Transportation Worker Identification Credential


What You Should Know About TWIC

The Transportation Worker Identification Credential was established by Congress through the Maritime Transportation Security Act and is administered by the Transportation Security Administration and U.S. Coast Guard. TWIC is a vital security measure to ensure that individuals who pose a threat do not gain unescorted access to secure areas of the nation's maritime transportation system. TWICs are tamper-resistant biometric credentials issued to workers who require unescorted access to secure areas of ports, vessels, outer continental shelf facilities and all credentialed merchant mariners. Over 2 million workers including longshoremen, truckers, port employees and others are required to obtain a TWIC.

Click here to visit the TWIC website


TWIC Guidelines for Rail Worker Access

On September 30, 2008, the U.S. Coast Guard released a policy guideline regarding TWIC requirements for railroad workers who, through the normal execution of their duties, require unescorted access to secure areas of Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) regulated facilities. In addition, it details the policy that should be followed by facility owners/operators to address rail line access points.

Click here to view the policy guideline.

Please click on the links below to access TWIC-related Web sites and information.

The DHS TWIC Program Help Desk is operational and can be reached at
1-866-DHS-TWIC (1-866-347-8942).