How to Schedule and Attend Your TWIC Card Appointment

Book your TWIC appointment online or by phone, and expect to spend 10 to 15 minutes at an enrollment center

You schedule a TWIC appointment through the official TWIC enrollment system at twic.tsa.dhs.gov or by calling 1-855-99-TWIC (1-855-998-8942). The system shows you available time slots at enrollment centers near you — most cities have at least one, and many have several. You pick a date and time that works for you, and you'll get a confirmation number by email or text. That confirmation is what you bring to your appointment.

The appointment itself is short. You arrive 10 to 15 minutes early, check in at the enrollment center, have your identity verified, get your fingerprints taken, and answer a few questions. The whole process takes 10 to 15 minutes. You don't receive your card that day — the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) processes your background check after your appointment, and your card arrives by mail within two to three weeks.

Key Takeaways

• You must book your appointment through twic.tsa.dhs.gov or by calling 1-855-99-TWIC; walk-ins are not accepted at enrollment centers.
• Bring your valid passport, passport card, or Real ID driver's license, plus a second form of identification such as a Social Security card or birth certificate.
• The appointment takes 10 to 15 minutes and includes identity verification, fingerprinting, and a brief interview.
• Your card arrives by mail two to three weeks after your appointment, not on the day of the appointment.
• If you miss your appointment, you can reschedule through the same online system without losing your fee.

What documents to bring to your enrollment center

You need two forms of identification. Your primary ID must be one of these: a valid U.S. passport, a passport card, or a Real ID-compliant driver's license. If your state's driver's license is not yet Real ID-compliant, a passport or passport card will work instead.

Your secondary ID can be a Social Security card, birth certificate, state ID card, military ID, or employee ID. The secondary ID does not have to be current, but it should have your name on it. If you don't have a Social Security card, bring your birth certificate and one other document with your name.

Bring the confirmation number from your appointment booking. You'll also need to bring the fee payment receipt if you paid online before scheduling — some enrollment centers ask to see it, though most have already recorded your payment in their system.

What happens during your appointment

When you arrive, you check in at the front desk and give your confirmation number. A staff member will verify your identity using the documents you brought, ask you to confirm your personal information, and take your fingerprints using a digital scanner. The fingerprints are sent to the FBI and TSA for your background check.

You'll answer questions about your criminal history, immigration status, and any prior security incidents. These questions are straightforward and based on the form you filled out when you booked your appointment. Be honest — the TSA runs a thorough background check, and discrepancies between what you say and what they find will delay or deny your card.

Once the fingerprinting and questions are done, you're finished. The enrollment center gives you a receipt showing you completed your appointment. You do not receive your card that day.

When your card arrives and what to do if it doesn't

Your TWIC card is mailed to the address you provided during your appointment. It typically arrives within two to three weeks, though it can take up to four weeks during busy periods. The card comes in a plain envelope with no tracking number, so check your mail regularly.

If you haven't received your card after four weeks, log back into twic.tsa.dhs.gov and check your appointment status. The system will tell you whether your background check is still pending, whether it was approved, or whether there's an issue. If your status shows approved but you haven't received the card, call 1-855-99-TWIC and provide your confirmation number — they can remail it or investigate whether it was lost.

If your background check was denied or is pending longer than expected, the system will show that too. A pending status usually means the TSA is still reviewing something; a denial means you'll need to contact the TSA to understand why and whether you can appeal.

Rescheduling or canceling your appointment

If you need to change your appointment date or time, go back to twic.tsa.dhs.gov, log in with the same email or phone number you used to book, and select your appointment. You can reschedule to a different date and time at the same enrollment center or switch to a different center if one is more convenient. You do not lose your fee when you reschedule.

If you need to cancel entirely, you can do that through the same system. Canceling more than 14 days before your appointment means your fee is refunded. If you cancel within 14 days, you forfeit the fee but can reschedule later and pay again.

What to expect if you arrive late or unprepared

Enrollment centers have strict schedules. If you arrive more than 15 minutes late, the center may not be able to see you and will ask you to reschedule. Bring all required documents — if you show up without proper ID or your second form of identification, you'll be turned away and will need to book another appointment.

Dress normally; there are no specific dress codes for TWIC appointments. Do not bring weapons, prohibited items, or anything that will set off a metal detector — enrollment centers have security screening, and prohibited items will prevent you from entering.

Enrollment center locations and how to find one near you

Enrollment centers are located in most U.S. ports, maritime facilities, and major cities. When you go to twic.tsa.dhs.gov to book your appointment, the system shows you all centers within a certain distance of your zip code, along with their hours and available appointment slots. You can filter by date to find the soonest opening or by location if you prefer a specific center.

If you live far from any enrollment center, you may need to travel. The TSA does not offer mobile enrollment or appointments outside official centers. Some people schedule appointments during work travel or plan a trip around the appointment date. If you're in a remote area, call 1-855-99-TWIC to ask whether there are any centers you might have missed or whether temporary enrollment options are available in your region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone else go to my appointment for me?

No. You must attend your appointment in person. The enrollment center needs to verify your identity, take your fingerprints, and conduct a brief interview. No one can do this on your behalf.

What if I don't have a passport or Real ID driver's license?

You can still get a TWIC card. You'll need to obtain a passport or passport card first — these are issued by the State Department and take several weeks to arrive. Once you have one, you can book your TWIC appointment. Alternatively, check whether your state offers Real ID driver's licenses; if so, you can renew your license to get the Real ID version.

Do I need to take time off work for my appointment?

The appointment itself is only 10 to 15 minutes, but you should budget 30 to 45 minutes total to account for travel, check-in, and waiting. Many enrollment centers have early morning, evening, and weekend slots, so you may be able to schedule around your work schedule.

What happens if my background check is denied?

If the TSA denies your background check, you'll receive a letter explaining the reason. You have the right to request reconsideration or appeal. Contact the TSA at 1-855-99-TWIC with your confirmation number to understand your options and next steps.

Can I use my TWIC card right away after my appointment?

No. You cannot use your TWIC card until it arrives in the mail and you have it in hand. Your appointment confirmation is not a valid credential. Once your card arrives, you can use it immediately at ports and maritime facilities that accept TWIC.