Can a Felon Get a TWIC Card?

A lack of trust in candidates with past criminal records and the possibility of threats that endanger the work environment leads employers to refuse to hire felons. Even if they can hire felons, there may be strict requirements and a complicated process.

In fact, plenty of industries, including transportation, actually have legal rules that may prohibit the employment of felons. Those with felony convictions who want to work in the transportation industry will be required to have a TWIC card, and the process isn’t quite simple.

But it doesn’t mean felons can’t do it at all. However, there are several considerations that can make them qualify for and be eligible to have one. If you happen to apply for a job in this industry but you’re a felon, it’d be better for you to learn more about whether or not you can get a TWIC card.

Okay, here’s everything you must know about a TWIC card for felons, including the requirements, how to create one, and why your application may be rejected!

A TWIC Card: What Is It and Who Can Use It?

TWIC stands for Transportation Worker Identity Card, which is issued by the United States Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the United States Coast Guard. Individuals who must have a TWIC card are the ones who work in the transportation industry.

A TWIC card serves as a biometric card with a special microchip that contains the worker’s biographical and biometric information, such as photos and fingerprints. And it is used by only individuals who are associated with maritime transportation systems and who need to have unaccompanied access to Coast Guard-credentialed merchant vessels or carries.

Further, this card gives complete access to all the necessary information related to an individual and is used to verify a worker’s identity, eligibility, and credentials to access secure areas of transportation facilities, including ships, dockside warehouses, ferries, and port customs offices.

Here are some professionals who will need a TWIC card for their work:

• Coast Guard personnel
• Longshore workers
• Truck drivers
• Port facility employees
• Maritime security staff
• Cruise ship personnel

What Are the Benefits of a TWIC Card?

Having a TWIC card means workers can access safe transportation facilities such as ports, trains, and airports. Without a TWIC card, the workers will be prohibited from entering these areas and doing their job duties.

Since it serves as a form of identification, a TWIC card can also be used in lieu of state-issued identification. The holders can use their TWIC card to facilitate them when being checked by security guards, so that they can pass through the checkpoint easily and safely.

Additionally, a TWIC card can be used as an additional supportive document when applying for a job. In fact, some companies will consider candidates who have a TWIC card more than those who don’t because they are considered more trustworthy. Well, having a TWIC card actually shows a competitive advantage.

Due to the additional security clearance, employers can also provide incentives, such as a higher salary or better benefits, to workers who hold a TWIC card.

Do Felons Qualify for a TWIC Card?

We can say either “yes” or “no,” depending on their criminal record. The authorities, in this case, the TSA, are prohibited from issuing TWIC cards to criminals convicted of serious crimes. If it persists, a recommendation is required to appeal the decision to the TSA.

Due to felony convictions, felons may find it hard to obtain a TWIC card. Under the TWIC law, there are two types of criminal offenses, i.e., permanent and temporary disqualification criminal offenses, resulting in TWIC denial. Both offenses only cover serious felonies, not misdemeanors.

Disqualifying criminal offenses fall into the category of “temporary,” meaning the crime only prevents a person from obtaining a TWIC if the person received the sentence within a 7-year period or if the person was released from incarceration during the 5-year period before the person applied for a TWIC card.

Well, all of these offenses can be excluded through the TSA TWIC application waiver process, and removal may not be necessary.

What Allows Felons to Get a TWIC Card?

Before issuing the card, TSA will always conduct a valid and regular background verification check. When they find any suspicious things during the background verification check, it may not let you through, and the TWIC card may not be issued to you, especially if you apply for the position of maritime worker.

The following are some indicators that TSA views regarding the background verification check on individuals with criminal records:

• Arrest record
• Current legal issues
• Past convictions
• Warrants against the person
• Legal summons against the individual

It’s important to note that you can still apply for a TWIC card by submitting a waiver of guilt based on past crimes. Of course, if you admit it, TSA approves the TWIC application.

