application in order to track the status of the project.
• To avoid confusion regarding additional information requirements for a specific project.
• To resolve design review comments for specific projects.
• To allow for resolution of issues regarding one project without jeopardizing any other projects.

The TSA Funding of Checked Baggage Inspection System Project Costs Policy Memo contains additional information regarding allowable and allocable costs, up to the not-to-exceed value of each project, covered by design and facility modification applications.  

Costs identified as allowable and allocable will be part of the project funding negotiations between TSA and the airport depending on the option selected from those included in the submitted alternatives analysis. The airport’s ability to fund future increases in annual operations and maintenance costs related to the operation of an in-line system is essential to the overall analysis of project viability. TSA recommends airports perform a thorough analysis of the costs associated with the implementation of an in-line system to identify potential increases in operational cost.

If the application package is deemed incomplete, the airport executive point of contact will be contacted via email and the missing information will be requested. The airport will then have the opportunity to submit the missing information in order for it to be included with the application.

Interested project sponsors must submit a completed application to the federal security director or designated representative. The current version of the design application or facility modification application must be used.

Prior to submission, the security director will submit a request via the equipment request interface, receiving a request identification number from the requirements management advisory group – this number must be included on the application. For submission, please email your application.

TSA reviews the application and contacts the airport executive point of contact if any information is missing. After review, a technical interchange meeting is held. If determined an in-line system is not suitable for a given screening zone, the airport will be notified the application will not be considered for funding.

Applications will be reviewed only after all requested documents and plans have been received. Applications failing to include all the required documentation are incomplete and may not be considered in the current funding cycle. Upon receipt, a funding application is:

• Reviewed for compliance against submission information requirements.
• If incomplete or non-conforming, email identifying the missing information is sent to the airport executive point of contact.
• If project is outside the scope of the Electronic Baggage Screening Program, email communication is sent to the airport executive point of contact.
• Some projects require design review for compliance. As part of the process, TSA coordinates between airport and airport’s baggage handling system designer to review and resolve any comments or outstanding issues.
• Upon completion of the review process, TSA sends notification of current status to the airport.

Electronic submissions are preferred, please email your submission.  If the airport encounters transmission problems due to file size limitations, please send two copies of the documents, with scalable drawings, on a CD via express mailing service to the following address:

EBSP RPC Point of Contact
Mail Stop TSA TSIF - #32
Transportation Security Administration
3701 West Post Office Road
Washington, D.C. 20528-6032

Documents should be provided in the file formats specified.

The Planning Guidelines and Design Standards outline the supporting documentation requirements for in-line and mini in-line system. The required deliverables for mini in-line and in-line systems can be found in the figure entitled “Deliverables Checklist for In-line CBIS.” The “Contents” section includes all figure titles in the document for easy reference. It is imperative that the airport complies with submission of all required and applicable documents in the checklist to prevent unnecessary delays during the design review process. Read the design standards for Checked Baggage Inspection Systems.  

In addition, when submitting the Facility Modification OTA application, all supporting National Environmental Policy Act documents must be attached. Additional information can be found in the application guidance for the facility modification.

TSA funds new in-line projects based on its funding prioritization criteria. A project sponsor can proactively apply for design and construction funding related to building a new in-line checked baggage inspection system, a checked baggage resolution area upgrade, or an efficiency project for an existing inspection system. Only projects using qualified product list equipment are eligible for funding.

Non-eligible projects include any request not related to a new in-line baggage screening system including, but not limited to:

• Stand-alone baggage screening systems.
• Equipment decommission and/or removal.
• Equipment relocation.
• Ancillary and/or safety equipment.
• Reimbursement of electronic detection projects that are already completed.
• Equipment recapitalization.

The Design OTA application should be completed if the project sponsor is requesting funding for the design of an eligible checked baggage inspection system. The project sponsor must be prepared to provide its cost share for the design phase. Cost share and other financial information requirements are provided in the application guidance.

The facility modification application should be completed to request funding for construction of an eligible inspection system. As part of an application, the project sponsor must be prepared to provide its required cost share for the entire construction project.

