A Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card is an identification card necessary to those who require full, unattended access to Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA)-regulated areas. These include Coast Guard members, merchant mariners, employees of port facilities, longshore workers and truck drivers. Houston, Texas, residents, can obtain the card by visiting the TWIC Enrollment Center in the city.

Go to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website to pre-enroll. Enter the required biographical data for security purposes and make an appointment at the local TWIC Enrollment Center, 1717 Turning Basin, Suite 370, Houston, Texas 77029. Bring a government-issued photo ID such as a passport, or two forms of ID like a driver's license, state ID card or birth certificate. The center is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Fill out a TWIC Disclosure and Certification Form at the Houston center. Pay the enrollment fee, which is good for five years, using a credit card, check or money order. As of 2011, the fee is $132.50. If you didn't pre-enroll, you must fill out a form with the biographic information and provide fingerprints. Pose for a digital photo to complete the on-sight enrollment process.

Wait for six to eight weeks for the TWIC enrollment process to be completed. Houston applicants will be contacted by email or phone when their card is available. Return to the enrollment center when you have been contacted. Check the status of your card and enrollment and schedule a pickup appointment at the TSA website.