TSA issued a notice, Exemption to Extend the Expiration Date of Certain Transportation Worker Identification Credentials, on April 10, 2020. With this notice, TSA is granting a temporary exemption from requirements in 49 CFR part 1572 regarding the expiration of certain Transportation Worker Identification Credentials (TWIC®s).
For TWICs expiring between March 1, 2020, and July 31, 2020, the exemption extends the validity of a TWIC for 180 days for an individual whose TWIC would otherwise expire during the effective period of the exemption, which remains in effect through July 31, 2020. TSA may extend this exemption at a future date depending on the status of the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) National Emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Why is TSA granting this exemption?
A: TSA determined that it is in the public interest to grant an exemption from the current expiration standard in 49 CFR part 1572, which is five years from the date of issuance, given the need for transportation workers to continue to work without interruption during the current National Emergency created by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Q: Has the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) provided guidance on the use of TWIC?
A: Yes. USCG published Marine Safety Information Bulletin 13-20. Updated information on USCG operations and procedures, may be found under “Featured Content” on the USCG Deputy Commandant for Operations website and by monitoring Coast Guard Maritime Commons.
Q: Do TWIC holders need to take any action(s) to extend their Security Threat Assessment?
A: No. This exemption applies to TWICs that expire on or after March 1, 2020, through July 31, 2020. For those TWICs, TSA will extend the security threat assessment expiration date for an eligible TWIC to 180 days after the current expiration date that appears on the face of the credential. If the 180 day period extends past July 31, 2020, the TWIC will be valid for the remainder of the extended 180-day period based on the expiration date of the TWIC. In accordance with USCG requirements, facility or vessel owners and operators may accept TWIC cards that show an expired date for unescorted access to secure areas. (Note: For new TWIC enrollments, TSA is planning to keep enrollment centers open. Please visit https://universalenroll.dhs.gov to verify enrollment center operations.)
Q: Does this exemption compromise national or transportation security?
A: The risk to transportation security associated with this exemption is low. TSA maintains the ability to recurrently vet TWIC holders and take action to cancel or revoke a TWIC if derogatory information becomes available, regardless of the expiration date.
Q: Where can I find more information on TSA’s temporary exemption?
A: The exemption notice is appended to this fact sheet and published to the Federal Register. For additional information, please contact the TSA TWIC program at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
