Jazmin Li
The TWIC card, or Transportation Worker Identification Credential, is a card required for workers who need access to secure areas of maritime facilities and vessels. While it can be used as a primary form of ID at airport security checkpoints, it is not recommended as the sole means of identification. This is because the system is not always able to accept all forms of primary ID, and a driver's license or boarding pass may be required instead. However, if you have your TWIC card handy, it can be used as a secondary form of ID if needed. It's important to note that everyone over the age of 18 must present a primary form of identification at airport security.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What does TWIC stand for? | Transportation Worker Identification Credential |
| Who needs it? | Workers who need access to secure areas of the nation's maritime facilities and vessels |
| What does it enable the holder to do? | Use it as identification at airport security |
| Is it accepted at all airports? | No, some people have reported that their TWIC card was not accepted at certain airports |
| Is it a primary or secondary form of ID? | Primary |
| How long is it valid for? | 5 years |
| How do you apply for a TWIC card? | Apply online or complete the process in person at an application centre |
| How long does it take to get a TWIC card? | Processing times may exceed 45 days |
| What happens when a TWIC card is cancelled? | The card is added to the TWIC Canceled Card List and the Visual Canceled Card List |
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What You'll Learn
TWIC card as a primary form of ID
TWIC, or the Transportation Worker Identification Credential, is a primary form of identification. It is required by the Maritime Transportation Security Act for workers who need access to secure areas of the nation's maritime facilities and vessels. This includes most mariners licensed by the US Coast Guard.
To obtain a TWIC card, applicants must undergo a security threat assessment (background check) by the TSA to determine their eligibility. The TSA recommends that applicants pre-enrol for a TWIC card at least 60 days before they require a valid card. Applicants must provide required documentation, be fingerprinted, and take a facial photo. They must also bring a current US passport or a driver's license and birth certificate, or other acceptable documents. Applicants must also pay a non-refundable fee, valid for five years.
TWIC cardholders can use their TWIC card as a primary form of ID at airport security checkpoints. However, some sources advise against relying on the TWIC card as a primary ID at airports, as it may not always be accepted. In such cases, it can be used as a secondary form of ID. TSA agents at airport security checkpoints will typically ask for a primary form of ID, such as a driver's license, and a boarding pass. If a traveller does not have proper ID, they may still be able to go through security with secondary forms of ID that have identifying information such as a photo, address, phone number, social security number, or date of birth.
TWIC cards that are cancelled are placed on the TWIC Canceled Card List and the Visual Canceled Card List, which are publicly available. These lists do not include any personally identifiable information and only indicate that the card is no longer valid. TWIC electronic card readers are available from a variety of manufacturers, and the TSA provides a list of qualified manufacturers to the public.
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TSA's use of Credential Authentication Technology
TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential) is a card that is required for workers who need access to secure areas of the nation's maritime facilities and vessels. While it can be used as a secondary form of ID at airport security, it is not recommended as a primary form of ID.
TSAs Use of Credential Authentication Technology
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) uses Credential Authentication Technology (CAT) as a security measure at airport security checkpoints. CAT is an effective tool that provides TSA officers with enhanced fraudulent ID detection capabilities while confirming the identity and flight information of travellers.
When a CAT unit is in use, a TSA officer will ask travellers to provide a photo ID. The officer will then insert the photo ID into the CAT unit, where the ID is scanned and analysed. CAT is linked electronically to the Secure Flight database, which confirms travellers' flight details, ensuring they are ticketed for travel that day. CAT also displays the pre-screening status, such as TSA PreCheck, that the traveller is eligible for, without the need for a boarding pass.
CAT improves the travel document checker's ability to accurately authenticate passenger identification and pre-screening status, addressing the vulnerabilities associated with ID and boarding pass fraud. The next generation of CAT, CAT 2, will enhance security screening and enable a touchless experience through biometric technology, including face match. IDEMIA Identity and Security North America, a leading provider of biometrics and secure identity solutions, has been awarded a contract by the TSA for CAT 2, with a contract ceiling of $128 million over seven years.
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TWIC card application process
TWIC, or Transportation Worker Identification Credential, is a card required by the Maritime Transportation Security Act for workers who need access to secure areas of the nation's maritime facilities and vessels. It is also used as a primary form of identification at airport security checkpoints.
To apply for a TWIC card, you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, naturalized citizen, or a nonimmigrant alien, asylee, or refugee with lawful status. The application process can be started online, but you must also visit an application centre in person to provide the required documentation, be fingerprinted, and have your photo taken. You will need to bring a current U.S. passport or a driver's license and birth certificate, as well as other acceptable documents. There is a non-refundable fee that covers five years, which can be paid by credit card, money order, company check, or certified/cashier's check.
TSA recommends that applicants enrol for TWIC at least 60 days before they require a valid card. This is because the TSA is experiencing increased demand for TWIC, and processing times for some applicants may exceed 45 days. Once your application has been processed, you can choose to have your card mailed to your home address or pick it up at the application centre.
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TWIC card cancellation
TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential) is a card that is required for workers who need access to secure areas of the nation's maritime facilities and vessels. The TSA conducts a security threat assessment (background check) to determine a person's eligibility and issues the credential. While a TWIC card can be used as a primary form of ID at airport security checkpoints, it is not recommended as the system is not able to accept all of the allowed forms of primary ID.
Regarding the cancellation of a TWIC card, here is some information I was able to find:
- When the TSA decides to revoke a TWIC card, the agency informs facility security officials via the TWIC Canceled Card List and the Visual Canceled Card List. These lists are publicly available and updated daily to display TWIC cards that have been canceled. The presence of a TWIC card on these lists does not indicate any derogatory information about the cardholder; it simply means the card is no longer valid.
- The TWIC Canceled Card List includes cards that were canceled due to a cardholder being ruled ineligible, as well as cards reported lost, stolen, or damaged.
- TWIC cards that are canceled cannot be removed from the Canceled Card List or Visual Canceled Card List, and all canceled cards should be returned to the TSA.
- TWIC cardholders who meet the criteria may be eligible for the TSA PreCheck Application Program, which allows for expedited screening. To participate, cardholders must enter the CIN (Credential Identification Number) on the back of their TWIC card into the known traveler number field of airline reservations or profiles.
- TWIC cards can be renewed online or in person at an enrollment center. The TSA recommends that applicants enroll for renewals a minimum of 60 days before they require a valid TWIC, as processing times may exceed 45 days.
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TWIC card readers
TWIC® card readers are devices that comply with the TWIC Reader Hardware and Card Application Specification published by the TSA. The readers can be fixed or portable. They are used to confirm that:
- The card is authentic and issued by the TSA;
- The card has not expired;
- The card has not been revoked, lost, or stolen; and
- Through a biometric fingerprint match, the person presenting the card is the rightful holder.
Current SC-QTL-listed readers may be subject to firmware and/or hardware updates by the manufacturer and shall be re-tested and recertified. The TSA maintains and publishes a list of TWIC readers that have been evaluated by independent laboratories for compliance.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, TWIC cards are accepted as a primary form of identification at airport security checkpoints.
TWIC cardholders have reported issues with using their cards at airport security. It is recommended to carry a secondary form of ID as a backup.
TWIC stands for Transportation Worker Identification Credential. It is a card issued by the TSA to workers who require access to secure areas of maritime facilities and vessels.
