Twic card что это
Twic card что это
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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 and vessels. TSA conducts a security threat assessment (background check) to determine a person’s eligibility and issues the credential. U.S. citizens and immigrants in certain immigration categories may apply for the credential. Most mariners licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard also require a credential. Regarding card usage and facility access requirements, please contact the U.S. Coast Guard.
Apply
To be eligible for the reduced rate you must present a valid driver license with a hazardous materials endorsement, or a Free and Secure Trade card. Please note, if you select the reduced rate, your new TWIC card will be valid for five years from the chosen document’s issuance date.
Eligibility
You may apply if you are a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, naturalized citizen or a nonimmigrant alien, asylee, or refugee who is in lawful status.
Applicants may be ineligible due to:
TWIC® FAQ
Can a TWIC® card be confiscated or taken from an individual by an employer?
No. The TWIC® card is the property of TSA.
Exception: an employer must retrieve a TWIC® card from an alien when their work visa expires and return it to TSA. Law enforcement, TSA or U.S. Coast Guard personnel may also confiscate a TWIC if used in conjunction with a crime.
How can I go to work—gain access to a facility—while waiting for my replacement card?
U.S. Coast Guard policy allows workers who meet certain requirements to continue to have access to a regulated facility while waiting for their replacement card. One of the conditions is to have a receipt showing that you ordered a replacement card. Please contact the U.S. Coast Guard for further details on their policy.
How can I make an appointment for in-person enrollment?
You may make an appointment online through the Universal Enrollment Services website or by calling (855) 347-8371 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET. If pre-enrollment is available, you may make an appointment online during the pre-enrollment process.
How can I request a replacement TWIC® card or request a card transfer?
Request a TWIC® replacement card or card transfer online or call 855-347-8371 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET. If paying by company check or with a money order, you must visit an application center and have the card ordered.
How does TSA protect the privacy of the information I provide?
To ensure your privacy is protected, your data is encrypted, stored and transmitted securely using methods that protect the information from unauthorized retrieval or use.
How do I renew my TWIC®?
Follow the same steps as a new applicant to renew your TWIC® card.
How much does a TWIC® card cost?
How will my name appear on my TWIC® card?
Your first name, middle initial, and last name will be displayed on your TWIC® card. Prefixes and suffixes are not displayed.
If I find my lost card after I reported it missing, can I still use it?
No. If you find your card after ordering a replacement, then you should destroy the old card or return it directly to TSA to the address on the back of the card.
What are the rules for handling a TWIC®?
What happens after I submit my application?
TSA’s goal is to provide you with a response within 30-45 days of receiving the information you provided at enrollment. This may take longer if there was difficulty capturing your fingerprints during enrollment. You can check your status online at any time.
What if I haven’t received my TWIC® card yet?
What if I no longer meet the eligibility requirements?
You must report the disqualifying condition to TSA and surrender your TWIC to TSA by mailing the card to the address on the back.
What if I receive a Preliminary Determination of Ineligibility letter from TSA?
If TSA finds potentially disqualifying information, TSA will send you a letter with instructions on how to proceed.
What is the legal interpretation of the phrase “field of transportation”?
The legal interpretation of the phrase “field of transportation” as it relates to fees covering the cost of vetting services can be found on the Federal Register as Docket ID TSA-2016-0001.
What is the TWIC annotated B-1 visa and who can apply for one?
Foreign nationals who perform maritime services in the United States and require access to secure areas of facilities and vessels can apply for this type of B-1 visa, specifically designed for the TWIC program. These individuals are required to meet the eligibility requirements set forth by the Department of State for a B-1 visa (‘Temporary Visitor for Business’) and are required to provide an official letter from their employer stating that a TWIC is required to perform the individual’s job in the maritime industry.
This letter must be provided to the relevant U.S. Embassy or Consulate as part of the individual’s visa application. The employer letter must contain details such as the type of work performed by the individual, the location and duration of the work, as well as employer contact information is required if additional information or follow up is necessary.
What personal information is stored on my TWIC® card?
Your full name, expiration date, digital photo and two fingerprints.
Where can I find information about TWIC® readers?
Information about TWIC® readers can be found on the U.S. Coast Guard Homeport website.
Who is considered part of the field of transportation and can pay for TSA’s vetting services through user fees?
According to fee statute (6 U.S.C. 469(a)), the field of transportation includes any individual, activity, entity, facility, owner or operator that is subject to regulation by TSA, the Department of Transportation or the U.S. Coast Guard. This also includes individuals applying for trusted traveler programs, such as TSA PreCheck®.
