TWIC card: cost, validity and how to get it

What a TWIC card is

The Transportation Worker Identification Credential, TWIC, is required by the Maritime Transportation Security Act for workers who need access to secure areas of the maritime facilities and vessels of the United States.

The Transportation Security Administration runs the security threat assessment, a background check, and issues the card. How the card is used at a facility, and who has to show one, is set by the US Coast Guard.

• TSA: TWIC overview
• US Coast Guard: TWIC and merchant mariner credentials

Who needs one

Everyone who needs unescorted access to a secure area of a vessel, a facility or an outer continental shelf facility regulated under the Maritime Transportation Security Act must hold a TWIC. Federal officials with a government credential and state or local law enforcement and emergency responders are exempt.

Most mariners licensed by the US Coast Guard need one as well. For them the TWIC is the primary identification document, and not holding a valid one is grounds for refusing a merchant mariner credential, its renewal or an upgrade. The Coast Guard exempts mariners who work only on vessels without a security plan.

• 33 CFR 101.514: who must hold a TWIC
• US Coast Guard: TWIC and merchant mariner credentials
• TSA: TWIC overview

Who is eligible

The TSA lists US citizens, nationals, lawful permanent residents, asylees and refugees in lawful status, and nonimmigrants in lawful status. The regulation adds students at maritime academies, nationals of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands and Palau, nonimmigrants with unrestricted work authorisation, holders of a listed work visa such as B1/OCS, C-1/D, H-1B, E-2, L-1, O-1 and TN, and commercial drivers licensed in Canada or Mexico.

Anyone in removal proceedings or subject to an order of removal is not eligible. The full list of accepted visa types and documents is in the TSA document linked below.

• TSA: TWIC overview
• 49 CFR 1572.105: immigration status
• TSA: acceptable documents

What disqualifies an applicant

Some convictions disqualify permanently: espionage, sedition, treason, a federal crime of terrorism, a crime involving a transportation security incident, improper transport of hazardous material, unlawful use of explosives, murder, bomb threats, and racketeering built on any of those, including attempts and conspiracies.

Others disqualify for a period: a conviction within seven years of the application, or release from prison for it within five years. That list includes weapons offences, extortion, fraud and dishonesty, bribery, smuggling, immigration violations, drug distribution, arson, kidnapping, rape or aggravated sexual abuse, assault with intent to kill, robbery and fraudulent entry into a seaport. Being wanted or under indictment for any of these counts until the warrant is released or the indictment dismissed.

A Preliminary Determination of Ineligibility is not the end. The applicant has 60 days to request an appeal, a waiver, or both. A waiver is not available for espionage, sedition, treason or terrorism.

• TSA: disqualifying offenses and factors
• 49 CFR 1572.103: disqualifying criminal offenses
• TSA: TWIC frequently asked questions

How to apply

A new applicant always visits an enrollment centre in person. The online part is optional and saves time at the centre.

1. Pre-enrol online Complete the application on Universal Enroll, or do the whole thing at the centre. Book an appointment online or by phone; walk-ins are taken but appointments come first.
2. Bring your documents One document from list A, such as an unexpired US passport or a green card, or two from list B, such as a driver licence with a birth certificate. Names must match across them, or bring the name-change document.
3. Enrol at the centre Provide the documents, give fingerprints and have a photo taken. Pay the fee by credit card, money order, company check or certified check. It is not refunded.
4. Wait for the decision The TSA aims to answer within 60 days and advises enrolling at least 60 days before the card is needed. Status can be checked online or by phone with the same contact details used at enrolment.
5. Receive the card Cards are printed centrally and posted, or held for collection at the centre. Expect it within 10 days of the approval notice. Report a card that does not arrive within 60 days, or a replacement costs $60.

• TSA: TWIC overview
• Universal Enroll: TWIC application
• Universal Enroll: TWIC help
• TSA: acceptable documents
• TSA: TWIC frequently asked questions

What it costs

From 1 October 2026 a new card costs $127. The reduced rate of $93 is for holders of a valid Hazardous Materials Endorsement or a Free and Secure Trade card, presented in person; a card at the reduced rate expires with the credential it was tied to. A replacement costs $60, and so does a name change.

The increase follows a change in the FBI fee. On the day this page was checked, the TSA site still showed the previous figures of $124 for a new card and $116 for an online renewal.

• Universal Enroll: fee notice, 1 October 2026
• Universal Enroll: TWIC help
• TSA: TWIC overview

How long it lasts and how to renew

A TWIC card is valid for five years from the date it is issued. Renewing does not add five years to the current expiry date, so renew close to it.

Renewal is open from one year before the card expires to one year after. Past that, the holder is a new applicant again. US citizens, nationals and lawful permanent residents can renew online for $119; in person it costs $127. An in-person renewal is required for a name change not yet reported, for paying without a credit card, for a reduced-rate card, and every other renewal so that the photo is retaken.

• TSA: TWIC frequently asked questions
• Universal Enroll: TWIC help
• Universal Enroll: fee notice, 1 October 2026