A Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC®) is a biometric credential that ensures only vetted workers are eligible to gain unescorted access to secure areas of a Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA)-regulated port or vessel.

Coast Guard-credentialed merchant mariners, port facility employees, long shore workers, truck drivers, and others requiring unescorted access to secure areas of maritime facilities and vessels regulated by the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA).

The fee for a TWIC card is $129.75, and the credential is valid for five years. Those who hold a valid MMD; MML issued after January 13, 2006; HME; or a FAST card may pay a reduced fee of $105.25. Those applicants choosing to pay the reduced fee must present an MML, MMD, HME, or FAST card at the time of enrollment. If the reduced fee is paid, the TWIC card expiration date will be 5 years from the date of the supporting MML, MMD, HME, or FAST card.

No, appointments are encouraged to save applicant time but are not required. Walk-ins are welcome.

The enrollment process for a pre-enrolled applicant is expected to take approximately 10 minutes. The enrollment process for an individual who choses not to pre-enroll is expected to take approximately 15 minutes.

The applicant will be notified by email or phone, as specified during enrollment, when his/her credential is available at the enrollment center. At the time of enrollment, the applicant can choose to have his/her TWIC card shipped to either the same enrollment center or a different enrollment center for pick-up.

There is approximately a six to eight week turnaround from enrollment until card activation. Eligibility issues or insufficient information may increase the turnaround time.

The renewal process consists of the same steps as the original enrollment process (optional pre-enrollment, in-person enrollment, and card activation). These steps are mandatory since a security threat assessment is required on all applicants, confirming they still meet eligibility requirements.

Renewal TWIC cards cost the same amount as the original ($129.75) and are valid for five years. Those who hold a valid MMD; MML issued after January 13, 2006; HME; or a FAST card may pay a reduced fee of $105.25. Those applicants choosing to pay the reduced fee must present an MML, MMD, HME, or FAST card at the time of enrollment. If the reduced fee is paid, the TWIC card expiration date will be 5 years from the date of the supporting MML, MMD, HME, or FAST card.

TSA recognizes TWIC applicants require flexibility due to the nature of maritime jobs. As a result, individuals may renew their TWIC cards at any time, at any enrollment center.

Individuals should take into account the expiration date of their previous TWIC card and understand that the expiration date associated with their renewal TWIC card is tied to the security threat assessment performed for the renewal application. For example, an individual currently has a TWIC card with an expiration date of October 20, 2012, and he/she applies for a renewal TWIC card on June 1, 2012, getting approved on June 20, 2012. From a cost-benefit standpoint, that individual would forfeit approximately 4 months of “value” on the previous TWIC card.

The Extended Expiration Date (EED) TWIC is a replacement option that allows eligible individuals to receive a new TWIC card with an expiration date extended three years from the expiration date on the current card. The EED TWIC is available to these individuals at the reduced fee of $60.00.

An individual must meet all three of the following conditions to be eligible for an EED TWIC:

• Individual must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National
• Individual must hold a valid, unexpired TWIC Card
• The expiration date on the TWIC must be on or before December 31, 2014

To request an EED TWIC or to confirm EED eligibility, call the TWIC Help Desk at 1-866-DHS-TWIC (1-866-347-8942). The Help Desk is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 A.M. until 7:00 P.M. Eastern Time.

The $60.00 TWIC EED fee can be paid by credit/debit card (Visa® or MasterCard® only) through the TWIC Help Desk. Additionally, payments made by money order, certified/cashier’s check, and corporate check will be accepted at TWIC Enrollment Centers. (Note: Please contact the TWIC Help Desk at 1-866-DHS-TWIC (1-866-347-8942) to confirm EED eligibility before visiting a TWIC Enrollment Center.)

TSA recommends requesting the EED TWIC 30 to 60 days before the expiration date on your TWIC Card:

• If you were a United States Citizen when you enrolled for your current TWIC, TSA recommends that you request your Extended Expiration Date TWIC 30 - 45 days before the expiration date on your current TWIC.
• If you were not a United States Citizen when you enrolled for your current TWIC but you are now a United States Citizen, TSA recommends you request your EED TWIC 60 days before the expiration date on your current TWIC.

Note: If you intend to obtain an EED TWIC, you must request it before the expiration date shown on your TWIC. For example, if the expiration date on your TWIC card is December 1, 2012, then November 30, 2012 is the last day you can request an EED TWIC.

The EED TWIC should arrive at the Enrollment Center five to ten (5 to 10) days after it is requested. Once notification is received that the card is ready for pickup, take a government issued photo ID to the enrollment center to activate and receive the EED TWIC. You must turn in your current TWIC when you receive your EED TWIC.