The Short Answer
A TWIC card (Transportation Worker Identification Credential) is a federal security clearance card issued by the TSA. In Alabama, CDL drivers who need unescorted access to the Port of Mobile and other secure maritime facilities are required to have one. It costs $125.25, takes about 7–10 business days after enrollment, and requires a TSA background check.
What Is a TWIC Card?
A TWIC card is a biometric identity credential issued by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) under the Maritime Transportation Security Act. It verifies that the holder has passed a security threat assessment and is authorized for unescorted access to secure areas of maritime facilities, vessels, and Outer Continental Shelf facilities.
For Alabama CDL drivers, the TWIC card is most relevant at the Port of Mobile — one of the largest ports on the Gulf Coast, handling container cargo, coal, forest products, and automotive imports. All terminal operators at the Port of Mobile require TWIC cards for drivers accessing secured dock and yard areas.
Who Needs a TWIC Card in Alabama?
You need a TWIC card if your work requires unescorted access to secure maritime facilities. For CDL drivers in Alabama, this primarily means:
- Port drayage drivers — CDL drivers picking up or delivering containers at the Port of Mobile terminals (APM Terminals, Alabama State Docks, AutoPort, and others)
- Bulk cargo drivers — Drivers hauling coal, grain, or other bulk commodities directly to or from secure port loading facilities
- Maritime vessel crew and longshoremen — Any worker needing unescorted access to secure vessel or terminal areas
- Offshore workers — Workers accessing Outer Continental Shelf facilities via Gulf Coast staging areas
Not All CDL Drivers Need a TWIC Card
If your CDL work doesn't involve port access — OTR, local delivery, construction, food service distribution — you almost certainly don't need a TWIC card. It is specifically required for access to secure maritime facilities. If you're unsure whether your specific job requires one, ask your dispatcher or the terminal operator.
TWIC Card Cost in Alabama
| Applicant Type | Fee | Card Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Standard applicant | $125.25 | 5 years |
| Reduced fee (HazMat CDL holders) | $93.00 | 5 years (or until CDL HazMat expires) |
| Renewal (no fingerprints required) | $125.25 | 5 years |
| Lost/stolen replacement | $60.00 | Remainder of original card term |
CDL holders with a valid HazMat (H) endorsement qualify for the reduced $93 fee. Important: if you pay the reduced rate, your TWIC card will only be valid until your HME expires — not necessarily 5 full years. If your HME has 2 years left, your TWIC gets 2 years. If you already have a HazMat endorsement, mention this at enrollment to claim the reduced fee.
How to Get a TWIC Card in Alabama
- Complete pre-enrollment online (optional but saves time) — Go to uesenroll.com (or tsaenrollmentbyidemia.tsa.dhs.gov) to pre-register before your appointment
- Visit a TWIC enrollment center — Alabama enrollment locations are available in Mobile and other cities. Find your nearest center at the TSA TWIC website (tsa.gov/twic
(855) 347-8371 weekdays 8am–10pm ET) or uesenroll.com (or tsaenrollmentbyidemia.tsa.dhs.gov) - Bring required documents — You need proof of identity and U.S. citizenship or immigration status (same documentation as a passport or enhanced driver's license)
- Pay the enrollment fee — $125.25 standard or $93 with valid HazMat CDL endorsement
- Provide biometrics — Digital fingerprints and a digital photo are taken at enrollment
- Receive Temporary Identification Receipt (TIR) — Issued immediately at enrollment; most terminals accept the TIR for access while the permanent card is processed
- Receive your TWIC card — Mailed within 7–10 business days after a successful background check
TWIC Background Check — What Disqualifies You?
