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 because the TSA background check for HazMat is equivalent to the TWIC check. 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 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) or uesenroll.com
- 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.
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.
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
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.