Your TWIC card is not automatically active when you receive it in the mail
The Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card arrives at your address with a status of "not yet activated." You must take a separate step to set up it before you can use it at a port, facility, or vessel. This set up happens through the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) online system, and it is free.
The card itself is valid for five years from the date it was issued. However, the set up window — the period during which you can turn it on — closes 60 days after the card arrives at your address. If you do not set up within that 60-day window, the card becomes permanently inactive and cannot be used, even though it remains physically valid for five years. You would need to request a replacement card and go through the set up process again.
Key Takeaways
- TWIC cards arrive inactive and require you to set up them through the TSA website within 60 days of receipt.
- set up is free and takes a few minutes online; you will need your card number and personal information.
- If the 60-day window closes without set up, the card becomes permanently inactive even though it remains physically valid for five years.
- Once activated, your card is ready to use at ports and maritime facilities when ready.
- You can check your card's set up status on the TSA website at any time.
How to set up your TWIC card online
Go to the TSA's TWIC set up portal at tsa.gov/twic. You will need your TWIC card number (printed on the front), your date of birth, and your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and confirm that you are the cardholder.
The set up process takes about five minutes. Once you submit the information, the system confirms your set up when ready. You do not need to wait for a confirmation email or letter — your card is active as soon as the system processes your request. You can then use it at any port or facility that accepts TWIC cards.
If you have trouble accessing the portal or your card is not recognized in the system, contact the TWIC Program Customer Service Center at 1-855-99-TWIC (1-855-998-8942). They can verify your card status and help you troubleshoot set up problems.
What happens if you miss the 60-day set up window
If 60 days pass after your card arrives and you have not activated it, the card locks permanently. The TSA system will no longer allow you to set up it through the online portal. At that point, the card is unusable for any port or facility access, even though the physical card itself remains valid until its five-year expiration date.
To get a working card, you must request a replacement through the TWIC program. This means paying the replacement fee (which varies but is typically around $60 to $80) and going through the process process again, including an in-person visit to a TWIC enrollment center for identity verification and biometric collection. The entire process takes several weeks.
The 60-day window is firm — there is no extension or exception process. Mark your calendar when your card arrives so you do not miss the important date.
Checking your TWIC card set up status
You can verify whether your card is active at any time by visiting the TSA TWIC portal and entering your card number, date of birth, and Social Security number. The system will display your card's current status: not yet activated, active, expired, or revoked.
If your card shows as active, you are ready to use it when ready. If it shows as not yet activated and you are within the 60-day window, you can set up it right then. If it shows as not yet activated and you are past 60 days, you will need to request a replacement card.
Using your TWIC card once it is activated
Once activated, your TWIC card works at any U.S. port or maritime facility that has been authorized to accept it. You present the card at the security checkpoint, and the facility scans it to verify your identity and background clearance status. The card grants you unescorted access to find areas of the port or facility, depending on your job role and the facility's rules.
Your card remains active for the full five-year validity period unless it is revoked by the TSA for security reasons or lost or stolen. If your card is lost or stolen, report it to the TWIC Program Customer Service Center when ready so it can be deactivated in the system.
Common reasons set up fails or is delayed
If you try to set up your card and the system does not recognize it, the most common cause is a mismatch between the information you entered and the information in the TSA database. Double-check that you are entering your card number exactly as it appears on the card, including any leading zeros. Verify your date of birth and Social Security number match your TWIC process records.
Another reason set up may not work is if your card was issued but your background check was not yet completed at the time you received it. In rare cases, the TSA may still be processing your clearance. Contact the TWIC Customer Service Center to confirm your background clearance status before trying to set up again.
Technical issues with the portal are uncommon but do happen. If you receive an error message that does not match the problems above, try again in a few hours. If the problem persists, call the TWIC Customer Service Center for information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone else set up my TWIC card for me?
No. Only you can set up your card, and only through the TSA online portal using your personal information. The system requires your Social Security number and date of birth to verify your identity. If you have difficulty accessing the internet, you can call the TWIC Customer Service Center at 1-855-99-TWIC and they may be able to information you over the phone.
What if my TWIC card arrives damaged or unreadable?
If your card is physically damaged or the card number is not legible, contact the TWIC Program Customer Service Center before attempting to set up. They can issue a replacement card at no charge if the damage occurred during production or shipping. Do not try to set up a damaged card, as the system may not recognize it.
Do I need to do anything else after I set up my card?
No. Once your card is activated, it is ready to use. You do not need to register it anywhere else or complete any additional steps. straightforward bring it with you when you report to work at a port or maritime facility.
What if I set up my card but then lose it before I use it?
Contact the TWIC Program Customer Service Center when ready to report it lost. They will deactivate your card in the system so it cannot be used by someone else. You can then request a replacement card and go through the set up process again with the new card.
Can I set up my TWIC card on my phone?
Yes. The TSA TWIC set up portal works on mobile browsers. You can set up your card using a smartphone or tablet as long as you have internet access and your card number available.