TWIC Card Application Guide
Transportation Worker Identification Credential — required for access to U.S. ports, maritime facilities, refineries, chemical plants, and secure terminals.
$125.25
Fee
$93 with HME
5 years
Validity
Renew before expiry
300+
Locations
Nationwide centers
7–10 days
Processing
Up to 30 for checks
Where Your TWIC Card Gets You
Start Your Application Online
Go to TSA's Universal Enrollment site and begin your TWIC application.
- ●Go to universalenroll.dhs.gov
- ●Choose TWIC Enrollment from the service options
- ●Select your preferred enrollment center location
- ●Choose card pickup at the center or mail delivery to your home
TSA Universal Enrollment
Schedule an appointment rather than walking in — appointments are typically faster, though walk-ins are accepted at most centers.
Choose an Enrollment Center
Pick any of the 300+ enrollment centers across the United States.
- ●300+ locations nationwide including ports, TSA offices, and DMV-adjacent buildings
- ●You can enroll in ANY state — you don't have to go to one in your home state
- ●High-volume port city centers tend to process faster
- ●Choose a center near you or near a route you drive regularly
Select Enrollment Center
High-volume port city centers (like Houston, Los Angeles, Newark, Miami) tend to have more staff and process faster than smaller offices.
Bring ONE Valid Identity Document
Bring one acceptable identity document to your enrollment appointment.
- ●U.S. Passport (best option — fastest processing)
- ●Enhanced Driver's License (EDL)
- ●Birth Certificate + State-issued photo ID
- ●Certificate of Naturalization
- ●Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
Acceptable Documents (bring ONE)
A U.S. Passport is the single best document to bring — it speeds up verification and reduces the chance of extra background checks.
Pay the Fee
Pay the TWIC enrollment fee at the center or online during pre-enrollment.
- ●Standard fee: $125.25
- ●Reduced fee: $93 if you have a valid HazMat Endorsement (HME)
- ●Credit card, debit card, or money order accepted
- ●Fees are non-refundable even if you're denied
Payment Options
If you already have a HazMat Endorsement on your CDL, bring proof — you'll save over $30 on the fee.
Get Fingerprinted & Photographed
Complete your biometric capture at the enrollment center.
- ●Digital fingerprints taken (all 10 fingers)
- ●Photograph taken on-site
- ●The entire process takes about 10–15 minutes
- ●Staff will review your application and confirm everything is complete
Biometric Capture
Wait for TSA Processing
TSA processes your background check and issues your TWIC card.
- ●Typical processing time: 7–10 days
- ●May take up to 30 days for additional background checks
- ●Choose home delivery by mail or center pickup (center pickup is fastest)
- ●You'll receive a notification when your card is ready
Processing Timeline
Choose center pickup instead of mail delivery — you'll often get your card several days sooner, and you avoid the risk of it getting lost in the mail.
Receive & Use Your TWIC Card
Your TWIC card is valid for 5 years and grants access to secure facilities nationwide.
- ●Valid for 5 years from date of issuance
- ●Grants access to all U.S. ports, maritime facilities, refineries, chemical plants, and secure terminals
- ●Carry it whenever you may need to enter a secure facility for a pilot car job
- ●Some port-area loads require a TWIC just to enter the pickup zone
✅ TWIC Card Issued!
Keep your TWIC card in a protective sleeve — the RFID chip and photo can degrade if it's scratched or bent in your wallet.
Renew Before Expiration
Renew your TWIC card every 5 years using the same process.
- ●Start renewal up to 6 months before expiration (don't let it lapse!)
- ●Same process: apply online, visit any center, pay fee, get fingerprinted again
- ●Bring your expiring TWIC card to the renewal appointment
- ●If your card expires, you'll need to apply as a new applicant — no grace period
Renewal Process
Set a calendar reminder for 6 months before your TWIC expires — if it lapses, you're locked out of secure facilities until a new one is issued (could be 30+ days).
Most drivers get their TWIC card in 7–12 days using this combination:
- ✗Walking in without an appointment — you'll wait longer, and some centers require one
- ✗Forgetting your identity document — without it, you can't enroll and must come back another day
- ✗Choosing mail delivery when you need the card fast — center pickup is typically several days sooner
- ✗Letting your TWIC expire before renewing — there's no grace period, and you'll be locked out of facilities until a new one arrives
- ✗Not bringing HME proof for the reduced fee — you'll pay full price with no refund later
Ready to Get Your TWIC Card?
Start your application on TSA's Universal Enrollment site today.
Start on TSA Universal Enrollment