An Overview of the TWIC Renewal Process

All those who wish to possess a valid Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) must hold a current Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) as issued by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

Further, the United States Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center works in partnership with the TSA to conduct background investigations as part of its credentialing and licensing operations. As such, it is highly recommended maritime workers and crewmembers maintain current and valid TWICs.

Renewal Process for Those Whose TWIC Expires After Dec. 31, 2014

The renewal process for TWIC is the same as for the original enrollment. The TSA enforces this rule as a security precaution and to ensure all applicants meet eligibility requirements.

The application process includes:

• Proof of citizenship or immigration status – An applicant must provide at least one of the following accepted documents: U.S. passport or passport card, Merchant Mariner Document, NEXUS card, Free and Secure Trade card, enhanced driver’s license or other specified document. Submitted documents must be current. Expired documents are not accepted.

• Additional proof of citizenship or immigration status – Applicants must provide two additional documents to verify citizenship. Options include: driver’s license, original or certified copy of a birth certificate, voter’s registration card, U.S. military ID, expired U.S. passport (if within 12 months of expiration), Social Security card, Department of Transportation medical card, marriage certificate, unexpired Merchant Mariner License, unexpired MMC and more.

• A visitation to an enrollment center – Locate an enrollment center and schedule an appointment by calling (855) 347-8371. Here, you will complete the TWIC disclosure and certification forms. You also must pay an enrollment fee of $129.75 (replacement cards are $60). You also should be prepared to provide information about your background. You will be fingerprinted as part of the process and a photograph is required. The process typically takes 15 minutes to complete, not counting any waiting period you may experience before beginning your appointment.

• Acceptance of TWIC – You will receive an email or phone call to alert you when your TWIC is ready for pick up, typically six to eight weeks after your appointment. You must return to the enrollment center in order to collect your document.

The TWIC is a tamper-resistant credential that should be secured as you would a passport or Social Security card.

Renewal Process for Those Whose TWIC Expires before Dec. 31, 2014

You may avoid the TWIC enrollment process if your TWIC expires on or before December 31, 2014. To do so, you must replace your existing TWIC with a three-year Extended Expiration Date TWIC. The cost for this is $60, versus the $129.75 for a new TWIC.

Basic Eligibility Requirements for TWIC Renewal

You must prove you can meet the basic requirements for the TWIC in order to secure a renewal of the credential. Eligibility extends to:

• U.S. citizens with sufficient mental capacity who have not been convicted of certain crimes (such as murder, espionage and so on) and who have no connections to terrorist activity; and
• immigrants falling under specified categories.

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