TSA Publishes Notice Concerning TWIC Cards Issued Without Fingerprint Template Files

On June 18, 2014, the Transportation Security Administration posted information on the TSA TWIC website concerning TWIC cards that were issued without fingerprint template files.  The bulletin is available at http://www.tsa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/pdf/twic/Statement_About_Missing_Fingerprints_on_TWICs.pdf.  From the bulletin:

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has identified that there were some

Transportation Worker Identification Credentials (TWICs) recently produced without the

fingerprint template files. Workers holding these cards who need to prove their identity by biometric match will not be able to do so until their card is replaced. TSA will replace

improperly produced cards at no cost to the card holder. Only TWICs produced with expiration dates of “2019MAY22” through, and including, “2019MAY30” are among the impacted cards and may potentially lack the fingerprint file.  Cards with expiration dates before May 22, 2019 or after May 30, 2019 are not affected by this problem. TSA has provided a list of Agency Serial Numbers; cardholders can locate this unique number identifier on the back of their card and determine if their card is affected. TSA reminds the stakeholder community that TWICs issued with missing fingerprint files are authentic, valid cards and should be accepted as such until replaced at the request of the card holder. Affected cards function with TWIC readers except for the capability to biometrically confirm identity.

Obtaining a Replacement Card:

Card holders who were issued a card without the fingerprint file should contact the UES CallCenter at 1-855-DHS-UES1 (855-347-8371) Monday through Friday, 8AM to 10PM Eastern to arrange for a free replacement card. Tell the Customer Service Representative that your card is missing the fingerprint file and provide the card’s ASN. The Representative will assist you in obtaining a replacement card.

New Information on TWIC Program from TSA TWIC Website

On May 31, 2014 the Transportation Security Administration posted new information on the TSA TWIC website.  The information is reproduced in its entirety below.  MTSA stakeholders should visit the TSA TWIC site and examine the two technical bulletins that are referenced.  The new information includes the card production delay and several other important issues, including new card features (that makes theses new TWICs slightly different from older versions);  the upcoming “One-visit” initiative; important changes to accessing the Certificate Revocation List (CRL);  and new information that may be given during pre-enrollment (biographical). 

PLEASE NOTE: PERSONS WHO ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE A VALID TWIC BEFORE ASSUMING THEIR DUTIES (FSOs, FACILITY PERSONNEL WITH SPECFIC SECURITY DUTIES) WHO ARE ADVERSELY AFFECTED BY THE CARD PRODUCTION DELAYS SHOULD CONTACT THEIR LOCAL COTP TO DISCUSS THIS ADVERSE IMPACT AND TO SUGGEST EQUIVALENT SECURITY MEASURES.

The “One-visit” initiative is required by Congress.  The TWIC Program Office has completed the pilot test phase of mailing TWIC cards to applicants in Alaska and parts of Michigan.

Will offer the choice to receive cards by mail as this capability is added to enrollment centers throughout the summer. 

• Applicants choosing to receive their card by mail will only be required to make one visit to an enrollment center to complete the enrollment process. 
• The card will be mailed to the applicant’s home, or other address of their choice. 
• The card will be activated and ready to be used.
• A mailer with the card’s PIN will be sent separately.

Latest News! From http://www.tsa.gov/stakeholders/transportation-worker-identification-credential-twic%C2%AE

1)   Card Production Delays:  TSA is upgrading its technology to more effectively support TSA’s mission.  However, TSA has experienced a temporary delay in the production and delivery of some TWIC cards.  This delay is impacting some new enrollments, card replacements and Extended Expiration Date (EED) cards.  TSA is working diligently to ensure the delays are minimized and efficient processing of applications and card production is achieved.  If you are experiencing a longer than usual processing time, you may continue to check your application status online here or via the UES Call Center at 1-855-DHS-UES1 (855-347-8371).

2)  New Card Topography Features:  TWIC enrollment centers are beginning to receive and issue cards produced by the Government Printing Office (GPO) through the Technology Infastructure Modernization (TIM) system.  The general appearance and security features of the new cards are similar to previous versions, but contain several changes:

Card Front:

•             Expiration date format is now YEAR MONTH DAY (YYYYMMMDD) example:  2016APR22

•             Card front:  A period “.” follows the middle initial, example:  W.

Card Back:

 •             Version moved to above the magnetic stripe (“TWIC v2.3 MM.YY”).

•             The smaller 1D bar code above the magnetic stripe has been replaced by a card stock identifier sequence.

•             The label “ID One PIV (1107253)” has been added above the magnetic stripe.

•             The printing below the larger 1D barcode now includes the System Code (7099), example:  70991234

The Technical Advisory with details on card topography changes is available here.

3)  New Card Technical Features:  As a result of the transition to the TIM system, the TWIC Certificate Authority (CA) changed.  TWIC readers programed to check the TWIC Certificate Revocation List (CRL) must be redirected to the new CA.  The technical advisory for this change was also previously posted to the TWIC website.  The direct link to the advisory is here.

4)  TWIC “OneVisit”:  The TWIC Program Office has completed the pilot test phase of mailing TWIC cards to applicants in Alaska and parts of Michigan and will offer the choice to receive cards by mail as this capability is added to enrollment centers throughout the summer.  Applicants choosing to receive their card by mail will only be required to make one visit to an enrollment center to complete the enrollment process.  The card will be mailed to the applicant’s home, or other address of their choice.  The card will be activated and ready to be used.  A mailer with the card’s PIN will be sent separately.

5)  Pre-Enrollment:  TWIC applicants may now begin the enrollment/application process by entering biographic information online before visiting an enrollment center. To pre-enroll, please visit the Universal Enrollment Services website here, click on the TWIC program icon, and select the “Pre-Enroll” link from the list of available services.

6)  Extended Expiration Date TWICs:  If you are a worker holding a TWIC that expires on or before December 31, 2014 and you are a U.S. citizen or U.S. national you will be able to replace your expiring TWIC with a 3-year Extended Expiration Date (EED) TWIC. To order an EED TWIC or a card replacement, you may contact the UES Call Center at 1-855-DHS-UES1 (1-855-347-8371) Monday through Friday from 8 AM - 10 PM Eastern. Alternatively, click here to order your EED TWIC or card replacement online.