New Information on TSA TWIC Website

New information has been posted on the TSA TWIC website. The issues addressed are TWIC “OneVisit”; new name for TWIC enrollment centers; a reminder that no appointments are necessary for TWIC services – for services, the person can just walk in to an enrollment center, and an update on the card production delay reported on the site in June. The homepage also continues to contain information about the new card topography features, which is very important for port security stakeholders and especially facility personnel with specific security duties who will be checking the cards.

Concerning the “OneVisit”, there’s no getting around visiting an enrollment center to get your TWIC. If you choose to receive your card by mail you will still be required to make one visit to an enrollment center to complete the enrollment process. 

Below is the text from the site:

1) TWIC “OneVisit”—Now Available Everywhere:  TWIC cards can now be mailed directly to your home, or other location, instead of returning to an enrollment center to pick up your card.  This applies to new or renewed enrollment cards, Extended Expiration Date (EED) TWICs (see item 8 below), or replacements for lost, stolen, or damaged cards.  If you choose to receive your card by mail you will only be required to make one visit to an enrollment center to complete the enrollment process.  When you receive your card it will be activated and ready to use.  A mailer with the card’s preset Personal Identification Number (PIN) will be sent to you separately.  You may also choose to pick up your card at an enrollment center.  If you pick up your card at an enrollment center you can select your PIN.  If you receive your card by mail and want to change your preset PIN you can visit any enrollment center to have it set to your selected PIN at no cost.

2) New Name for TWIC Enrollment Centers:  Enrollment centers now provide services for TWIC as well as TSA’s TSA Pre✓™ and Hazardous Material Endorsement (HME) programs.  Instead of looking for a “TWIC Enrollment Center” sign look for a “Universal Enrollment Services” or “UES” sign.  When you need to apply for or renew your TWIC be sure to check the UES Locator web site to find the nearest UES center.

3) Reminder—Appointments are Not Necessary:  All TWIC services are available at UES enrollment centers to walk-ins as well as those with appointments.  Those with appointments receive priority service at their appointment time, but walk-ins are served in the order they arrive.  The appointment schedules at each enrollment center allow for time to serve walk-ins.  If you need to apply for a TWIC, or pick up a card, and can’t find a convenient appointment go to the enrollment center as a walk-in.  The average wait time at enrollment centers is 15 minutes or less, although at peak times longer waits may be experienced.

4) Card Production Delay Update: The temporary delays in delivering some TWIC cards announced here in June are significantly reduced.  The delays were caused by the transition to a new data and card production system.  The change was required to more effectively support TSA’s mission.  All TWIC enrollments and card requests are now being processed through the new system.  Delays experienced in June and July have diminished, however some residual delays are still occurring.  Applicants should expect to receive their new TWIC in three weeks or less.  Those whose applications require review by a TSA adjudicator will experience an additional three to four week delay.  TSA continues to work diligently to further minimize delays and will continue to do so until program goals for processing all applications are achieved.  You may check your application status online here or via the UES Call Center at 1-855-DHS-UES1 (855-347-8371).