Use Your TWIC Card Number, Not Your TWIC Credential Identification Number

When you fill out the TSA PreCheck process, you will see a field asking for your TWIC number. Enter the 12-digit number printed on the front of your TWIC card — the one that appears below your photograph. This is your card number, and it is the only TWIC identifier TSA accepts for PreCheck purposes.

Do not enter your Credential Identification Number (CIN), which is a separate nine-digit number also on your card. The CIN appears in smaller print and is used for port security and maritime access, not for TSA applications. Using the wrong number will cause your process to be rejected or delayed.

If you cannot locate your TWIC card or the number is worn or illegible, contact the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program directly through their customer service line before submitting your PreCheck form. Submitting an incorrect or incomplete number wastes processing time.

Key Takeaways

  • The TWIC number for TSA PreCheck is the 12-digit number on the front of your card below your photo, not the nine-digit CIN.
  • Your TWIC card number is printed in larger text and is your primary card identifier across all federal programs.
  • The Credential Identification Number (CIN) is a separate nine-digit code used only for port and maritime security access.
  • Double-check the number before submitting your PreCheck process to avoid rejection or processing delays.

Where to Find Your TWIC Card Number

Your TWIC card is a physical credential issued by the Transportation Security Administration. The 12-digit card number appears on the front of the card in the lower left area, directly beneath your photograph. The numbers are printed in a standard font and are straightforward to read when the card is in good condition.

If your card is damaged, faded, or lost, you will need to request a replacement from the TWIC program before you can provide the number to TSA PreCheck. The TWIC program maintains a database of all issued cards and can confirm your number if you provide your name and date of birth.

The Difference Between Your Card Number and Your CIN

Your TWIC card contains two separate identification numbers, and they serve different purposes. The 12-digit card number is your primary identifier and is used across all federal security programs, including TSA PreCheck. The nine-digit CIN is a credential-specific number used for port access control systems and maritime worker verification.

TSA PreCheck only recognizes the 12-digit card number. If you enter your CIN instead, the system will not match it to your TWIC record, and your process may be flagged for manual review or rejected outright. Always verify which number you are entering before you submit the form.

What Happens If You Enter the Wrong Number

If you submit your PreCheck process with an incorrect TWIC number, TSA will attempt to verify it against their database. When the number does not match any valid TWIC card, the process will either be rejected or sent to a TSA officer for manual verification. This process adds two to four weeks to your processing time.

If you realize you made an error after submitting, contact TSA PreCheck customer service with your process number and the correct card number. Providing the correction early can prevent your process from being denied and allow TSA to reprocess it without delay.

Confirming Your TWIC Number Before You explore

Before you open the TSA PreCheck process, locate your physical TWIC card and write down the 12-digit number. Read it twice to make sure you have copied it correctly. If you wear glasses or contacts, use them — a single mistyped digit will cause verification to fail.

If your card is not in front of you, do not guess or estimate the number. Stop and retrieve the card or contact the TWIC program to confirm the number. A few minutes of verification now prevents weeks of delays later.

TWIC Card Renewal and Your PreCheck process

If your TWIC card is expiring soon or you have recently renewed it, use the number from your current valid card. TSA PreCheck will cross-reference the number against the active TWIC database, so an expired card number may not verify correctly.

When you renew your TWIC card, you will receive a new 12-digit card number. If you have already submitted a PreCheck process with your old TWIC number, you do not need to reapply — TSA will update your record once your new card is issued. However, if your process is still pending when your card expires, contact TSA to provide your new number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my CIN instead of my card number?

No. TSA PreCheck only accepts the 12-digit card number printed on the front of your TWIC card. The nine-digit CIN is not recognized by the PreCheck system and will cause your process to fail verification.

What if I lost my TWIC card and do not remember the number?

Contact the TWIC program customer service with your name and date of birth, and they can provide your card number. You can also request a replacement card if yours is lost. Do not submit your PreCheck process until you have the correct number.

Do I need an active TWIC card to use TSA PreCheck?

You need a valid TWIC card number to enter on the PreCheck form, but your card does not need to remain active after PreCheck is approved. However, if your TWIC card expires before your PreCheck process is processed, contact TSA with your new card number to avoid delays.

Where is the card number located on my TWIC card?

The 12-digit card number is printed on the front of your TWIC card in the lower left area, directly below your photograph. It is printed in larger text than the CIN and is your primary card identifier.