REAL ID For AZ Airport Travelers: Must-Know Details

ARIZONA — Those who use their driver's license as identification when they travel domestically won't pass airport security on October 1 and afterward — unless they've obtained a federally mandated REAL ID card. To get ready to apply for your REAL ID card, also known in-state as the “Arizona Travel ID,” here’s what you need to know.

The Arizona Travel ID is available as either a driver’s license or an ID card and is required for everyone age 18 and older traveling by airplane starting October 1 — unless they have one of the other federally approved identification documents specified on the Transportation Security Administration's website.

The Arizona Travel ID is recognizable by its gold star on the card’s upper right corner.

For Arizona residents who won’t be traveling via airplane or entering military facilities, nuclear power plants or federal facilities — or who have another federally accepted form of identification — getting a $25 Arizona Travel ID is optional. Those opting out of the Arizona Travel ID will receive their state driver’s license or ID card with the words “not for federal identification” on it.

Valid eight years maximum for most people — except those age 65 and older whose expire in five years — the Arizona Travel ID must be obtained in person at an Arizona Motor Vehicle Division office or at an authorized third party. Arizona Department of Transportation officials recommend making an appointment via ServiceArizona.com to avoid wait time, but appointments aren’t required.

Documents that must be brought to your Arizona Travel ID appointment include:

• A document showing U.S. citizenship or legal presence in the U.S. such as a valid U.S. passport, certified birth certificate or valid immigration documents
• A document verifying your Social Security information such as a W-2 form or a Social Security card
• Two documents proving your residency, such as a utility bill, bank statement or Arizona voter registration card

Expect the appointment to take about 20 minutes, said Debbie Johnson, Arizona Office of Tourism director.

To make an Arizona Travel ID appointment or to see authorized third-party providers, access the Arizona Department of Transportation’s website.

A valid U.S. passport is still required for international travel.