Using Twic Cards: Airport Security And Beyond

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts the TWIC card as a valid form of identification at airports. Active TWIC cardholders can use their card to board a plane and are eligible for expedited screening at airports across the United States. However, certain airports, facilities, or vessels may request additional information to verify one's identity.

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 eligible TWIC cardholders can use their TWIC card for TSA PreCheck and no longer need to pay extra for this benefit.

To be eligible for TSA PreCheck with a TWIC card, cardholders must meet the criteria for the TSA PreCheck Application Program. This includes being a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or U.S. national, and being approved for a TWIC outside of the TSA's waiver process. Additionally, cardholders must not be under investigation as a result of TSA's recurrent vetting.

It is important to note that not all TWIC cardholders are eligible for TSA PreCheck. To utilize this benefit, active TWIC cardholders who meet the eligibility requirements must take the Credential Identification Number (CIN) on the back of their TWIC card and enter it in the known traveler number (KTN) field of their airline reservations and airline profiles. This will allow them to access the TSA PreCheck lane at the airport.

TWIC cardholders should ensure that their name, date of birth, and other information submitted on their airline reservation match the information printed on their TWIC card. They should also provide the CIN number to the airline or travel agent when making a reservation or booking online. By following these steps, eligible TWIC cardholders can take advantage of the expedited screening process offered by TSA PreCheck at airports nationwide.

Using a TWIC card to board a plane

A Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card can be used to board a plane. The TWIC card meets TSA security standards for valid identification, and a valid, unexpired TWIC card can be used to board a plane. TSA officers are trained to recognize the TWIC as an acceptable form of identification.

However, it is important to note that certain airports, facilities, or vessels may request additional information to verify one's personal identity. Therefore, it is recommended to check the access requirements of individual authorities, owners, or operators before assuming that a TWIC card is sufficient.

As of April 15, 2020, active TWIC cardholders, including Great Lakes Mariners, became eligible for TSA PreCheck, which provides expedited screening at airports nationwide. This means that eligible TWIC cardholders can enjoy expedited security screening when travelling by air without paying any extra fees. To utilize this benefit, eligible TWIC cardholders must provide their Credential Identification Number (CIN) to the airline when making a reservation, to their travel agent, or online in the Known Traveler Number (KTN) field when booking their flight.

It is important to note that not all TWIC cardholders are eligible for TSA PreCheck. Eligibility is only open to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and lawful permanent residents who meet the additional TSA PreCheck Application Program's eligibility requirements. TWIC cardholders who obtained their card via a waiver from the TSA are not eligible for TSA PreCheck.

TWIC card as a form of identification at the airport

The TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential) card is a valid form of identification at airports. TSA officers are trained to recognize the TWIC card as an acceptable form of ID. As long as your TWIC card is valid (unexpired), you can use it to board a plane.

TWIC cardholders, including Great Lakes Mariners, are eligible for expedited screening at airports across the nation. This means that eligible cardholders can use the TSA PreCheck lane at security checkpoints. To utilize this benefit, eligible cardholders must include the Credential Identification Number (CIN) printed on their TWIC card in the Known Traveler Number (KTN) field of their airline reservations and profiles. The CIN can be found on the back lower left-hand corner of the TWIC card.

It is important to note that not all TWIC cardholders are eligible for TSA PreCheck. Eligibility is only granted to active TWIC cardholders who are U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or lawful permanent residents. Additionally, cardholders who obtained their TWIC card through a waiver from the TSA are not eligible for TSA PreCheck.

Certain airports, facilities, or vessels may request additional information to verify one's personal identity. It is recommended to check the access requirements of individual authorities, owners, or operators for specific details.

Requirements for TSA PreCheck

TWIC cards, or Transportation Worker Identification Credentials, are valid identification documents for TSA PreCheck®. However, they must be unexpired to be used as valid identification.

The TSA PreCheck® Application Program has specific requirements for eligibility and documentation. Firstly, only certain individuals are eligible to apply for the program. This includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and lawful permanent residents. It is important to note that applicants may still be deemed ineligible due to various factors, including incomplete or false application information, violations of federal security regulations, or disqualifying criminal offenses.

For those who are eligible, the application process requires providing specific documentation to prove identity and citizenship status. All documents provided must be original or certified copies, and the names on all documents must match exactly with the name on the application. If an individual has legally changed their name, they must provide an original or certified name change document, such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree, in addition to the other required documentation.

The required documents fall into two categories, List A and List B. At least one document from List A, or two documents from List B, must be provided.

List A Documents:

• Unexpired U.S. Passport (book or card)
• Unexpired Enhanced Tribal Card (ETC)
• Unexpired Free and Secure Trade (FAST) Card
• Unexpired U.S. Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Unexpired Enhanced Identification Card (EID)
• Permanent Resident Card (I-551), often referred to as a "Green Card"
• Unexpired Foreign Passport and Immigrant Visa with I-551 annotation indicating permanent residence
• Unexpired Re-entry Permit (I-327)

List B Documents:

• Valid photo ID, such as an unexpired driver's license or photo ID card issued by a federal, state, or local government agency
• Document that meets citizenship requirements, such as a U.S. Birth Certificate, Certificate of Citizenship, or Certificate of Naturalization

Additional information requests at certain airports

Although TSA officers are trained to recognize the TWIC card as a valid form of identification, certain airports, facilities, or vessels may request additional information to verify your identity. This is important to keep in mind as it could impact your travel experience.

In such cases, it is advisable to refer to the access requirements of individual authorities, owners, or operators for further details. This information can usually be found on the official website of the specific airport or facility you plan to visit. It is always a good idea to be prepared and know the specific requirements of your destination.

To benefit from expedited security screening, TWIC cardholders must meet the eligibility requirements for the TSA PreCheck Application Program. This includes providing the Credential Identification Number (CIN) on the back of their TWIC card to the airline when making a reservation. The CIN must also be included in the Known Traveler Number (KTN) field of each reservation made with a participating airline.

It is worth noting that not all TWIC cardholders are eligible for TSA PreCheck. Eligibility is only granted to active TWIC cardholders who are U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or lawful permanent residents. Additionally, those who obtained their TWIC card through a waiver from the TSA are not eligible for TSA PreCheck.

Frequently asked questions