TWIC® Recurrent Vetting FAQ
Recurrent Vetting
TWIC® recurrent vetting provides near real-time continuous monitoring of the eligibility status of approved TWIC® applicants for the length of the valid security threat assessment.
Since TWIC® was launched in 2007, TSA has conducted recurrent vetting of cardholders through the terrorist screening database and vetted individuals who may be wanted by police and/or who may have warrants out for their arrest via the National Crime Information Center.
In 2014, TSA expanded TWIC® security threat assessment recurrent vetting capabilities by enrolling TWIC® applicants in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Automated Biometric Identification System (IDENT). IDENT is a system of databases that store and share biometric and biographical information, such as fingerprints and digital photographs, for more than 259 million individuals.
IDENT sends TSA a notification to indicate that information on a TWIC® holder was received via a biometric fingerprint match to an identity or individual in its database that may result in a TWIC® card being revoked. IDENT notifications include immigrant and non-immigrant benefit status changes, immigration enforcement activities, new arrests, arrest warrants and/or individuals who may be wanted by police, and terrorist watchlist communications which may indicate potential national security threats.
In fiscal year 2021, TSA will implement the FBI’s Next Generation Identification Rap Back for TWIC® holders. This program provides a subscription-based recurrent vetting service, allowing unsolicited notification of changes to a TWIC® applicant or cardholder’s criminal history records information.
Recurrent Adjudication
TSA adjudicates recurrent vetting notifications by applying the same disqualifying factors and processes used to adjudicate the initial security threat assessment. Once TSA makes a determination of ineligibility based on recurrent vetting factors, the agency issues a preliminary determination of ineligibility to the TWIC® holder and allows the individual to appeal or apply for a waiver. If a final determination of ineligibility is made, TSA notifies the applicant and revokes the TWIC® card.
In some circumstances, an investigation may be needed, or the recurrent vetting may indicate that an applicant poses a serious or imminent threat. In such cases, TSA conducts investigations with DHS’s Homeland Security Investigations and other law enforcement agencies. When it’s determined a TWIC® applicant may pose an imminent threat, TSA can immediately suspend the applicant’s TWIC® card.
Revoking TWIC® Card
When TSA decides to revoke a TWIC® card, the agency informs facility security officials via the TWIC® Canceled Card List and the Visual Canceled Card List. The two lists are publicly available (including only Federal Agency Smartcard Numbers (FASC-Ns) or Credential Identification Numbers (CINs); no personally identifiable information) and updated daily to display TWIC® cards that have been canceled, allowing facility and vessel operators to determine whether a presented TWIC® card is valid.
The presence of a TWIC® card on the Canceled Card List and/or Visual Canceled Card List cannot be used to infer derogatory information about the cardholder; it simply indicates the card is no longer valid. While the two lists include cards that are revoked after recurrent vetting, the lists also include cards that have been replaced because they are lost, stolen or damaged. TWIC® cards that are canceled cannot be removed from the two lists, and canceled cards should be returned to TSA.
TWIC Card: How Much it Costs and How You Get It
On a number of occasions, emergency personnel such as the Coast Guard, or other maritime workers in general, need access to ports and vessels without having to go through security, customs and screening. So the Maritime Transportation Security Act was enacted, which provided a number of stipulations concerning the security and safety of vessels and port facilities. It also established protocol for these workers to have unescorted access to those vessels and ports. The TWIC card is one of the ways this access can be granted, while maintaining the security integrity of U.S. ports and vessels.
what is the twic card?
The Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card gives important personnel the clearance to move around without wasting valuable time and without needing extra security. Those who work on boats aren’t the only ones who need the card; there are currently around 2 million active workers enrolled in the TWIC card program, and 3.3 million who have enrolled since its inception in 2007. Some of the many who need the card include truckers, contractors, maintenance personnel and anyone else requiring unescorted access to vessels and ports regulated by the MTSA.
This card is tamper-resistant, and contains an Integrated Circuit Chip which contains all of the holder’s biometric information, such as fingerprints, and also has a magnetic strip similar to a credit card along with a linear barcode. The card is nearly impossible to forge, and there are many steps which those applying for one must complete before being granted one.
how to get a twic card
To be eligible for a TWIC card, you must be a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident, or a non-immigrant alien who is in lawful status. You must also need access to MTSA regulated facilities. One can complete the application process online or in person at an application center, and there are numerous TWIC office locations throughout the country, as long as you bring all of the necessary documents. There are a number of options here, but a few examples are an unexpired passport, valid ID (this could be a driver’s license, military ID or retired military ID), or your birth certificate. Upon filling out all the paperwork, one of the first things an applicant must do is complete a security threat assessment (STA).
