Question: How do I go about getting a TWIC card in Honolulu? I was told I would have a chance of getting a better job at the pier or harbor if I had a TWIC card, but I don’t know what it is or how to get one. Do I have to do this online or is there someplace I can walk in and do it in person?
Answer: The Transportation Worker Identification Credential, known as TWIC, is a biometric ID card and security clearance that employees must scan to access secure areas of U.S. maritime facilities and vessels unescorted, according to the U.S. Transportation Security Administration. This is mandated by the U.S. Maritime Transportation Security Act.
The TSA conducts background checks to determine a person’s eligibility and issues the card only to those who pass the threat assessment and submit fingerprints and other identifying information, which is stored on a computer chip within the card.
In Honolulu, the application center is at 810 Richards St., Suite 310, an office that keeps regular business hours. Walk-ins are allowed, but not recommended; appointments take priority, according to the TSA.
To make an appointment, call (855) 347-8371 and follow the voice prompts after the recorded greeting (press 1 for TWIC) or go online to 808ne.ws/twic and follow the instructions.
It’s recommended that you fill out the application online at the same website, before visiting the application center in person to turn in your documents, be fingerprinted and take a facial photo. You may fill out the application in person at the center, but that will take longer than if you arrive ready to process.
Applicants must prove identity (photo ID) and U.S. legal status, so bring your current U.S. passport or a driver’s license and birth certificate to your appointment. Other documents also are acceptable; see the website for the full list.
The regular fee for new applicants is $125.25, which is not refundable and may not be paid in cash, according to the TSA website. Credit cards, money orders, company checks or certified/cashier’s checks are accepted.
Q: Are only Americans able to get the card?
A: No, “you may apply if you are a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, naturalized citizen or a non-immigrant alien, asylee, or refugee who is in lawful status,” according to the TSA.
An asylee is someone seeking or granted political asylum due to persecution or well-founded fear of persecution in their home country.
Q: I put the gold star on my Hawaii driver’s license (HDL). Can I still renew my state ID?
A: No, the era of simultaneously holding a full Hawaii driver’s license and a state ID is winding down, thanks to the federal REAL ID law. Your state ID remains valid until its expiration date, but you won’t be able to renew it, unless you downgrade your full driver’s license to a provisional one and switch the gold star to the state ID. That doesn’t seem like a good idea in your case. Your full driver’s license serves the same identification purpose as a state ID, plus permits you to drive.
Mahalo
A big mahalo to the people who stopped to assist me on the afternoon of Aug. 23, when my truck overturned on the Pali Highway. While everyone’s priority was on preparing for Hurricane Lane, you took the time to stop and help me. I appreciate your quick response in calling 911 and my parents. You helped me out of the truck and comforted me until the police and ambulance arrived. I don’t know many of your names, except for Danielle and Nani, but I would like to thank you all for your kindness and compassion. Also, thank you to the EMTs and Queen’s Medical Center ER staff for their excellent care. You exemplified the true aloha spirit in my time of need. – A grateful motorist
Write to Kokua Line at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu 96813; call 529-4773; fax 529-4750; or email kokualine@staradvertiser.com.