Project sponsors are strongly encouraged to coordinate with local and headquarters TSA entities via project coordinators as early as possible when inspection system projects are being considered and conceptually planned.

The applicable version of the Planning Guidelines and Design Standards will be identified in the design application or facility modification.

Projects that have received an evaluated unfunded letter will be considered during the next funding cycle.

Additional information and data may be required or requested in order to meet the current funding process requirements. A request for this information will be sent to the airport executive point of contact identified on the initial application.

If project application details change, please email your updates.  TSA will send a communication quarterly to solicit updates.

TSA cannot process a request for “all records” on an individual or for “all communications” between TSA and a third party. You should include a date limitation, a particular topic, and if asking for correspondence, the relevant parties’ names and offices or airports, if known. You can contact the TSA FOIA Branch for assistance in writing a FOIA request. This will ensure we understand which materials you are seeking and help us respond to your request quickly.

Given the variety of programs at TSA and the multiple ways you might have a connection with TSA, we require this additional information about records you are seeking. As TSA operates at over 450 airports and screens on average more than 1.9 million passengers a day, it would be unduly burdensome to conduct a search at over 450 airports and TSA program offices using limited information. Please narrow or otherwise clarify your request by providing specific criteria regarding the records that you are seeking (e.g., time period, airport or other association with TSA, including employment) so that TSA can conduct a reasonable search.

You may request records about a third party, but such records may be protected by the Privacy Act and/or FOIA. You will receive greater access to records about a third party by submitting a notarized authorization signed by that individual; a declaration by that individual authorizing disclosure of the records; or proof that the individual is deceased (e.g., a copy of a death certificate or an obituary).

If you wish to submit a request for records about another individual on behalf of that individual, you must provide a statement from the subject or an Affirmation Declaration form verifying his or her identity and documenting their agreement that their records may be released to you. If we do not receive this authorization, access to the records will be limited.

You can submit FOIA and Privacy Act requests electronically via the DHS-TSA FOIA PA Request Form.

You may also submit requests directly to TSA by U.S. mail or email, using the contact information and instructions on the TSA FOIA Requests page. Verbal requests are not accepted.

Current TSA employees should access their records through the electronic OPF from a government computer. Access from non-government computers will be denied. Please work with your local management to request access to a government computer for your eOPF request.

In addition, you may request assistance from your facility’s Human Resource/Administrative Office. For additional information, please visit the Office of Personnel Management website.

Former federal civilian employees (the person of record) may obtain copies of most civilian and personnel medical records on file at the National Personnel Records Center, including copies of the Standard Form 50 (Personnel Action) via written request. Different release procedures apply for archival civilian personnel records. Please note, OPFs are retired to the center within 120 days after separation from federal employment. If less than 120 days have elapsed since separation, write to the last employing federal office.

Federal law 5 USC 552a(b) requires that all requests for personnel records and information be submitted in writing. Each request must be signed in cursive and dated within the last year. Please identify the documents or information needed and explain the purpose of your request.

Certain basic information needed to locate civilian personnel records includes the full name used during federal employment, date of birth, Social Security Number, name and location of employing federal agency, and beginning and ending dates of federal service.

Written requests must be signed and dated. Mail or fax to:

National Personnel Records Center, Annex
1411 Boulder Boulevard
Valmeyer, IL 62295

Fax: 618-935-3014

Current or former federal civilian employees seeking worker’s compensation file records may receive a more complete set of records by directly contacting the Department of Labor.

TSA processes requests on a first-come, first-served basis according to two tracks: simple and complex. The first response you receive is TSA’s acknowledgment of your request submission. TSA typically acknowledges requests within 10 days of receipt. The acknowledgment letter provides tracking numbers and informs a requester about whether additional information will be needed to process the request. The letter also provides instructions for checking the status of the request.

If you have not received an acknowledgment from TSA regarding your request within 10 days, you may contact us at 866-364-2872 or email at foia@tsa.dhs.gov to ensure we received your request. Most Internet providers impose a 25-megabyte limit on files sent through email servers. If your request includes attachments that exceed that limit, it may have been blocked.