The STA involves a lot of paperwork, and it’s recommended that you apply for a TWIC card at least 8-12 weeks in advance of actually needing it. After submitting your application, it usually takes 4-6 weeks to hear back; you can check on your application’s progress in the mean time. Here is the entire process:
Appeal information is coming up in just a second, but obviously if you don’t have a clean record the work on your end will be time-consuming. But the TSA takes security very seriously in this regard. Once completed, the card itself will have your full name and photo, expiration date, and two fingerprints. It’s good for five years.
twic card cost and renewal
In order to keep this from happening, the TSA recommends you care for it like you would any of your credit cards, but with a little extra delicacy. Keep it in a hard plastic case – which will be provided – do not place in direct sunlight or near a magnet, and don’t flex, bend or punch a hole in the card. If you do end up needing a replacement, you’ll be given a temporary receipt to use so that you can still gain access to facilities while you wait for the new card.
twic card disqualifying factors and appeals
The appeals process is lengthy, and depending on what grounds the TSA denied your application, there may be even more that you have to do. If you were guilty of a misdemeanor or a simple drug possession, or if the charge was dismissed, a normal appeal is all that would be necessary. However, if you were guilty of a disqualifying felony within the past 7 years or released from incarceration within the previous 5 years, a waiver is needed. The waiver process involves your personal statement, documents proving that dates of your release, as well as letters of support from your parole officer, employer and at least two family members.
Disqualifying factors are broken down into three parts, each containing a host of reasons for which a TWIC card application may be denied and a subsequent appeal necessary. Part A are the Permanent Disqualifying Criminal Offenses, and they include sedition, treason, espionage, terrorism, murder, conspiracy to commit each, and other factors that would prohibit someone from ever getting a TWIC card. Part B are the Interim Disqualifying Criminal Offenses, and it includes extortion, smuggling, kidnapping, assault and other factors. These are the offenses for which it would have to be at least 7 years after conviction or 5 years after release from incarceration for a person to be eligible. Part C covers wants, warrants and indictments; as long as any of these are active, eligibility for a TWIC card is denied.
The TWIC card is crucial for all workers on maritime vessels and ports, but in order to get one your record clearly needs to be clean.
*Featured image from SkyPixels, via Wiki Commons
TWIC Cards
What New Truck Drivers Need To Know About TWIC Cards:
TWIC stands for «Transportation Worker Identification Credential».
They are issued to transportation workers (truck drivers) who will require unescorted access to maritime (sea, or ocean) facilities.
The TWIC program was started to enhance security at port facilities after 9/11.
TWIC cards are issued by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), in conjunction with the U.S. Coast Guard.
TWIC cards contain biometric information (human characteristics such as fingerprints) on a microchip, a magnetic strip, and a bar code, and require special reading devices for clearance and verification.
TWIC applicants must undergo a background check to review criminal history records and U.S. citizenship and-or residency status.
The background check uses the same criteria as that of the Hazmat endorsement check. A criminal record can keep a driver from getting a TWIC card.
On This Page:
Who Needs A TWIC Card?
How To Get A TWIC Card:
What Is The Cost Of A TWIC Application?
How Long Is A TWIC Card Valid For?
TWIC cards are normally good for five years.
Acceptable Forms of Identification For TWIC Applicants:
Names on identification documents must match exactly the name provided on the TWIC application.
In the case of a legal name change, (i.e. marriage), applicants must provide an original or certified name change document (such as marriage certificates and divorce decrees) in addition to the required documentation.
TSA lists of acceptable documentation are ‘List A’, which includes items such as valid U.S. Passport, NEXUS card, or U.S. Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) or Enhanced Identification Card (EIC), and ‘List B’, which includes regular driver’s license, military ID, birth certificate, and social security card.
For identification purposes, applicants must provide either one item from ‘List A’, or two items from ‘List B’. At least one of the items from ‘List B’ must be a valid photo I.D.
Drivers born outside of the U.S., or U.S. nationals, will be required to provide proof of citizenship.
What Can Disqualify A Driver From Getting A TWIC Card?
As part of the TWIC process, drivers will undergo a rigorous criminal background check. A drivers criminal history, citizenship, and terrorist watch list status will be examined.
There is a long list of offenses that could disqualify someone from getting a TWIC card, either temporarily or permanently, depending on the offense.
The criteria used for the TWIC background check are the same as for the Hazmat background check.
If denied a TWIC by the TSA because of background check issues, some drivers may be eligible to appeal and-or apply for a waiver, and the TSA will send a letter describing how a driver should proceed..
