If you are a driver or trucking company working in or around the ports, you have most likely heard about the TWIC Card.

Here’s the skinny…TWIC stands for the Transportation Worker Identification Credential Program issued by the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) in November 2002. It works to address the security credentials of individuals with unescorted access to facilities, vessels, and other port locations. Drivers must have these cards to gain access to the facilities to continue servicing customers with port affiliation.

To be eligible for a TWIC card, you must be a U.S. Citizen or fall into an eligible immigration category. You must have a lawful presence, meaning no connections with terrorist activity, of sufficient mental capacity, and not be convicted of certain crimes (espionage, sedition, treason, etc).

To view more specifics on eligibility or to complete your paperwork to obtain your TWIC card, open this application.

The cost is $125.25 payable by credit card, money order, or certified check. There is a cost savings for applicants who present a HME (Hazardous Material Endorsement), FAST (Free and Secure Trade), MMD (Merchant Mariner Document), or MML (Merchant Marine License) card. Their fee is $105.25. The card is valid for 5 years and can be used at any port.

Wondering what happens if you don’t get a TWIC card? You’ll need to hire an escort to gain access to the port. Their rates are $50.00 for the first two hours (minimum) and $25 per hour after.

Applicants must pre-enroll to schedule an appointment.