TWIC card: what it is and how to get one

Plain facts from TSA and the federal rules, with the official sources at the bottom of the page.

What it is

TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential) is a card from TSA. TSA runs a security threat assessment before it issues one.

The Maritime Transportation Security Act requires it for workers who need access to secure areas of the nation’s maritime facilities and vessels.

Who needs it

Anyone who needs unescorted access to the secure areas of vessels and port facilities regulated by the U.S. Coast Guard must have a TWIC first (33 CFR 101.514). For a truck driver, that matters when a load takes you into the secure area of a port or marine terminal.

You can apply if you are a U.S. citizen or national, a lawful permanent resident, or in certain other immigration categories that TSA lists. Commercial drivers licensed in Canada or Mexico who are admitted to the U.S. to conduct business can also apply (49 CFR 1572.105).

How to get one

1. Pre-enroll online with TSA Enrollment by IDEMIA, or do the whole process in person at an enrollment center.
2. Book an appointment online or by phone (1-855-347-8371, weekdays 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern), or walk in. People with an appointment go first.
3. At the center, show your documents (for example a current U.S. passport, or a driver’s license and a birth certificate; TSA lists the other accepted documents), give your fingerprints and have your photo taken.
4. TSA runs the security threat assessment, and the card is mailed to you when it is ready.

Good to know

• Apply at least 60 days before you need the card: TSA says processing can take more than 45 days. The same advice applies to renewals.
• A TWIC is valid for five years. TSA may issue it for a shorter time to match a visa (49 CFR 1572.23).
• The Hazmat (H) endorsement on a CDL has its own TSA security threat assessment requirement (49 CFR 383.71(b)(8)).

Sources (official)

• TSA: Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
• TSA Enrollment by IDEMIA: find an enrollment center
• 33 CFR 101.514 TWIC requirement (eCFR)
• 49 CFR 1572.105 Immigration status (eCFR)
• 49 CFR 1572.23 TWIC expiration (eCFR)
• 49 CFR 383.71 Driver application and certification procedures (eCFR)

Checked on 2026-10-23. Rules change: the official pages above always win.

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