What Is a TWIC Card and How to Get One?

In case you work at or near U. S. ports, maritime facilities or secure transport areas, the requirement of a TWIC card might be there. Nevertheless, still, many people ask: what is a TWIC card, what does the TWIC card mean, and finally, what is the price to get a TWIC card?

This complete guide tells you the whole story concerning the TWIC card, such as filing for the TWIC card via the internet, total TWIC card cost, and the time it takes to get a TWIC card.

What Is a TWIC Card?

A TWIC card is an identification card granted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) as a federal security measure. The term used for the TWIC card is:

Transportation Worker Identification Credential

So if you are asking about the functions of a TWIC card, then it can be easily said that the card is a requirement for staff present at all times in secure maritime locations. For instance, such places are:

• Ports and harbors
• Cargo docks
• Offshore gas wells
• Shipbuilding yards
• Trade ships

The American government via the TSA manages the program.

Official TWIC Program Page (.gov):

https://www.tsa.gov/for-industry/twic

Who Needs a TWIC Card?

A TWIC card might be needed for you in case you perform a job of:

• Truck driver delivering to ports
• Longshoreman
• Merchant mariner
• Port authority worker
• Maritime contractor
• Dock or terminal employee

In case your work requires access to secure maritime facilities, then usually a TWIC card is mandatory.

TWIC Card Application Online: How to Apply

The initial stages of getting the TWIC card can be done online, but you are still required to complete the enrollment by showing up in person.

✅ Begin TWIC card application online here (.gov):

https://www.tsa.gov/for-industry/twic/how-enroll-twic

Step-by-Step TWIC Application Process

1. Apply via the TSA website
2. Set a face-to-face meeting at a TWIC enrollment center
3. Present necessary documents:

• Passport or
• Driver’s license + birth certificate

4. Fingerprints and background check
5. Pay the TWIC card cost imposed on you
6. Wait for approval and delivery of the card

How Much Is a TWIC Card?

One of the most asked questions is: how much is a TWIC card?

Here is the basic TWIC card price:

• New TWIC card: $125.25
• Reduced fee (only for specific drivers who possess a hazardous materials endorsement): $93
• Replacement card: $60

✅ Official TWIC fees (.gov):

https://www.tsa.gov/for-industry/twic/twic-fees-and-payment-information

Prices are subject to change; thus, always confirm the latest price on the TSA’s official website.

How Long Does It Take to Get a TWIC Card?

One more popular question is how long it takes to get a TWIC card.

Standard processing time:

• 2 to 6 weeks after the in-person appointment
• There are some applicants who receive their TWIC cards within 10 to 14 business days
• Causes of delays might be:

• Background check related to criminal record
• Immigration confirmation
• Problems with documents

Your TWIC status can be checked online via the TSA website.

What Disqualifies You From Getting a TWIC Card?

TSA performs a federal background check on candidates. The offenses that might disqualify you include:

• Terrorism-related felonies
• Security violations in the transport sector
• Certain violent crimes
• Offenses related to fraud or smuggling

Convictions can be either temporary or permanent disqualifiers depending on how severe they are and how old they are.

How Long Is a TWIC Card Valid?

A TWIC card remains valid for five (5) years on the issue date. After that, a new application has to be applied to keep the right to work in the secure maritime areas.

TWIC Card vs Real ID: What’s the Difference?

A TWIC card does not equate to a Real ID:

Feature	TWIC Card	Real ID
Used for ports	Yes	No
Used for airports	No	Yes
Federal background check	Yes	No
Industry-specific	Yes	No

Each of them has a different use.

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https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/commercial-drivers-license/cdl-endorsements

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https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/commercial-drivers-license