Traveling With A Twic Card: Airport Benefits And More

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) issues TWIC® cards, which serve as valid checkpoint identification at airports. Active TWIC cardholders, including Great Lakes Mariners, who meet the eligibility requirements can obtain TSA PreCheck, which allows expedited screening at airports nationwide. To use TSA PreCheck, cardholders must present a valid boarding pass with the TSA PreCheck indicator printed on it. TWIC cards can be mailed to the cardholder's home address or picked up at an application center, and cardholders can check their status online at any time.

TSA PreCheck eligibility for TWIC cardholders

As of April 15, 2020, active TWIC cardholders became eligible for expedited screening at airports across the United States. This means that cardholders can utilise the TSA PreCheck service without paying any additional fees.

To be eligible for TSA PreCheck, TWIC cardholders must 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 the TSA's waiver process
• Not be under investigation by the TSA

TWIC cardholders who meet the eligibility criteria can enter the identification number (CIN) on the back of their TWIC card in the Known Traveler Number (KTN) field when booking a flight with a participating airline. The CIN serves as the KTN, so it is important to ensure that the name and date of birth on the flight reservation match the details provided when applying for the TWIC card.

By using their TWIC card for TSA PreCheck, travellers can enjoy expedited screening, allowing them to keep their shoes, light outerwear, and belt on, as well as keeping their laptop in its case and carrying their liquids/gels bag in their carry-on luggage.

TWIC card as a real ID

A TWIC card can be used as a form of identification at airports. The Transportation Worker Identification Credential, or TWIC, is a card that acts as a "real ID" and can be used at TSA checkpoints. However, some people have reported issues when trying to use their TWIC card at airport security, with agents unable to scan the card through their machine. While the TWIC card is a valid form of identification, it is always a good idea to carry another form of ID when travelling, such as a passport or driver's license, to ensure a smooth and efficient check-in process at the airport.

The TWIC card is a secure identification card issued by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to individuals who require access to secure areas of maritime facilities and vessels. The card includes the holder's name, photograph, and other identifying information, and it is designed to enhance security and ensure only authorised individuals have access to critical infrastructure.

One of the key benefits of the TWIC card is its use as a "real ID." A real ID is a form of identification that meets specific security standards and is accepted at airports and other secure locations. The TWIC card is designed to meet these standards and provide a convenient and secure way for workers to access sensitive areas.

However, there have been mixed reviews regarding the use of TWIC cards at airport security. Some people have reported that TSA agents have been unable to process their TWIC card through the scanning machines, causing delays in the check-in process. It is recommended that individuals with a TWIC card familiarise themselves with the card's use at airports and carry alternative identification to prevent any potential issues.

Despite the occasional challenge of using a TWIC card at airport security, it remains a valuable and accepted form of identification for those who work in the maritime industry and require access to secure areas. Individuals with a TWIC card can use it as a real ID, but it is always beneficial to remain up-to-date with any changes in accepted identification methods and to have alternative forms of ID readily available when travelling.

TWIC card enrollment process

The Transportation Worker Identification Credential, also known as TWIC®, is required by the Maritime Transportation Security Act for workers who need access to secure areas of the nation's maritime facilities or vessels. The TWIC card enrollment process is as follows:

First, applicants must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria. U.S. citizens and non-U.S. citizens in certain immigrant/non-immigrant categories may apply for the credential. Applicants must also provide required documentation, such as a current U.S. passport, driver's license, or birth certificate.

Second, applicants can either pre-enroll using the online application or complete the entire process in person at an application center. It is recommended that applicants schedule an appointment online or by phone, as walk-ins may have to wait for priority appointments.

Third, during the appointment, applicants will be fingerprinted and have their facial photo taken. They must also provide the required documentation and pay a non-refundable fee valid for five years using a credit card, money order, company check, or certified/cashier's check.

Fourth, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will conduct a security threat assessment (background check) to determine the applicant's eligibility for the TWIC card.

Finally, once the application is approved, the applicant will receive their TWIC card. They can choose to have it mailed to their home address or pick it up at the application center. Applicants can check the status of their application online at any time.

It is important to note that the processing times for TWIC card applications may vary, and applicants should allow sufficient time for their application to be processed. The TSA recommends enrolling at least 60 days before needing a valid TWIC card, as the demand for TWIC cards has increased, and processing times may exceed 45 days.

TWIC card cancellation

While a TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential) card can be used as a form of identification, it is not clear whether it can be used at airports for passing through TSA checkpoints. Some sources indicate that TWIC cards may not be compatible with the machines used by TSA agents to scan and validate IDs.

Now, if you need to cancel your TWIC card, here is some information that might be useful for you. Firstly, it is important to understand the implications and consequences of cancelling your TWIC card. Cancelling your TWIC card will result in the revocation of your access privileges associated with the card. This includes access to secure areas in maritime and other transportation facilities that require a TWIC card for entry.

To initiate the cancellation process, you must submit a request to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). You can do this by contacting the TSA's help desk or by visiting their website. Provide them with your full name, date of birth, and TWIC card number. Additionally, you will need to explain the reason for your cancellation request. Common reasons for cancelling a TWIC card include employment changes, loss or theft of the card, or a change in eligibility status.

After submitting your request, the TSA will process the cancellation. This may include updating their records and databases to reflect the revocation of your TWIC card privileges. Once the cancellation is complete, your TWIC card will no longer be valid for access. It is important to note that you may be required to surrender your physical TWIC card to the appropriate authorities or follow specific disposal instructions provided by the TSA.

It is always a good idea to keep your records up to date and ensure that your identification documents are current and accurate. Cancelling your TWIC card when it is no longer needed helps maintain the integrity of the security system and prevents any potential misuse or abuse of access privileges.

TWIC card as valid checkpoint identification

A TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential) card is a valid form of identification at airport checkpoints. However, it cannot be used to access the TSA PreCheck lane, which requires a valid boarding pass with the TSA PreCheck indicator. To use a TWIC card as a valid ID at a TSA checkpoint, the cardholder must be active and meet the TSA PreCheck Application Program's eligibility requirements. This includes being a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident.

TWIC cardholders who obtained their card via a waiver from the TSA are not eligible for TSA PreCheck. To obtain a TWIC card, applicants must enrol online or in person at an application centre, providing required documentation, fingerprints, and a facial photo. There is a non-refundable fee, and the card is valid for five years.

TWIC cardholders can enjoy expedited screening at airports nationwide, which means they no longer need to pay extra for this benefit. To utilise this benefit, cardholders should provide the CIN number on the back of their card when making travel reservations. This can be done by providing the number to the airline when booking over the phone, to a travel agent, or online in the Known Traveler Number (KTN) field. If a TWIC cardholder has an online profile with an airline, they can enter their CIN number there to save it for future reservations.

It is important to note that the TSA recommends that applicants enrol for a TWIC card a minimum of 60 days before they require a valid card, as processing times may exceed 45 days. Additionally, the TWIC card cannot be used to infer any derogatory information about the cardholder if it is placed on the Cancelled Card List; it simply indicates that the card is no longer valid.

Frequently asked questions