How long it takes to receive materials from TSA depends on several factors. Our processing time will be determined by the nature of your request, including complexity, scope, and other factors. Requests are deemed complex for reasons that include, but are not limited to, those that require search within multiple offices or airport(s), consultation with multiple DHS components or other agencies, or review of voluminous records from multiple locations. Additionally, the size of TSA’s backlog can affect processing times.

TSA is diligently working through a backlog to more efficiently process all requests.  

When you request records about yourself, TSA must verify your identity to ensure that your personal information is released only to you. You can meet this requirement by emailing or mailing the Affirmation Declaration form to TSA.

You may request any information that constitutes an existing TSA record in any format, including an electronic format. Examples of records that may be requested include documents, photographs, videos, sound recordings, drawings, computerized records, electronic mail, and agency policies and procedures.

TSA will conduct a search for records already in existence at the time of the request. Please note the FOIA does not require an agency to create new records, answer questions posed by requesters, complete questionnaires, or attempt to interpret a request that does not identify specific records.

If you request video recordings from airports, please note that the TSA is not the primary custodian of those records. TSA is unlikely to have airport videos unless we obtained them as a result of an alleged checkpoint incident or security breach. Therefore, we recommend that you request video recordings from the local airport authority. Also, be aware that airport authorities generally delete recordings after 30 days.

You may appeal FOIA actions including, but not limited to: denial of records, a no-records response, or agency redactions. Appeals must be in writing and sent to foia@tsa.dhs.gov or to:

Civil Rights & Liberties, Ombudsman and Traveler Engagement
601 South 12th Street
West Building, W3-110S
Arlington, VA  20598-6033

Submit your appeal within 90 days from the date of the response letter. Please include the TSA-assigned FOIA request number, the reasons for your appeal, and mark your envelope “FOIA Appeal.” This information is also included in your final TSA FOIA response letter.

In order for TSA to provide you with exactly what you need, please include in your request details that will help us conduct a robust but targeted search. These details include date, title or name, author, recipient, names of offices, agencies and organizations, subject matter of the record, case number, file designation, and reference number. For requests regarding airport checkpoint experiences, include the name/location of airport, date and time of travel, checkpoint lane and any other details. For more information, please visit the FOIA requests page.

If a request does not provide sufficient descriptive information, we may not be able to identify the records sought. We may ask you for additional information (e.g., specific subject matter, topic, personnel, etc.) if we are unable to process your request. If we cannot contact you or you do not respond within 30 calendar days to our requests for clarification, we will close your request.

The FOIA request form also requires the following information:

1. Your full name (for a Privacy Act Request), address, telephone number, and, if available, email.
2. Indication of whether the request is a FOIA and/or a Privacy Act request (if known).
3. Specific information about the records sought as described above.
4. Delivery information for the responsive records, e.g., electronically or via mail.
5. A statement regarding your willingness to pay applicable fees, including any limitations.

Sensitive Security Information is information that, if publicly released, would be detrimental to transportation security, as defined by 49 CFR Part 1520. Sensitive Security Information is exempt from disclosure under the FOIA.

There is no fee to make a FOIA request. However, TSA may charge a fee for search, duplication, or review of records depending on the category of the requester.  

Search fees will be charged for all requests except those made by academic institutions, noncommercial scientific institutions, or members of the press.

Review fees will be charged for all commercial use requests. You will be advised if the fees total more than $25. You may also seek a fee waiver in accordance with the DHS FOIA regulations.

Any type of record may be requested. Typically, incident reports at airports, complaints lodged against TSA, weapons surrendered at airports, contracts, and employment application results are requested. When making a request, please provide TSA with information on where the records may be held.

All citizens and non-citizens, private individuals, academic institutions, public interest groups, corporations, associations, non-profit groups, and state, local, and foreign governments can submit FOIA requests.

DHS regulations at 6 CFR Part 5 permit administrative closure for requests that are not reasonably described or not in compliance with published agency FOIA procedures. If TSA determines that your request is insufficient, we will notify you and work with you to reformulate your request. If you continue to have difficulties, you may opt for additional assistance from the Office of Government Information Services.

