Check your TWIC card status through the official TSA website or by calling customer service

You can check the status of your TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential) card in two ways: through the TSA's online status tool or by calling the TWIC program directly. The online method is fastest — you enter your process number and date of birth, and the system shows you where your card is in the process. If you do not have your process number, you can call 1-855-347-8942 and speak to a representative who will look it up for you.

The status tool tells you whether your card is still being processed, ready for pickup, or has been shipped. Processing times vary, but most cards are completed within 30 to 45 days from your in-person appointment. If your card has been ready for pickup for more than 30 days, contact customer service — it may have been returned to the issuing center.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit the TWIC status page at tsa.gov/twic and enter your process number and date of birth to see your card status when ready.
  • If you lost your process number, call 1-855-347-8942 during business hours and a representative will retrieve it for you.
  • Most cards are completed within 30 to 45 days of your in-person appointment at an enrollment center.
  • If your card shows as ready for pickup but you never received a notification, contact customer service to confirm the mailing address on file.

Using the online TWIC status tool

Go to tsa.gov/twic and look for the "Check process Status" link on the main page. Click it to open the status portal. You will need two pieces of information: your TWIC process number (a nine-digit code) and your date of birth in MM/DD/YYYY format.

Enter both pieces of information and click the search button. The system will display your current status — for example, "process Received," "Background Check in Progress," "Card Produced," or "Card Shipped." Each status tells you what stage your card is in. If your card shows "Card Shipped," it is on its way to you and should arrive within 7 to 10 business days.

If you do not remember your process number, do not use the online tool. Instead, call customer service or check your email — the confirmation email you received after your in-person appointment contains your process number.

Calling TWIC customer service for status updates

Call 1-855-347-8942 to speak with a TWIC representative. The line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time. Have your Social Security number and date of birth ready when you call. If you do not have your process number, the representative can find it using this information.

Tell the representative you want to check your card status. They will look up your process and tell you exactly where it is in the process. If there is a problem — such as a background check delay or a returned card — they can explain what happened and what you need to do next. They can also update your mailing address if your card was shipped to the wrong location.

Wait times are usually shorter early in the morning or late in the afternoon. If you reach a busy signal, try again in 15 minutes rather than staying on hold.

What each status message means

process Received means your in-person appointment was completed and your information has been entered into the system. Your background check is about to start. This status typically lasts 3 to 5 days.

Background Check in Progress means the TSA is reviewing your criminal history, immigration status, and security records. This is the longest part of the process and usually takes 20 to 30 days. You will not hear from the TSA unless there is a problem.

Card Produced means your background check passed and your card has been printed. It is now being prepared for shipment. This status usually lasts 2 to 3 days.

Card Shipped means your card is in the mail. You should receive it within 7 to 10 business days. The status tool does not provide a tracking number, but you can call customer service if you want to confirm the mailing address.

What to do if your status has not changed in more than 45 days

If your card has been in "Background Check in Progress" for longer than 45 days, call customer service at 1-855-347-8942. Background checks occasionally get delayed if there is a name match with another person in the system or if additional records need to be reviewed. A representative can tell you whether your check is delayed and what information, if any, you need to provide.

Do not assume your process was rejected. The TSA will contact you directly if there is a problem with your background check. If you have not heard anything after 60 days, that is when you should call.

If your card shows "ready for pickup" but you never received it

Some enrollment centers allow you to pick up your card in person instead of having it mailed. If your status shows "Card Ready for Pickup" but you did not receive a notification, call customer service. They can tell you which center is holding your card and how long it will be kept there — most centers hold cards for 30 days before returning them to the issuing facility.

If your card was returned because you did not pick it up in time, you will need to contact the enrollment center to request a reshipment. There is usually no fee for this. The center can mail it to you or hold it again for pickup.

Protecting your process number and personal information

Your TWIC process number is tied to your Social Security number and date of birth. Do not share your process number with anyone who contacts you claiming to be from the TSA. The TSA will never ask for your Social Security number or process number by email or phone — they will only ask for it if you call them first.

If you receive an email claiming to be from the TSA asking you to verify your status or update your information, do not click any links. Go directly to tsa.gov/twic instead. Scammers sometimes send fake status emails to steal personal information.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a TWIC card after my appointment?

Most cards are completed within 30 to 45 days of your in-person appointment. Background checks are the longest part of the process. If your card has not arrived after 50 days, call customer service to confirm your mailing address and check whether there was a delay in your background review.

Can I check my TWIC status without my process number?

No, the online tool requires your process number. If you do not have it, call 1-855-347-8942 and provide your Social Security number and date of birth instead. A representative will look up your process and tell you the status.

What does it mean if my status says "card shipped" but I have not received it yet?

Your card is in the mail and should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If more than 10 business days have passed, call customer service to confirm the mailing address on file. Your card may have been sent to an old address.

Will the TSA contact me if there is a problem with my background check?

Yes, the TSA will call or mail you if there is an issue that requires your response. If your status has not changed in 60 days and you have not heard anything, call customer service — a delay does not automatically mean a rejection.

Can I change my mailing address after I have submitted my process?

Yes. Call 1-855-347-8942 and a representative can update your address before your card ships. If your card has already shipped, you can request it be held at an enrollment center for pickup instead, or ask for a reshipment to a new address.