If the applicant previously underwent treatment at a rehabilitation center for drug abuse, then the relevant authorities can issue a certificate showing that the candidate has good behavior.

However, good behavior, as proven by positive confessions from various parties during the sentence period and maintained after the sentence period is over, is very beneficial for felons who wish to apply for a TWIC Card. If TSA believes that the applicant is not a security threat, a TWIC card will be issued without any hassle.

How Do Felons Become Eligible for a TWIC Card?

To qualify for a TWIC card as a felon, you should undergo a thorough security background check, including a criminal history, immigration status verification, and watchlist screening.

And you’ll need to meet requirements and complete the necessary documents, as follows:

• Becoming a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or refugees who have a legitimate reason to require access to area transportation facilities
• Providing a valid photo ID, issued and approved by the Government of the United States. It’s very necessary to prove the citizenship of an individual and their identity. And two ID proofs are required. It can be either a passport, driver’s license, birth certificate, military card, NATD, or TSA-approved documentation.
• Submitting the documents at the application center of TWIC Applicants’ photos and fingerprints are taken post-document submission. They will be charged $125 for the application to be submitted. To find acceptable documents, you can check the TSA’s website.
• Be willing to undergo a thorough background and security check.

Once you submit your application, you should wait for feedback from the TSA, and it may take several days for them to answer. If your application is approved, you’ll receive a TWIC card via mail, and you can choose to pick it up from the application center. If you’re disqualified, you will receive a letter that states the steps to move forward.

Applying for a TWIC Card: How to Do It and How It Costs

Since a TWIC card is a valuable asset for everyone who works in the transportation industry, creating one is a must. If you’re a felon and qualify for it, you should apply for it immediately.

Keep in mind that a TWIC card is not free, and you’ll be charged $125.25 for a one-time fee. You will get a discount and can pay a reduced fee of $105.25 if you have a valid Hazardous Materials Endorsement or a Free and Secure Trade card.

To apply for a TWIC card, you can use one of the two following methods:

Method 1: Apply online

You can apply for a TWIC card online via the TSA’s website at https://www.tsa.gov.

Method 2: Apply in person

If you cannot apply for a TWIC card online, you can also do it in person by visiting a TWIC application center. To avoid waiting in a long queue, you can make an appointment first.

Once your identity and documents are verified, the TSA staff will take your photo and record your fingerprint. With this, they will then perform background checks. If you’re qualified, you can create a TWIC card. They will offer you the option of receiving it either by mail or picking it up from the office.

The federal agencies suggest you wait for the TWIC application process for up to 12 weeks. If more than that, you have the right to confirm this process and ask the TSA to get accurate information.

How Long Do Felons Can Use a TWIC Card?

Just like other TWIC holders, felons can also use a valid TWIC card for five years once it is issued. If it expires, you will have to renew it by either visiting a TWIC application center or accessing the TSA’s website.

Of course, you should fill out the same online application since this credential relies on background checks and threat assessments. You can also make an appointment first and bring the same documents to verify your identity as when you first applied.

It would be better for you to renew your TWIC card before it expires since it relates to your security clearance while you’re working.

What Disqualifies Felons from Getting a TWIC Card?

There are several factors that may prevent felons from getting a TWIC card, and they relate to certain types of felony convictions. In addition, individuals who are not lawful permanent residents or who have been convicted of certain immigration offenses are not eligible for a TWIC card.

The following are felony convictions that will disqualify felons from getting a TWIC card:

• Murder
• Terrorism
• Arson
• Bribery
• Assault with intent to kill
• Drug offenses
• Immigration violations
• Robbery
• Fraudulent entry
• Extortion
• Kidnapping
• Rape or sexual abuse
• Transport-related crime
• Illegal transportation of harmful material
• Possession of arms and ammunition
• Destructive devices
• A violation of the RICO Act
• Smuggling

Additionally, the complete information about the application’s criminal background provided by the Interpol or Terror Watch List will actually snatch away the individual’s chance of getting a TWIC card.