Section 1978 of the TSA Modernization Act passed in October 2018 allows states to issue a Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME) on a state-issued commercial driver’s license (CDL) to a driver who holds a valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC®). This provision allows states to utilize the existing TWIC to verify the completion of the TSA security threat assessment. TSA has approved an exemption from certain portions of the current regulations. This exemption relieves states from requiring an additional HME application from individuals, and relieves them from having to submit certain information and fees to receive a state issued HME if they hold a valid TWIC. Per the approved exemption memo, the state must verify the validity of the TWIC using methods prescribed by TSA prior to issuing the HME. The expiration date of any HME issued through this process will not extend past the expiration date of the relevant TWIC. Check with your state for more details.

No. Applicants who apply for a TWIC do not have to pay the full price for the TWIC STA if they apply successful clearance results from their most recent HME STA, and as a result, the fee for the TWIC is reduced by $22.75. All TWIC applicants must pay the fees that cover the other components of the TWIC program, including enrollment and card issuance. Applicants are always offered the option to apply for a full-fee TWIC STA if they determine it is more cost effective to do so.

This rule applies only to drivers who hold a CDL issued by a state of the U.S. Generally, this would not include drivers from Canada and Mexico. There is a separate rule that addresses Canadian drivers hauling explosives into the U.S. Eventually, all drivers will have to meet threat assessment and eligibility standards that are comparable to the standards that now apply to Hazmat drivers in the U.S.

If you have completed a security threat assessment and you are transferring your HME to a new state, you may not have to go through a new threat assessment for the transfer, provided your new state can issue you an HME that expires within five years of your last assessment.

Generally, you must renew your HME every five years, although some states may require more frequent reviews based on shorter license cycles. You will be required to submit new fingerprints at the time of renewal of the endorsement. Per state requirements, you may be required to satisfactorily complete written competency tests as a prerequisite to the issuance of a new, renewed, or transferred HME.

Please contact the Vital Records department in the state you were born.

The HME will be issued with the same expiration date as the individual’s TWIC STA. Therefore, individuals should consider the expiration date of their current TWIC STA to determine if it is cost effective to apply for a comparable HME STA.

You are eligible to pay a reduced fee if you hold a TWIC security threat assessment at least one year remaining before expiration in the following states:

(Arizona, California, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wyoming)

In addition, you are eligible to pay a reduced fee if you hold a TWIC security threat assessment at least four years remaining before expiration in the following states:

(Alabama, Colorado, Kansas, Minnesota, Montana, New Jersey, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Vermont)

Applicants in all States above, except Virginia, can confirm their eligibility online with TSA during the HME STA application process here. The State of Virginia will confirm the eligibility of applicants online with TSA.

CDL holders with an active HME security threat assessment, and who meet the eligibility requirements for the TSA PreCheck Application Program may be eligible for expedited screening.

In addition, CDL HME holders must:

• Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or U.S. national
• Be approved for an HME outside TSA’s waiver process
• Not be under investigation as a result of TSA’s recurrent vetting

In order to participate in TSA PreCheck, HME holders should use the two-letter State abbreviation followed by the CDL number printed on their state-issued CDL 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 HME for more information.

TSA’s goal is to provide you with the status of your application within 60 days of receiving the information you provided at enrollment. This may take longer if there was difficulty capturing your fingerprints during enrollment or any data is missing.

If your licensing state is on the list below you cannot check your status online:

Florida, Kentucky, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin. For these states, please check your application status with your state licensing agency or call 1-833-848-4759.

For other states, you may check the status of your application online. Go to TSA Enrollment and select Check My Service Status.

TSA does not send or issue approval letters. TSA sends official notification of your HME eligibility to your state of license only, and your state verifies your eligibility and provides your result when it issues you a CDL with HME. Please check with your state driver’s licensing agency on your CDL and HME issuance process and status.

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  Docket ID TSA-2016-0001.

The rule is 49 CFR 1572. On May 5, 2003, TSA published the rule to secure the transportation of hazardous materials (hazmat), including explosives, by requiring threat assessments for all individuals who apply for, renew, or transfer a Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME) on their commercial driver’s license (CDL). On January 25, 2007, TSA modified this rule to include additional disqualifiers and appeal mechanisms.

