Sachin Walls
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) considers a valid unexpired TWIC card an acceptable form of identification for boarding a plane. However, some people have reported issues with using their TWIC card at TSA checkpoints, with agents trying to run the card through a machine. When booking a flight, you can add your TWIC card as a known traveler number to your reservation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can a TWIC card be used at the airport? | Yes, a valid unexpired TWIC card can be used at the airport as a valid form of identification. |
| Can an expired TWIC card be used to board a plane? | Yes, TSA will accept an expired TWIC card to board a plane if you have not received a new NexGen card. |
| Can a TWIC card be used as a "real ID" at the TSA checkpoint? | No, a TWIC card cannot be used as a "real ID" at the TSA checkpoint. |
| Can a TWIC card be used for TSA PreCheck? | Yes, a TWIC card can be used for TSA PreCheck. The KTN or CIN from the TWIC card can be entered into your airline reservation. |
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What You'll Learn
TSA PreCheck with TWIC
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has expanded its TSA PreCheck eligibility to include all active Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) cardholders who are U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or lawful permanent residents. This means that if you have a TWIC card and meet the eligibility criteria, you can use the TSA PreCheck lanes at over 200 participating airports across the nation.
To use your TWIC card for TSA PreCheck, you must enter your TWIC Credential Identification Number (CIN) in the "Known Traveler Number" (KTN) field when booking your travel reservations with a participating airline or in your airline profile. The CIN is printed on the back of your TWIC card in the lower left-hand corner.
It is important to note that simply having a TWIC card does not guarantee TSA PreCheck eligibility. To be eligible, you must also meet the following criteria:
- Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or U.S. national.
- Be approved for a TWIC outside of TSA's waiver process.
- Not be under investigation as a result of TSA's recurrent vetting.
If you are eligible and have correctly entered your CIN as your KTN, your boarding pass will display a TSA PreCheck indicator. This will allow you to experience expedited screening, where you can keep your shoes, light outerwear, and belt on, and your laptop in its case, among other benefits.
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Using a TWIC card as a real ID
A Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card is a valid form of identification for air travel and can be used at TSA security checkpoints. A valid, unexpired TWIC card can be used as a REAL ID and is accepted by TSA officers. However, some travellers have reported issues with using their TWIC card at airport security. In some cases, the ID scanners struggle to read IDs with chips, and travellers have been asked to provide an alternative form of identification. If your TWIC card is not scanning, you can request that the TSA officer manually verify your ID.
According to the TSA, REAL ID-compliant forms of identification include state-issued driver's licenses, state photo identity cards, US passports, DHS trusted traveller cards, US Department of Defense IDs, permanent resident cards, border crossing cards, federally recognised Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe photo IDs, foreign government-issued passports, Canadian provincial driver's licenses, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada cards, and US Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Cards.
It is important to note that if you are unsure whether your ID complies with REAL ID requirements, you should check with your state department of motor vehicles. As of May 7, 2025, state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant will no longer be accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. Passengers who present non-compliant IDs and do not have another acceptable alternative form of ID may be directed to a separate area for additional screening or asked to complete an identity verification process.
While a TWIC card can be used as a REAL ID at airport security checkpoints, it is always a good idea to carry additional forms of acceptable identification, such as a passport, to avoid any potential issues or delays during the identity verification process.
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Boarding a plane with a TWIC card
A Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card can be used as a valid form of identification when boarding a plane. The card meets the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) security standards, and TSA officers are trained to recognize it as an acceptable form of ID.
When booking a flight, you can add your TWIC card information to your reservation by looking for the \"known traveler number\" (KTN) or CIN on the bottom left on the back of your card. This will allow you to use the TSA PreCheck security line at the airport, which can save you time and hassle. With TSA PreCheck, you may not need to remove your shoes and belt, and you can keep your electronics and toiletries in your backpack.
However, it's important to note that not all airports may recognize the TWIC card as a valid form of ID. Some individuals have reported issues with using their TWIC card at airport security, with agents trying and failing to run the card through their machine. Additionally, certain airports, facilities, or vessels may request additional information to verify your personal identity. Therefore, it is always a good idea to carry another form of valid identification, such as a driver's license or passport, when traveling.
To ensure a smooth experience when using your TWIC card at the airport, it is recommended to arrive early and be prepared to provide additional identification or information if needed. By following these suggestions, you can confidently use your TWIC card when boarding a plane at most airports.
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TWIC card not working at airport
If your Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card is not working at the airport, there could be several reasons. Firstly, TWIC cards do not have barcodes or magnetic stripes, so they cannot be read by the CAT machine, which is optical-only. As a result, the machine cannot pull information from the TWIC card, and you will need to present an alternative form of identification, such as a driver's license or passport.
It is important to note that while TWIC cards may not work as a scanned ID at airport security checkpoints, they can be used for TSA PreCheck. This means that your TWIC card number can be entered into your airline reservation to expedite the security screening process. However, when you arrive at the airport and proceed through security, you may be required to present additional identification documents if your TWIC card cannot be scanned.
To avoid any issues or delays at the airport, it is recommended to carry alternative forms of accepted identification, such as a valid driver's license or passport. These forms of ID contain the necessary barcodes or magnetic stripes that can be read by the CAT machine. Additionally, ensuring that your other identification documents are up-to-date and valid can help prevent any potential complications during the security screening process.
Furthermore, it is always advisable to allow extra time when travelling and to be prepared for any unforeseen issues, especially if you are relying on your TWIC card as your primary form of identification. By carrying additional forms of accepted ID and staying informed about the latest airport security measures, you can minimize the impact of a non-functioning TWIC card and ensure a smoother travel experience.
In summary, while TWIC cards are useful for various purposes, they may not always function as expected at airport security checkpoints due to the lack of scannable features. Being prepared with alternative forms of identification and utilizing the TSA PreCheck option can help overcome these issues and ensure a more seamless journey through airport security screening.
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TWIC card and additional identity verification
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) considers a valid unexpired TWIC card an acceptable form of identification for boarding a plane. TSA officers are trained to recognize the TWIC as a valid ID. However, certain airports, facilities, or vessels may request additional information to verify one's identity.
When booking a flight, you may enter either the TSA PreCheck Known Traveler Number (KTN) or CIN into your airline reservation. The KTN can be found on the bottom left on the back of your TWIC card.
Some people have reported issues with using their TWIC card at TSA checkpoints. In some cases, the agent may try to run the card through their machine, but it may not work. It is recommended to use the KTN printed on the TWIC card when booking a flight to ensure smooth passage through TSA checkpoints.
Additionally, when using a frequent flyer account or online travel profile, it is important to ensure that the KTN or CIN is associated with the account or profile to avoid any issues during the security check.
It is always a good idea to carry additional forms of identification, such as a driver's license or passport, when traveling in case there are any issues with using a TWIC card as a form of identification.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, a valid unexpired TWIC card can be used at the airport as an acceptable form of identification.
TSA officers will accept an expired TWIC card to board a plane if you have not received your new NexGen card.
Your new card meets TSA security standards for valid identification and can be used to board planes.
Certain airports, facilities, or vessels may request additional information to verify your personal identity.
Your KTN is the number on the bottom left on the back of your TWIC card.
