In some industries where security is a priority, employers require their employees to have a certain type of ID. For example, hospitals, biomedical laboratories, federal buildings, and military installations often require employees to obtain an enhanced security clearance. If you are going to work in an industry that requires a higher level of security, you may need a Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC).
What TWIC is?
A TWIC is a Transportation Worker Identity Card. This is a card issued by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration and the U.S. Coast Guard. It gives unescorted access to secure port facilities, cargo yards, and ships.
To get a TWIC, applicants must pass a TSA check, which includes a fingerprint collection and a threat assessment interview. The card has a magnetic stripe and chip, so it can be scanned at access points.
How to get TWIC?
Many people find the application process difficult and very time-consuming. But if you will read how to get a TWIC card you won’t have any problems. Follow the next steps to apply for TWIC:
1. Check requirements
Before starting an application process, you need to make sure that you meet the eligibility requirements for TWIC. You have to be:
- A United States citizen, naturalized citizen, non-immigrant alien, lawful permanent resident, an internally displaced person, or a refugee in lawful status.
- A current maritime professional or in the process of obtaining a maritime position requiring a TWIC clearance
- Allow providing identification and residency documents
- Allow going through a security threat assessment
- Allow paying the required fee
If you check your eligibility for these items, you will greatly fast-track the application process. However, even with all the information you need, it takes 12 weeks to process your TWIC application.
2. Apply for TWIC
The next step is to fill out the application. You can do this either in person at the TSA application center or online on their website. You have to attach official documents to the application. Their list depends on your citizenship, but usually includes your U.S. passport, U.S. driver’s license, and birth certificate.
3. Pay the fee
A one-time charge of $125.25 is payable upon application. If you have had a background check before and if you have hazardous materials permit, the fee will be reduced to $105.25.
The TWIC renewal fee is the same as the application, and the replacement of a lost or damaged card costs $60.
4. Complete a background check
Once you have submitted your application and submitted the documents, the TSA will be required to undertake an in-depth security threat assessment. To expedite this process, you must provide your photograph and fingerprints. During the background check process, the TSA will use your personal information, such as your previous residential addresses, your date of birth, and your Social Security number to assess whether you pose a major security risk.
The TSA also has access to national and international databases to look for any possible connections to terrorism or illegal activity. If there are none, the TSA will accept your application and you will move on to the next step in the process.
Several factors can prevent you from completing the TWIC background check. These include:
- Convicted of a misdemeanor or drug possession
- Convicted of a felony within the past five years
- Been out of prison for the last five years
In case your application is denied, you have the right to appeal. But it is important to know that TWIC cards are not issued to people guilty of terrorism, treason, espionage, or those with indictments or outstanding warrants ever.
5. Receiving and maintaining a TWIC
When your application is approved and the TSA confirms the security check results, your TWIC will be created. In the four to six weeks following your initial application, you should be notified that your TWIC is ready. You can get your card in the home mail or pick it up in person at the registration center.
TWIC cards expire every 5 years. To renew, you will be required to submit the same forms, provide the same documents and pay the same fees as when you first received them. It is recommended that you renew your TWIC several months or weeks before it expires to ensure that your clearance will always be valid, so as not to cause problems in the work.
Source: https://www.hmdtrucking.com/blog/how-to-get-a-twic-card/