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®.

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

If your application was approved, TSA will not send you an approval letter. TSA sends official notification of your HME eligibility to your state of license only. Please check with your state driver’s licensing agency on your application status.

The MyTSA app is available in the iTunes and Google Play app stores and can be downloaded to your personal electronic devices.

Tap the search icon at the top right of the screen and type in the name of the airport. Tap the star next to the airport name to add it to your list of favorites.

To arrange your favorite airports, tap the Edit button at the top left of the My Airports screen. You can then drag and drop the airports into the order you prefer. Please note, if you have location services on, the closest airport to you will always be listed first.

For assistance with the app, please email your inquiry.

Air carriers must continue to fulfill the record keeping and reporting requirements as provided in 49 CFR § 1510.17.

If a passenger purchased air transportation from a public charter operator, which means paying the charter operator in full for air transportation, at any time prior to December 19, 2014, the public charter operator must collect the September 11 Security Fee in place prior to December 19, 2014. Conversely, if the passenger purchased public charter air transportation on or after December 19, 2014, the public charter operator must collect the revised September 11 Security Fee.

The direct or foreign air carrier operating the public charter flight must then collect the September 11 Security Fee from the public charter operator and remit the security fees to TSA the earlier of:

• The time the direct or foreign air carrier received funds from the public charter escrow account; or
• The date the direct or foreign air carrier operated the flight.

Note that the direct and foreign air carrier remittance date to TSA has no effect on the amount of the fee that should be collected from the passenger. The remittance amount is based on when the passenger purchased public charter air transportation from the public charter operator. 

In the case of prepaid air transportation, if the passenger fully prepaid air transportation prior to December 19, 2014, and the carrier issued a ticket against the prepaid amount on or after December 19, 2014, the carrier must collect the September 11 Security Fee in effect prior to December 19, 2014, for that ticket because TSA considers the air transportation to have been purchased prior to December 19, 2014.

The imposition and collection of the September 11 Security Fee will remain at $5.60 per one-way trip on air transportation sold on or after 12:01 AM Eastern Standard Time December 19, 2014, except that the fee imposed per round trip shall not exceed $11.20.

See the chart below for further itinerary examples that detail imposition of the fee prior from July 21, 2014 to December 18, 2014 and on and after December 19, 2014.

Example 1: Air transportation from Washington to Chicago to Los Angeles with a stopover only in Los Angeles that returns via the same route purchased before December 19, 2014, is charged a $11.20 fee for two one-way trips. If the passenger changed the itinerary to Washington to Los Angeles with only a stopover in Los Angeles and returns via the same route and the ticket is re-priced on or after December 19, 2014, the carrier must continue to charge the September 11 Security Fee of $11.20 for one round trip. 

Example 2: Air transportation from Washington to Chicago to Los Angeles purchased before December 19, 2014, is charged a $5.60 fee. If the passenger changed the itinerary to Washington to Los Angeles with a stopover in Los Angeles and returns via the same route and the ticket is re-priced on or after December 19, 2014, the carrier must charge the revised September 11 Security Fee of $11.20. 

Example 3: Air transportation from Washington to Chicago to Los Angeles purchased before December 19, 2014, is charged a $5.60 fee. If the air carrier changed the itinerary to Washington to Los Angeles on or after December 19, 2014, neither the carrier nor the passenger is liable for a revised September 11 Security Fee. The fee remains $5.60.

If a direct or foreign air carrier does not properly collect the fee from the passenger, the direct or foreign air carrier is still solely liable to TSA for the fee.

If a passenger purchased a ticket before December 19, 2014, and changed the original itinerary and the ticket changed in price December 19, 2014, the carrier must treat the itinerary change as a new purchase and charge the revised September 11 Security Fee.

If however, a passenger purchased a ticket before December 19, 2014, and changed the amenities of that ticket on or after December 19, 2014, the carrier must not treat the transaction as a new purchase of air transportation and continue to collect the fee as in effect prior to December 19, 2014. Amenities include seating changes, meals or other items not related to air transportation.

