TACOMA, Wash. - Workers at the port of Tacoma are getting new, high-tech ID cards they'll need to do their jobs.

It's part of efforts to tighten security at the ports of Tacoma and Seattle.

Security on American docks used to be focused on preventing theft. But since 9-11, it's focused on terrorism and keeping bombs out of the country.

Soon, anybody who has unescorted access to a secure facility at the Port of Tacoma will need a TWIC Card, which contains biometric data on a chip – including human fingerprints.

"There are a number of security features, some of them are overt, some of them are covert," said John Rambeau, TWIC Program Director.

Agnes Smith has worked for the port for 18 years. She supervises the loading and unloading of railroad cars. And like everyone covered by this new law, she must supply her fingerprints and proof of citizenship to get an ID card. Everyone must also pass a background check.

"Does it feel weird? Yeah, a little bit weird," she said. "But you know. It's fairly smooth. But it feels a little strange too."

Nationwide, three quarter of 1 million people will end up with TWIC Cards - 35,000 to 40,000 of them in Tacoma and Seattle. Truck Drivers, longshoremen, train crews - just about anybody with access to secure areas of the port will have to pass.

A person can be disqualified if they've committed any one of a long list of crimes, especially anything related to explosives, violence and terrorism. The Transportation Security Administration says that in a similar program for truck drivers who handle hazardous cargo, few people fell into that category.

"We have not seen a great deal of difficulty with individuals being disqualified," said Darrin Kayser, of the TSA. "About 1 percent of individuals applying for that program have had an appeal or a waiver request."

A similar program for the Port of Seattle is due to start in December.  The cost of signing up for the cards is not cheap - about $132 in most cases. For many, the cost is being picked up by a person's employer.