Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC™)

Frequently asked Questions

The Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) is a vital security measure that will ensure individuals who pose a threat do not gain unescorted access to secure areas of the nation's maritime transportation system.

TWIC was established by Congress through the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) and is administered by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and U.S. Coast Guard. TWICs are tamper-resistant biometric credentials that will be issued to workers who require unescorted access to secure areas of ports, vessels, outer continental shelf facilities and all credentialed merchant mariners. It is anticipated that more than 1 million workers including longshoremen, truckers, port employees and others will be required to obtain a TWIC.

Enrollment and issuance began at the Port of Wilmington, Delaware October 16, 2007 and will continue through calendar year 2008 and part of 2009. To obtain a TWIC, an individual must provide biographic and biometric information such as fingerprints, sit for a digital photograph and successfully pass a security threat assessment conducted by TSA. Pre-enrollment is recommended as it is designed to save the applicant time by enabling them to provide their biographical information and make an appointment for in-person enrollment.

Currently, there are no regulatory requirements pertaining to the use of TWIC readers. However, initial testing and evaluation of TWIC readers is will begin in calendar year 2008 as part of our pilot phase.

Supplies for TWIC Cards
TWIC credentials are now required at all ports across the United States. The cost for these cards are $130.00 and replacement for a lost badge / credential is $60.00. The electronics of these badges are very susceptible to damage. It is recommended for anyone who uses this type of credential that they use a card dispenser to help protect the badge from the elements and damage from bending when put into a wallet.

Security Imaging sells many styles of holders that will help protect your credential but allows easy access to the card when needed.

For more information contact: Security Imaging Corporation 877-369-7033

Links to TSA, TWIC Information

To find a specific TWIC enrollment center locations, Click Here.

For information on enrollment center closures due to Hurricane Ike, Click Here.

For the latest informaion on the national compliance framework for the TWIC program, Click Here.

For the latest press release announcing a compliance date of Feb. 28, 2009 for U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port Zones of Portland, Ore., Puget Sound, Wash., and San Francisco Bay, Calif. and a compliance date of March 23, 2009 for Captain of the Port Zone New York, Click Here.

The TWIC Help Desk can now be contacted via email, Click Here to send along your inquiry or issue.

For an 'Informational Bulletin' in response to a number of inquiries concerning TWIC requirements and the comparability between TWIC and Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME), Click Here.

The TWIC Disclosure and Certification Form has recently been revised and translated into 13 languages, Click Here for more information

Information above was provided by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)