A felony conviction does not automatically make everyone ineligible for a Transportation Worker Identification Credential. TSA uses specified disqualifying offenses, rather than a rule covering every felony. Under 49 CFR 1572.103, some offenses are permanent disqualifiers; others are interim disqualifiers tied to when the person was convicted or released from incarceration. The exact offense and disposition matter more than a general “felon” label. [1]
Rules that determine the answer
For listed interim offenses, disqualification generally applies if the conviction occurred within seven years of the TWIC application or release from incarceration occurred within five years. A conviction older than seven years may therefore still matter when release was recent. [1] Separately, an appeal challenges a mistaken determination, while a waiver asks TSA to excuse an otherwise applicable disqualification where the regulations allow it. TSA’s waiver rule covers listed categories, not every permanent offense. [2]
Permanent offenses include espionage, sedition, treason, and specified terrorism offenses. Other permanent categories have different waiver treatment. An arrest with no recorded disposition can also require documentation; it should not simply be described as a conviction. The criminal-history rules operate alongside immigration-status and other security-threat standards, so clearing one issue does not guarantee issuance. [1] For the waiver’s scope and supporting submission requirements, use the actual redress rule and notice. [2]
What to do next
- Obtain the charging document, final disposition, sentence, and actual incarceration-release date; do not rely solely on a background-check summary.
- Compare the offense with the federal list, including whether it is permanent or interim, and identify any pending charge or warrant.
- Read an Initial Determination of Threat Assessment immediately. The redress regulations generally provide a 60-day response framework, with separate provisions for requesting materials and extensions. [3]
- Use certified corrections for mistaken identity or an inaccurate disposition; for an eligible waiver, provide the rehabilitation and other supporting information the notice requests.
Practical example
An applicant was convicted of a listed interim offense eight years ago but left prison three years ago. The conviction date alone does not clear the interim rule because the release date falls within five years. The applicant should examine waiver eligibility rather than assume the older conviction must be disregarded.
For related situations, see felony records and clearance review and passenger flights after a felony.
Primary sources
- 49 CFR 1572.103: TWIC disqualifying criminal offenses
- 49 CFR 1515.7: waiver procedures
- 49 CFR 1515.5: appeal procedures
Sources checked: October 31, 2026.