Can a Felon Get a TWIC Card? Eligibility, Rules & Exceptions

A TWIC card is vital for workers needing access to secure maritime facilities and vessels, but what if you have a felony on your record?

According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), more than 3.5 million workers have been issued a TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential) in the U.S. It’s essential for maritime and port workers who need access to secure areas.

What Is a TWIC Card and Who Needs It?

The Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) is a biometric security card issued by the TSA. It’s used to grant unescorted access to secure areas of ports, vessels, and other maritime facilities.

It’s required for:

• Longshoremen
• Dock workers
• Truck drivers delivering to ports
• Coast Guard members
• Maritime security personnel

In short, if your job requires access to secure maritime zones, you must have a valid TWIC card.

Can Felons Get a TWIC Card in 2025?

Yes, felons can get a TWIC card, but not everyone will qualify. TSA evaluates each applicant’s criminal history based on specific criteria.

They split disqualifying offenses into two buckets:

1. Permanently Disqualifying Offenses

If you’ve been convicted of any of these, you cannot get a TWIC card. Period.

There are no waivers for these crimes.

2. Temporarily Disqualifying Offenses

These offenses disqualify you for 7 years from the conviction date or 5 years from your release from prison, whichever is later.

You can apply for a waiver for many of these.

More Opportunities: Can Felons Go to Japan?

How Far Back Does TSA Look Into Your Criminal Record?

TSA runs a comprehensive FBI background check that pulls your entire criminal history, not just the last 7 years.

But here’s the key:

• They only use the last 7 years from conviction, or 5 years after release, to make the disqualification call (for temporary offenses).
• Permanent offenses apply no matter how long ago they occurred.

Waiver and Appeal Process: Can You Still Get Approved?

Was Your Felony Temporary?

Good news—you may be eligible for a waiver, especially if:

• You’ve had no new charges since your conviction
• You completed probation/parole
• You’ve rehabilitated or have community involvement

How to Request a Waiver:

1. Apply for a TWIC Card at Universal Enroll
2. If denied, you’ll get a Notice of Initial Determination from TSA
3. Submit a written appeal or waiver request within 60 days
4. Include:
   • Court documents
   • Letters of recommendation
   • Employment history
   • Certificates of rehabilitation

TSA reviews all of this on a case-by-case basis.

What If You’re Denied?

You’ll receive an Initial Determination of Threat Assessment, which means they found disqualifying factors.

You then have two options:

• Appeal: Prove the records TSA used are incorrect.
• Waiver: Acknowledge the conviction, and ask TSA to make an exception based on rehabilitation.

Real-Life Example

Let’s say John was convicted of drug trafficking in 2015 and served five years, getting out in 2020.

• His offense is temporarily disqualifying
• It’s now 2025, so it’s been exactly 5 years since release
• He must wait 2 more years (until 2027) to be automatically eligible unless he gets a waiver

If he can show rehabilitation and no new offenses, TSA may approve him through a waiver.

How to Apply for a TWIC Card with a Felony?

Here’s a simplified step-by-step guide:

1. Visit the Universal Enroll Website
2. Select “Apply for TWIC”
3. Fill out the application
4. Schedule an in-person appointment
5. Bring:
   • Valid ID (passport, driver’s license, etc.)
   • Immigration documents if applicable
6. Pay the fee: $125.25 (Valid for 5 years)
7. Submit fingerprints and a photo

You’ll receive your card in 7–10 business days (if approved).

Important Things to Keep in Mind

• Having a felony doesn’t automatically disqualify you
• TSA gives a fair shot through waivers and appeals
• Permanent disqualifying offenses have no workaround
• Always be honest on your application. TSA cross-checks with the FBI and other databases

Documents That Strengthen a Waiver Request

When applying for a waiver, here are documents that can tilt the decision in your favor:

• Proof of employment (current job offer, references)
• GED or educational certificates
• Letters from community leaders or mentors
• Completion of rehab or counseling
• Volunteer or church involvement

These show TSA that you’re a low-risk, rehabilitated individual.

Final Thought

Yes, many felons can still qualify for a TWIC card—as long as the conviction isn’t permanent and they’ve kept a clean record since. The TSA looks at several factors, including the type of felony, how long ago it happened, and what steps you’ve taken toward rehabilitation. If you’re denied initially, don’t panic. You still have options. A strong waiver or appeal, backed by the right documents and proof of good conduct, can make all the difference.

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