TWIC Cards Can Now Be Used For TSA Precheck

Certain holders of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) can now use that credential for the TSA PreCheck program for expedited security checks at airports, the Transportation Security Administration announced in June, but only if they meet all PreCheck requirements.

According to the TSA, “Given the similarity [of] the threat assessment performed on TSA PreCheck members, many TWIC applicants meet the criteria for the TSA PreCheck Application Program and may be eligible for expedited security screening.”

But there are a couple of catches. Just holding a TWIC does not, in itself, automatically fulfill all PreCheck requirements. For instance, if you got your TWIC through a waiver, you might not be eligible.  You must also be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national or lawful permanent resident.

When filling out a Precheck form, TWIC cardholders must use an active TWIC Credential Identification Number (CIN) that has not been canceled in place of a Known Traveler Number. The CIN is printed on the back lower left-hand corner of the TWIC card.

However, for those TWIC holders who qualify, there is no extra cost and nothing else they need to do.

The initiative came about as the TSA “has identified efficiencies across vetting programs, eliminating redundancies, and reducing the administrative and cost burdens to applicants for vetting and credentialing.”

For more details, consult the TSA website.