How Much Does A TWIC Card Cost?

Last Updated on September 10, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

A Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card issued by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has become an absolutely essential security measure required for hundreds of thousands of transportation professionals needing legitimate unescorted access to secure or restricted areas within maritime facilities, ports, vessels, and critical infrastructure nationwide.

While obtaining a TWIC card is federally mandated for wide swaths of workers, thoroughly understanding the full costs involved with enrollment, renewal, and potential replacements allows employees in federally regulated transportation industries to accurately budget and prepare for the application fees and process.

Securing a TWIC card brings dedicated transportation workers across vital industries including longshoremen, merchant mariners, cargo truck drivers, airport ground staff, refinery workers, and many more one step closer to being able to work in their desired roles that absolutely require unimpeded access into tightly controlled port facilities, secure terminals, restricted aviation grounds, and other locked down infrastructure.

How Much Does A TWIC Card Cost?

The typical base cost for a TWIC card is approximately $125, with conditional discounts between $60 to $105 possible in certain qualifying cases.

The full range of direct fees involved with enrolling in TWIC for the first time include:

• $125.25 initial application fee – Covers the mandatory security threat assessment, FBI criminal history records review, counterterrorism screening, and full background check
• $97.50 renewal application fee – For card renewals after 5-year expiration reauthorizing access following re-verification
• $60 replacement card fee – If an active card is ever lost, damaged, stolen or malfunctions
• $60 expired card replacement – If seeking to replace an already expired card beyond the valid 5 years
• No fees for transfers – Simple transfers allow updating printed card information with changes like a new name, address, or employer

Potential supplemental applicant expenses like secured card delivery fees, passport-style photos, transportation costs to enrollment centers, or document mailing fees may also burden applicants depending on specific circumstances.

According to TAFS, the application fee for a new TWIC card is $125.25, while the renewal fee is $60. They also mention that qualifying applicants may be eligible for a reduced rate of $105.25. If a TWIC card is lost, the replacement cost is also $60. The card is valid for five years, and the application process includes fingerprinting and background checks, which can take up to 12 weeks.

The blog on Drive4ATS confirms that the standard fee for a new TWIC card is $125.25. They also note that applicants with a hazardous materials endorsement or a Free and Secure Trade card can receive a reduced rate of $93.00. The renewal fee for the card remains the same at $125.25 for in-person applications, while online renewals are slightly cheaper at $117.25. A replacement card costs $60.

Another source, TSA Travel Tips, reiterates that the cost for a new TWIC card is $125.25, with a reduced fee of $105.25 available under certain conditions. The renewal fee is identical to the application fee. They emphasize that the TWIC card is valid for five years and outline the importance of the card for those needing access to secure areas in the maritime industry.

HMD Trucking’s blog post on how to get a TWIC card also states the cost as $125.25 for new applicants, with the reduced rate of $93.00 applicable for those with qualifying endorsements. They highlight that this fee covers the card’s five-year validity and mention the importance of proper documentation during the application process.

Lastly, MM-Seas provides similar information, confirming that the cost for a new applicant is $125.25, with renewal fees at $117.25 for online applications and $60 for replacements. They emphasize the importance of the TWIC card for maritime workers and the application process involved.

What Exactly is a TWIC Card?

Issued by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), a TWIC card verifies worker identity via biometrics and ensures individuals have passed comprehensive security threat assessments. Core features include:

• Contains the holder’s fingerprints, photograph and personal information
• Confirms completion of TSA-mandated security background checks
• Allows unescorted access to secure and restricted maritime areas
• Valid for 5 years before requiring renewal

Longshoremen, truck drivers, merchant mariners and any workers entering restricted port areas must obtain this critical credential.

