TSA PreCheck program coming to Indian River County

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — If you’d like to spend less time going through airport security, sign up for Transportation Security Administration’s PreCheck program.

The program will be available within the next four to six weeks at the Indian River County Tax Collectors office at 1860 82nd Ave.

Tax Collector Carole Jean Jordan said the western branch of her office will begin enrolling people in the TSA PreCheck program, thanks to a partnership with IDEMIA, the same company that already provides identity verification services to her office. IDEMIA is the exclusive contractor for the TSAPrecheck program.

“We’re excited to offer this service,” said Jordan. “It is something that is very much in demand, and we think people will love the convenience.”

Travelers will be able to download the TSA PreCheck application at home, assemble their documentation, such as proof of identity and U.S. citizenship, and come to the Tax Collectors office for fingerprints and a photograph.

“It will be quite simple,” said Jordan. “And the cost is $85 for five years, making it affordable.”

Jordan said the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office was considering offering the TSA PreCheck program but decided the Tax Collector had a more convenient site, which is close to Interstate 95.

After you apply, you're vetted by the TSA, and if determined to be low risk, you can start using the express security lanes at 200 airports and 47 airlines across the country.

While you still go through security, it's a less invasive, and therefore, speedier process.

TSA PreCheck participants do not need to remove their shoes, certain liquids, laptop computers, light jackets or belts when going through security.

MORE: Cartoon about TSA

You can't qualify if you've been convicted of certain felonies, if you have open warrants, or fail to meet other criteria. The TSA offers a full list of disqualifying offenses and factors on its website. Even if you have TSA PreCheck, you can still get flagged for additional screening at the airport.

Once the enrollment center opens in Vero Beach, locals will no longer have to travel to either West Palm Beach or Viera to interview for the program.

MORE: Vero Beach Regional Airport renovations

Some airlines — including JetBlue, Southwest, Frontier, Allegiant, American, Delta, United and Virgin Atlantic — already pre-screen their frequent flyers and issue the TSA PreCheck designation on some boarding passes.

But the process is random if the passenger is not a formal member of the TSA PreCheck program with a Known Traveler Number, so enrollment guarantees the TSA PreCheck designation.

TWIC Cards

The same office also will offer the Transportation Worker Identification Credential, known as TWIC card, which is required by the Maritime Transportation Security Act for workers who need access to secure areas in ports.

The TSA conducts a background check to determine a person’s eligibility to work on or near maritime facilities and vessels.



How to Apply

Go to www.tsa.gov/precheck. The application will ask for biographic information, citizenship, identity, etc., and then have you select your interview location, time and date. You also have the choice of walking into an enrollment center, but expect to wait a while. Go to your in-person appointment, which will include a background check and fingerprinting. The entire process should only take 10 minutes. Remember to bring documents, such as your passport or military ID, for enrollment, and either a credit card, money order, company check, or certified/cashier's check to pay the nonrefundable fee. Wait to receive your Known Traveler Number . According to TSA's website, those who apply directly through the TSA PreCheck Application Program online will receive written notification within two to three weeks. However, many are approved days after their in-person appointment, so be sure to check your status online. Once you receive your Known Traveler Number, enter it the next time you book a flight.

TSA office