You must have a TWIC and be able to send a copy with your renewal application. TSA and Coast Guard have different requirements for obtaining a our credential. NMC highly recommends that you review our requirements before applying for your TWIC.

• Merhcant Mariner Credential
• Transportation Worker ID Credential

All U.S. licenses, Merchant Mariner’s Credentials (MMC), and Certificates of Registry (CORs) are valid for service for five years from the issue date and no longer. A credential may be renewed at any time during its validity and for one year after expiration.

You may renew all credentials at the same time, and at any time during the validity of the credentials as long as it's not one year after the expiration dates.

You may renew your credential during the Period of Grace (no more than 12 months beyond the five-year expiration date), but you can NOT operate under the authority of your credential during this Grace Period. Once your credential has expired, it is no longer valid and you can not work on it.

If your credential has expired beyond the grace period, then you will have to meet the full requirements of the original credential. This also means you will have to take the full examination if required for the credential or attend a course approved by the CG specifically for this purpose.

This option allows you to renew your credential without meeting any of the renewal requirements, except for completing an application. If you choose to renew a credential for continuity purposes only, then you can NOT work under the authority of that credential. If your credential has expired beyond the one year grace period, then you are ineligible for the continuity renewal option.

You may apply for renewal at any of the 17 Coast Guard Regional Examination Centers (RECs). You must satisfy requirements for renewal including the completion of an application form and payment of user fees. All of these requirements are described in this guide. To see a list of RECs and their locations.

Yes, you may renew by mail by submitting all of the required paperwork and fees to one of the RECs listed above. Please ensure that all supporting paperwork is original documents or certified copies (certified by the agency that issued the original credential.)

You may document professional service for renewal in various forms, including original certificates of discharge and/or official documents from marine companies on original company letterhead signed by authorized officials. For military members, you must have your service documented on Command letterhead. All original proof of qualifying sea service MUST also include the following information about the amount and nature of your experience: