TWIC cards are issued to anyone who needs access to major ports and who meets the requirements spelled out in the MTSA (Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002). These requirements include: • US citizenship, green card, or permission to work in the US • No prior convictions of espionage, terrorism, murder, bomb threats, or other major offenses at any point • No prior convictions of illegal immigration, most types of fraud, bribery, smuggling, or certain other offenses within the last seven years • Mental competence If a trucker meets these qualifications, he or she will be issued a TWIC identification card including his or her photograph, fingerprints, and the card’s expiration date. People who are denied cards based on prior convictions or concerns about their qualifications are allowed to appeal. If you need TWIC authorization to perform your job, it is very important to research the requirements – for your own financial interests as well as our nation’s security.