You May Not Be Able to Use Your Current Arizona Driver’s License to Pass Through Airport Security as of October 1, 2020
In 2005, Congress passed the Real ID Act, following the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the federal government establish minimum standards for identification sources, such as driver’s licenses. In connection with this heightened security standard, as of January 22, 2018, travelers whose state-issued driver’s licenses do not comply with the Real ID Act have had to show an alternative form of identification to pass through Transportation Security Administration (“TSA”) checkpoints for domestic air travel on federally-regulated commercial airplanes.
Current Arizona driver’s licenses that do not have a gold star on the front do not comply with the Real ID Act. (If your driver’s license was issued in the last three years, it might even say “Not for Federal Identification.”) Yet, Arizona residents generally have been passing through airport security using their current driver’s license for identification. This is because the federal government granted Arizona an extension to comply with the Real ID Act. That exemption, however, will soon end.
Starting Thursday, October 1, 2020, you can no longer use your standard Arizona driver’s license to pass through airport security for domestic travel. (International travel requirements have not changed; a United States passport or its equivalent is still required for international flights.) You will also be unable to access federal facilities and nuclear power plants.
Luckily, you do not have to wait until October 1, 2020 to obtain a Real ID-compliant driver’s license, known as a Travel ID in Arizona. The process to get one is relatively simple:
-
Complete a Travel ID Application.
You can do this at an Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division (“MVD”) office, authorized third-party provider (many are open Saturdays), or online at https://apps.azdot.gov/mvd/Application/ApplicationForm.aspx.
-
Print your application if you completed it online.
-
Schedule a time to visit the MVD or an authorized third-party provider.
You can make an appointment at the MVD here: https://servicearizona.com/officeAppointments?popularclick)
Authorized third-party providers generally allow walk-in appointments. (Service Arizona’s website says the MVD allows walk-ins, too, although the MVD representative we spoke with said applicants must schedule an MVD appointment online to obtain their Travel ID.)
-
Along with your Travel ID application, take originals or certified copies of the following documents with you to the MVD or third-party provider:
-
Proof of Identity (one document such as a birth certificate or United States passport);
-
Proof of Social Security Number (one document such as a social security card, W-2 form, etc.); and
-
Proof of Arizona residency (two printed documents with your current Arizona residential address, such as a bank statement, utility bill, or insurance policy. If you do not have the necessary residency documents, you will need to complete an Arizona Residency Affidavit and supply additional proof of residency.)
If your current legal name does not match your name on a document due to a marriage, divorce, adoption, etc., you will need to show legal proof of your name change, such as a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree. Again, all documents must be originals or certified copies.
You can find a complete list of identification documents the MVD will accept here:
https://www.azdot.gov/docs/default-source/mvd-forms-pubs/40-5144.pdf?sfvrsn=12
Arizona Travel IDs are not valid for decades like standard Arizona driver’s licenses. The Travel ID is generally only valid for eight years (five years if you are 65 years old or older). They currently cost $25.
Please Note: You can still use other federally-approved identification documents to pass through security at airports for domestic travel, such as a United States passport or permanent resident card. Here is a list of federally-accepted identification: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification
We hope this information has been helpful as you make your travel plans. Bon voyage!