What Is a TWIC? Why You Need It and How to Get One
Some work environments require employees to carry a specific form of identification. Examples include airports, biomedical facilities, federal buildings, transportation centers and hospitals. If you are interested in working in the maritime transportation industry, you will need a TWIC, or Transportation Worker Identity Card. In this article, we discuss what a TWIC is, how to get one and which jobs require you to have TWIC as well as answer some frequently asked questions.
What is a TWIC?
A TWIC is a Transportation Worker Identity Card. This card is issued by the United States Transportation Security Administration and the United States Coast Guard. Individuals must have a TWIC to gain access to secure maritime facilities. These often include ships, ferries, dockside warehouses and port customs offices. Anyone who needs to have unaccompanied access to Coast Guard credentialed merchant ships or transportation vessels must have a TWIC.
TWIC credentials are distributed to employees after they have submitted a form of biometric information, like fingerprints. TWIC holders must also pass a security threat assessment administered by a TSA officer. A TWIC features both a computer chip and a magnetized bar which contain the holder’s biometric data, so it can be either scanned or swiped at access points.
Who uses TWIC?
A TWIC is necessary for several different types of professionals. Typically, only individuals who are associated with maritime transportation systems need a TWIC, but there are some exceptions.
Here is a list of professionals who regularly use TWIC:
Coast Guard personnel
Coast Guard employees are responsible for conducting maritime search and rescue missions, assisting lost travelers and handling environmental crises at sea. They also oversee port security and are on call as first responders in the event of military emergencies. Coast Guard personnel need TWIC so that they can protect United States ships, cargo and citizens.
Longshore workers
Longshore workers spend their days docking ships, loading and unloading cargo, checking ship manifests and inspecting cargo for damage. They often use heavy machinery like forklifts, as well as commercial class vehicles like trucks and trailers. They serve an important purpose in the shipment and transportation industries and are typically paid well. Longshore workers need TWIC to inspect and record incoming and outgoing cargo.
Truck drivers
Truck drivers frequently deliver and pick up cargo from ports and this often involves driving beyond the areas where civilians are allowed. Truck drivers are responsible for coordinating with the port staff and ensuring that all cargo is accounted for. After the cargo is loaded in their trailers, they are tasked with driving it to its destination. Truck drivers may need TWIC to drive in secure areas within a port facility.
Port facility employees
Port facility employees include warehouse managers, port authority officials, customs officers, administrative professionals, computer technicians and many others. Port facility employees are responsible for managing a port and ensuring its productivity. Port facility employees work in many different areas but many need TWIC to access their offices or workspaces.
Maritime security staff
The security personnel on a ship or at a port are responsible for protecting passengers, crew and cargo. They typically patrol secure areas to supervise the cargo and to deter theft. They are also the first responders if anyone attempts to threaten the safety of the crew or passengers. Security staff may need to pass additional background and safety tests beyond those required by TWIC. Maritime security staff need TWIC credentials to gain access to the cargo and to oversee the loading and unloading processes.
Cruise ship personnel
Some cruise ship employees need TWIC to access secure areas on a cruise ship. TWIC is not necessary for individuals who work in guest services, like housekeeping, food preparation or entertainment. However, the ship’s officers, cargo supervisors and security staff may need to carry TWIC to fulfill their duties. Cruise ships often cross into international waters, so their crews may also need other forms of identification, including a passport or work visa.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are many different types of professionals who need to obtain TWIC credentials to do their jobs. If you are required to carry TWIC, your employer should inform you before or shortly after you are hired. In some cases, your employer might pay the necessary fee or help you submit your application. If your employer does not require you to carry TWIC, you still might decide to pursue the credential to increase your professional qualifications. If you are currently looking for a job in maritime transportation, having a TWIC might make you a more appealing candidate for some employers.
To qualify for a TWIC, you must be:
Upon enrollment, you will be asked to present a United States passport or driver’s license and birth certificate. Other acceptable documents are listed on TSA’s website.
There are two ways to apply for a TWIC. First, you can apply online through the TSA’s website. Second, you can apply in person at an application center. To minimize your wait time, you may want to make an appointment in advance. After your documents and identity are verified, a staff member will take your photo and record your fingerprint. Using this information, they will then conduct thorough background security checks. If you meet all the qualifications and standards, you can choose to have your TWIC mailed to your home or you can pick it up from the office.
To avoid delays, federal agencies recommend allowing 12 weeks for the TWIC application process.
TWIC credentials are valid for five years after they are issued. To renew, you will need to visit the TSA’s website or a TWIC application center. Since this credential relies on background checks and threat assessments, you will have to fill out the same online application, make the same appointments and bring the same documents to verify your identity as when you first applied. It is recommended that you renew your TWIC well before it expires to ensure that your security clearance always remains valid while you are working.
There are several rules that you should follow to keep your TWIC intact and secure. These include: