The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced it will now accept online renewals for the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). CDL drivers with hazardous material endorsements must have TWIC credentials to obtain access to secure areas of the nation’s maritime port facilities and vessels. TWIC holders must renew their card every five years. TSA is adopting the enrollment changes at the urging of EMA in order to make the process more user friendly and faster for CDL drivers with a hazardous materials endorsement. As a result of the new online renewal option, CDL drivers with hazmat endorsements are no longer required to go to a TSA enrollment center to renew their TWIC credentials, saving time spent away from work.
The TWIC program is administered jointly by TSA and the U.S. Coast Guard. The TSA conducts the background checks to determine eligibility and is responsible for issuing the TWIC credential card. The Coast Guard regulates the use of TWIC at select maritime port facilities. The new online enrollment process begins August 11, 2022, for current TWIC holders seeking to renew their credentials. According to the TSA, most eligible applicants receive their TWIC card in less than 10 days. Those applicants with more complex cases may require 60 days or longer for processing. Applicants may check their TWIC status online at any time.