TSA modified the definition of “stopover” to make a distinction not only between domestic and foreign travel, but to recognize that non-continental U.S. air transportation (outside the contiguous 48 states) is more like foreign air transportation than continental air transportation. Stopover means a break in travel of more than:

• four hours (4) for continental interstate and intrastate air transportation
• twelve hours (12) for non-continental interstate and intrastate air transportation as well as foreign air transportation.

Under 49 CFR § 1510.13(a), direct and foreign air carriers must remit all September 11 Security Fees imposed each calendar month to TSA by the last calendar day of the month following the imposition of the fee. Therefore, direct and foreign air carriers must remit any September 11 Security Fees imposed on air transportation sold during the month of December 2014, no later than January 31, 2015.

Effective December 19, 2014, TSA adjusted the fee in accordance with H.R.5462, which limits the maximum fee for round trips to $11.20.

Air carriers must continue to fulfill the record keeping and reporting requirements as provided in 49 CFR § 1510.17.

A public charter operator must collect the September 11 Security Fee in place prior to July 21, 2014, if air transportation was purchased from a public charter operator in full at any time prior to July 21, 2014. Conversely, if the passenger purchases public charter air transportation after July 21, 2014, the public charter operator must collect the revised September 11 Security Fee.

The direct or foreign air carrier operating the public charter flight must then collect the September 11 Security Fee from the public charter operator and remit the security fees to TSA the earlier of: the time the direct or foreign air carrier receives funds from the public charter escrow account; or the date the direct or foreign air carrier operates the flight.

Note that the direct and foreign air carrier remittance date to TSA has no effect on the amount of the fee that should be collected from the passenger. The remittance amount is based on when the passenger purchases public charter air transportation from the public charter operator. 

If the passenger fully prepaid air transportation prior to July 21, 2014, and the carrier issued a ticket against the prepaid amount after July 21, 2014, the carrier must collect the September 11 Security Fee in effect prior to July 21, 2014. The air transportation is considered to have been purchased prior to July 21, 2014.

The imposition and collection of the September 11 Security Fee will change from $2.50 per enplanement, with a maximum of $5.00 per one-way and maximum of $10.00 per round trip to $5.60 per one-way trip on air transportation sold on or after 12:00AM Eastern Standard Time July 21, 2014.

See the chart below for further itinerary examples that detail imposition of the fee prior to July 21st and after July 21st.

Example 1: Air transportation from Washington to Chicago to Los Angeles with a stopover only in Los Angeles and returns via the same route purchased before July 21, 2014, is charged a $10 fee.  If the passenger changed the itinerary to Washington to Los Angeles with only a stopover in Los Angeles and returned via the same route and the ticket is re-priced after July 21, 2014, the carrier must charge the revised September 11 Security Fee of $11.20.

Example 2: Air transportation from Washington to Chicago to Los Angeles purchased before July 21, 2014, is charged a $5 fee. If the passenger changed the itinerary to Washington to Los Angeles and the ticket is re-priced after July 21, 2014, the carrier must charge the revised September 11 Security Fee of $5.60.

Example 3: Air transportation from Washington to Chicago to Los Angeles purchased before July 21, 2014, is charged a $5 fee. If the air carrier changes the itinerary to Washington to Los Angeles after July 21, 2014, due to an involuntary re-route, neither the carrier nor the passenger is liable for a revised September 11 Security Fee. The fee remains $5.00.

If a direct or foreign air carrier does not properly collect the fee form the passenger, the air direct or foreign air carrier is still solely liable to TSA for the fee.

If a passenger purchased a ticket before July 21, 2014, and the air carrier changed the original itinerary after July 21, 2014, due to an involuntary re-route, neither the passenger nor the air carrier are liable to TSA for the difference in the imposition of the revised fee.

If a passenger purchased a ticket before July 21, 2014, changed the original itinerary and the ticket was re-priced after July 21, 2014, the carrier must treat the itinerary change as a new purchase and charge the revised September 11 Security Fee.

If a passenger purchased a ticket before July 21, 2014, and changed the amenities of that ticket after July 21, 2014, the carrier must not treat the transaction as a new purchase. The carrier will continue to collect the fee as in effect prior to July 21, 2014. Amenities include seating changes, meals, or other items not related to air transportation.