TWIC Enrollment Process

To obtain a brand-new TWIC card or complete renewal, applicants must:

• Provide extensive documentation proving identity and immigration status, including a valid U.S. passport, permanent resident card, or U.S. driver’s license among other accepted options
• Complete in-person enrollment and verification at an approved TSA TWIC center operated by a contractor
• Submit electronic fingerprints, facial photographs, iris scans and signature specimens to biometric record
• Successfully pass extensive TSA review of criminal history, immigration status, terrorist watchlist databases, Interpol records, and other federal government watchlists looking for any concerning derogatory information
• Remit all associated application processing fees depending on whether applying for initial issuance or renewal

TSA aims to fully process and adjudicate applications within less than 30 days; however, practical timeframes may extend to 60+ days due to backlogs especially at peak seasons. Initial card production and delivery follows affirmative threat assessment.

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TWIC Card Discounts

Certain individuals falling under special applicant classes are eligible for moderately reduced TWIC fees or qualifying for full waivers in limited cases. These special cases include:

• $105.25 reduced fee – For current HME or FAST card holders since identity is partially established
• Possible fee waivers – Rarely provided exclusively for some U.S. military veterans, active-duty military personnel, reservists, National Guard, certain local and federal government employees to avoid redundant background checks
• No fees for children under 18 – TWIC enrollment is free for minors but requires parental consent

documentation. However, most port jobs require adulthood anyway.

The lower pricing tiers aim to prevent burdensome redundant identity verifications and repetitive background checks for those who already hold other comparable federal credentials. All applicants must provide evidence of current eligibility for any special status requested.

When Should You Renew?

We strongly advise that you submit a TWIC renewal application no less than 90 days in advance of the card’s printed expiration date to allow sufficient processing time for full re-verification and any unforeseen delays that commonly occur. Initiating this critical renewal process at least 3 months ahead helps guarantee transportation workers enjoy continuous unexpired access rather than risky lapses.

Once the existing card expires, immediate access removal and work disruption arises until the renewal completes or a new initial application is filed from scratch. No grace period extensions exist. To avoid income disruptions and comply with the law, transportation security experts overwhelmingly recommend visiting an approved enrollment center far in advance of posted expiration dates. Procrastination spells trouble.

TWIC Background Checks

The extensive screening protocols in place aim to fulfill crucial security objectives including:

• Preventing access privileges from being granted to transportation professionals with serious disqualifying criminal offenses or confirmed ties to terrorist organizations that would present insider threats if granted access to sensitive cargo, critical infrastructure or passenger operations.
• Mitigating terrorism risks by blocking any dangerous individuals on federal watchlists from being allowed unescorted access to secured facilities where they could surveil or compromise port, airport, pipeline, refinery, or other transportation security.
• Providing an essential layer of identity assurance and eligibility verification before issuing credentials granting access to designated restricted zones or secure areas.

By incorporating unified federal standards, biometrics, recurring vetting, and due process in appeals, the stringent TWIC eligibility process enhances security while appropriately balancing burdens imposed on essential transportation workers who keep cargo and our economy moving.

Final WOrds

Taking time to understand all TWIC card costs, enrollment protocols, renewal deadlines, and potential fees allows transportation professionals to plan time and budgets wisely around this mandatory identity and security process prerequisite to working in federally regulated transportation industries.

While certainly not free at over $100 per applicant, securing a TWIC card brings our nation’s transportation workers across vital sectors closer to fulfilling their essential roles executing commercial missions, protecting critical infrastructure, and keeping supply chains flowing securely. The benefits provided substantially outweigh the moderate economic burdens.

Answers to Common Questions

Does a TWIC card get you through airport security?

No, a TWIC card is solely intended for granting access to secured maritime facilities and vessels. It cannot be used to access restricted areas at airports or pass-through regular airport security checkpoints.

What happens if you don’t have a TWIC card?

Accessing or attempting to access an area that requires a valid TWIC card without having one can potentially result in denied entry, removal from the premises, civil penalties, or even arrest depending on the specific circumstances.

What are the benefits of having a TWIC card?

A TWIC card enables workers to qualify for a wide range of jobs in port and vessel operations, cargo handling, and passenger screening that involve entering secured areas. It provides an advantage over candidates lacking the credential.