Arizona Rolls Out REAL ID-Compliant Licenses and IDs Today

Beginning today, Arizona residents can replace their driver’s licenses or identification cards with the state’s new voluntary travel identification card that complies with the federal REAL ID Act security requirements.

The Arizona Department of Transportation says the card will be needed to access places such as airports, restricted federal buildings, and military bases. But it also notes there’s no rush to get it now. That’s because the federal government has said it will consider Arizona’s current driver’s licenses and ID cards valid through October 2020.

“With the availability of this new Travel ID, Arizonans have certainty [of] their ability to conduct business as usual when it comes to flying and accessing federal facilities,” states Eric Jorgensen, director of ADOT’s Motor Vehicle Division. “Now everyone has several years to decide if and when to replace their current license or ID with a Travel ID.”

Those wishing to convert their Arizona driver’s license or IDs to the voluntary travel ID can visit servicearizona.com to make an appointment at any of the eight offices in Phoenix, Tucson, Prescott, and Flagstaff. They also can visit any of the 24 authorized third-party driver's license providers across the state without needing to make an appointment.

Applicants will need to provide one document to establish birth or legal presence in the United States, such as a birth certificate, a U.S. passport, or immigration documents. They’ll also need to provide a document to confirm their social security number, as well as a document to establish proof of residence, such as a bank statement or utility bill. A full list of approved documents is available online.

The voluntary travel ID card costs $25 and is good for up to eight years. It won’t look that much different from the current driver’s license or ID card. The most noticeable difference will be a star indicating that the credential complies with the REAL ID law.

Arizona residents can choose to get a driver’s license or ID card that is not REAL ID-compliant. Their credentials will be marked with the phrase “Not for federal identification.” But if they plan to travel on planes or access restricted federal buildings, they’ll need to get credentials that are in compliance with the REAL ID law.

Arizona lawmakers approved legislation last year to get Arizona driver’s license and ID cards in compliance with the REAL ID Act, which Congress approved a few years after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The federal law established security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and ID cards used to board planes and enter certain federal buildings.