TSA changed the definition of stopover to make a distinction between domestic and foreign travel, and to recognize that non-continental U.S. air transportation (outside the contiguous 48 states) is more like foreign air transportation. Stopover means a break in travel of more than: four hours for continental interstate and intrastate air transportation; twelve hours for non-continental interstate and intrastate air transportation as well as foreign air transportation.

Under 49 CFR § 1510.13(a), direct and foreign air carriers must remit all September 11 Security Fees imposed each calendar month to TSA by the last calendar day of the month following the imposition of the fee. Therefore, direct and foreign air carriers must remit any September 11 Security Fees imposed on air transportation sold during the month of October 2014, no later than November 30, 2014.

Effective, July 21 2014, TSA adjusted the fee in accordance with Public Law 113-67, the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013.

Yes, If the airport operator meets the qualification criteria identified by 49 U.S.C. § 44920, as amended, it may compete for the contract to provide screening services at that airport. This does not guarantee they will be awarded the contract for security screening services. The airport will be required to compete in the normal procurement process.

The TSA Screening Partnership Program (SPP) currently fulfills all of its screening requirements via task orders from an Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) multiple-award contract vehicle. Only companies that have an SPP IDIQ contract may submit a proposal for task order requirements. TSA advertised for companies to be a part of the IDIQ contract vehicle in 2015, and again in 2020. TSA reserves the right to add more vendors to the SPP IDIQ contract, but at this time no further vendor additions are anticipated.

The contract screening company is contracted by TSA to provide the security screening services. TSA monitors vendor performance according to their contract. The vendor must comply with all TSA standard operating procedures and operational directives. The airport operator has no new role or impact on the screening operations as a result of the program.

The airport operator may be part of the selection process. TSA has developed a process that allows airport operators to participate in the evaluation of proposals in accordance with chapter 21 of title 41 and all relevant statutes and regulations.

If the airport operator wishes to contract directly with a vendor to provide non-regulatory or non-certified positions, TSA will not object. Any such work would of course have to follow all standard operating procedures and other pertinent regulations. The work would also have to be coordinated through the Federal Security Director to assure proper supervision.

The private company providing security screening services ultimately determines the number of contract screeners hired. TSA seeks to provide flexibility to the contractor to manage the operations as efficiently as possible while meeting security and customer service standards.

Private security screening companies are subject to the same security screener hiring restrictions and challenges as the federal government. Contract screener candidates receive the same security background check and must meet the same medical requirements as prospective federal security screeners. In addition, hiring and retention are affected by the airport’s local economy and all contract screeners must attend all TSA provided training to include training at the TSA Academy.

Interested airport authorities can submit an application to their local Federal Security Director. Follow instructions provided on the Screening Partnership Program web page.

Under the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, TSA is required to make a determination on an application within 60 days of application receipt. TSA is required to enter into a contract with a private screening company for the provision of screening at the airport no later than 120 days, as practicable, after the date of application approval.

Due to the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, TSA is required to make a determination on an application within sixty (60) days of application receipt. TSA is required to enter into a contract with a private screening company for the provision of screening at the airport not later than 120 days, as practicable, after the date of application approval.

On October 5, 2018, the President signed the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2018, which directed the TSA administrator to approve SPP applications if the administrator determines that “the approval would not compromise security or detrimentally affect the cost-efficiency or the effectiveness of the screening of passengers or property at the airport”. This modifies existing application processing timelines and provides additional Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requirements related to the 49 CFR §44920 Security Partnership Program (SPP).

As stipulated by the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, if an application is denied, TSA must inform the airport operator in writing, within sixty (60) days, and explain the findings that served as the basis for the denial. TSA must also provide the results of any cost or security analysis conducted in considering the application, and recommendations on how the airport operator can address the reasons for the denial.  The airport can reapply to participate in SPP at any time.

The program application process is open to all federally staffed airports in the United States that require security screening services.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

A TWIC card is valid for five years from the date it is issued to an applicant.

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.

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.

• 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 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.