No. You do not need a TWIC to renew your USCG License. But, if you need it for work, then you need one for work. If you don't need a TWIC for work then you should not waste your money on renewing!
How do I know if I need a TWIC?
If the vessel you are working on requires a Vessel Security Plan (VSP), you are required to have a TWIC. If the vessel is not required to have a VSP, than you do not need a TWIC to work on the vessel. You may still need a TWIC for other reasons.
Do I need a TWIC for my initial MMC?
A mariner applying for his/her initial MMC will need to enroll for a TWIC and pay the applicable fees at an enrollment center. This is necessary because the TWIC enrollment center is the only location where the Coast Guard can obtain biometric and personal information from the applicant, used by TSA to screen the mariner, and which the Coast Guard uses to issue the MMC.
Can I renew my MMC without a TWIC?
Absolutely! You do not need a TWIC to renew your MMC.
All you need is a TWIC exemption memo that includes the following statement:“I am claiming exemption from the requirement to hold a valid TWIC under Coast Guard Policy Letter 11-15. I certify that I do not need a TWIC. I understand that a name-based safety and suitability check could significantly delay the processing of my Merchant Mariner Credential application.”
mmseas.com will create a perfect TWIC Exemption memo for you. Signing to your account and click on TWIC in the renewal checklist, then click the red "Generate TWIC Exemption" button.
We hope this made your life a little easier and if you have other questions the MM-SEAS team is always here to help!
If you're renewing a specific license, we’ve got you covered with tailored guides for every type of renewal:
- OUPV Six-Pack License Renewal
- 25 Ton License Renewal
- 50 Ton License Renewal
- 100 Ton Captain License Renewal
For a comprehensive overview, start with the Ultimate USCG License Renewal Checklist.
MM-SEAS is free to use on your own and if you need some more personalized help you can upgrade to MM-SEAS Expert Access inside of the site.
No matter what, when you are ready to submit your application you can do it yourself, or you can hand the whole thing to us. A Stress-Free MMC is $399. Two MM-SEAS licensing experts check every page, we pay your Coast Guard fees at submission and charge your card so you never touch pay.gov, and we stay on it with the National Maritime Center until your credential is issued.
MM-SEAS Expert Access is $99 a year. It is your personal guidance counselor for USCG licensing: what training you need next, which sea time counts, and how to reach the credential you want, by phone, email, chat or a 1 on 1 video call. Expert Access members also get $50 off a Stress-Free MMC.
Need to renew, upgrade or get your first USCG license? We're here to help.
About the author
Nate has over 15 years of professional maritime experience and has hawsepiped his way to a 3rd Mate Unlimited Endorsement with full STCW compliance. He is proud veteran of the NOAA Commissioned Corps.
