Infamously, Arizona driver’s licenses don’t expire until their holders turn 65. That’s out of step with a federal law that mandates new standards for IDs. The law requires anyone who wants to use their driver’s license to board a flight or enter federal buildings to update it by getting a Real ID.
But what is a Real ID? What’s the point of this new requirement? And where can people in Arizona get them? Here’s what to know.
Do I need a Real ID in Arizona?
Technically, you don’t need one. But starting on May 7, not having one could make flying more inconvenient. On that day, TSA employees will no longer allow people who have a non-Real ID driver’s license to enter through their checkpoints. You can still use other forms of valid identification, including passports and official IDs from tribal nations. However, on May 6, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said passengers without Real IDs will be allowed to fly for now, though they'll be subject to extra screening and possible delays.In Arizona, the new type of card that complies with Real ID requirements is called the Arizona Travel ID. You can get this either as a driver’s license or as a basic ID card if you are not allowed to drive. Unlike normal Arizona IDs, Real IDs are made of material that is more difficult to counterfeit and expire after eight years.
Children younger than age 18 do not need a Real ID.
Why is Real ID required in Arizona?
In 2005, President George W. Bush signed the Real ID Act after the 9/11 Commission recommended stricter federal standards for IDs. The point was to make it harder for people to commit fraud by using or creating fake IDs and, more specifically, to thwart terrorists.Several states fought the law’s implementation, which required them to change their license-issuing processes. However, at this point, all states and Washington, D.C., issue Real IDs. Although the Real ID deadline has been pushed back several times since the original 2008 deadline (including in 2020 when COVID-19 hit), the May 7 date may actually stay put this time.
Are Arizona driver’s licenses Real ID-compliant?
If you live in Arizona, you can tell whether or not your ID can be used for a flight after May 7 if it has a gold or black star on the upper right-hand corner of the card. There isn’t any difference in the gold or black stars — they just reflect when the card was issued.How and where do I get a Real ID in Arizona?
Visit the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division’s website to fill out an application and make an appointment at one of the agency’s offices near you.You can also get your Real ID through a third-party vendor. The MVD maintains a list of authorized third parties across the state where you can get your new driver's license.
What do I need to bring to get a Real ID in Arizona?
The MVD has a list of required documents to get approved for the Real ID. You need four documents: proof of birth, a Social Security number, and two documents that show proof of residence.The options for proof of birth are:
- Birth certificate
- U.S. passport
- U.S. passport card
- Permanent resident card or resident alien card
- Unexpired USCIS employment authorization document
- I-94 form with an unexpired foreign passport and unexpired U.S. visa
- U.S. certificate of naturalization
- U.S. certificate of citizenship
- Utility bills
- Credit card statements
- Bank statements
- Insurance policies
- Rental agreements
- Federal release identification card