The TSA conducts a Security Threat Assessment (STA) covering criminal history, immigration status, and terrorism watchlist screening. There are two categories of disqualifying offenses:
Permanent Disqualifying Offenses
These result in automatic TWIC denial with no waiver available:
- Espionage, sedition, treason, or terrorism offenses
- Providing material support to terrorism
- Murder, certain firearms felonies, or federal crimes of terrorism
- Conviction under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act involving a dangerous crime
Interim Disqualifying Offenses
These disqualify you if the conviction occurred within 7 years, or if you were released from prison within 5 years. After the timeframe passes, you may apply. Examples:
- Unlawful possession of a firearm or explosive
- Extortion, fraud, or bribery involving government transportation programs
- Dishonest, fraudulent, or deceptive practices in connection with transportation security
- Certain drug offenses
TWIC vs. CDL Disqualifications Are Different
A criminal record that doesn't disqualify you from getting a CDL may still disqualify you from a TWIC card. The TSA applies its own separate disqualification list. If you have a criminal record and need a TWIC card for port work, check the full TSA disqualification list at tsa.gov before paying the enrollment fee.
Refineries and Industrial Facilities — Not Just Ports
One of the most common misconceptions about the TWIC card is that it only applies to port workers. In reality, TWIC is required at any facility regulated under the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) — which includes waterfront refineries, bulk liquid terminals, petrochemical plants, and any industrial facility that receives product via maritime vessel.
In Alabama, this extends well beyond the Port of Mobile terminals. Workers and truck drivers who need unescorted access to facilities including Hunt Refining Company (Tuscaloosa, on the Black Warrior River), Calumet Specialty Products (Saraland, Mobile County), and the numerous bulk liquid and chemical terminals along Alabama’s waterways and Gulf Coast all require TWIC cards.
Crucially, this requirement applies to truck drivers who load at these facilities. If you drive a tanker truck that picks up product at a waterfront refinery or chemical terminal, you need a TWIC card to access the loading area without being escorted.
The Escort Rule — What It Means in Practice
Without a TWIC card, you can still access a regulated facility but only when accompanied by a TWIC card holder at all times. This escort requirement is operationally inconvenient for the facility — it ties up an employee to babysit every unescorted visitor. Most employers at MTSA-regulated facilities require workers and regular contractors to obtain their own TWIC card rather than rely on escorts. If you regularly work at or deliver to a regulated facility, plan on getting a TWIC card.
TWIC Card and the HazMat Endorsement Connection
The TWIC background check and the HazMat (H) CDL endorsement background check are both administered by the TSA and cover the same disqualifying offenses. This is why:
- HazMat CDL holders get a reduced TWIC fee ($93 vs $125.25)
- If you were denied a HazMat endorsement due to a TSA background check failure, you will almost certainly be denied a TWIC card for the same reason
- Conversely, passing the TWIC background check is a strong indicator you'll pass the HazMat TSA check
If you work at the Port of Mobile and need both a TWIC card and a HazMat endorsement, getting the HazMat endorsement first means your TWIC enrollment will cost $32.25 less.
TSA PreCheck Benefit for TWIC Holders
Active TWIC card holders can use their TWIC as a Known Traveler credential for TSA PreCheck at participating airports. Enter your TWIC Credential Identification Number (CIN) — printed on the front of the card — in the Known Traveler Number field when booking flights. This gives you access to expedited security screening lanes at no additional cost.
Port of Mobile — TWIC Requirements
The Port of Mobile is Alabama's primary maritime facility where TWIC cards are required. Major terminals include:
- APM Terminals Mobile — Container terminal; TWIC required for all vendor and driver access
- Alabama State Docks (ADSS) — General cargo and bulk; TWIC required for secured areas
- AutoPort — Vehicle processing; TWIC required for yard access
- CONSOL Energy Coal Terminal — Bulk coal export; TWIC required
Walk-ins are accepted at all enrollment centers but appointments take priority. Schedule online at uesenroll.com (or tsaenrollmentbyidemia.tsa.dhs.gov) or call (855) 347-8371 weekdays 8am–10pm ET. Due to high demand, TSA recommends scheduling your appointment at least 60 days before you need the card — not 7–10 days as some sources suggest.
If you are a CDL driver regularly delivering to or picking up from any of these terminals, your carrier or terminal operator will require you to present a valid TWIC card or Temporary Identification Receipt before granting access.
Frequently Asked Questions
(855) 347-8371 weekdays 8am–10pm ET before applying.