Real ID deadline extended again. How to get one, what other forms of ID will let you fly

Melissa Yeager, Arizona Republic
·3 min read
13

Real ID 2022 update: We're glad you found this article. For the most up-to-date information on the 2022 Real ID deadline extension, read our latest story: https://www.azcentral.com/story/travel/airlines/2022/07/18/real-id-deadline-2023/10053983002/

Corrections & Clarifications: A previous version of this article was not clear that a certified birth certificate is needed for the Real ID.

The countdown is on. In less than a year, if your driver's license is not Real ID-compliant, you won't be able to use it to get on a plane.

Starting Oct. 1, 2020, you'll have to show a Real ID to board a domestic flight. That means you probably need to upgrade your current Arizona driver's license if you want to use it to fly.

Why is this happening now?

This is the final phase of the Real ID Act of 2005, which Congress passed on recommendation from the 9/11 Commission after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. The act aims to provide "minimum security standards" for the issuance of identification nationwide.

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Many states immediately moved to implement the new standards, which require applicants to show four different documents to receive a Real ID. Arizona was one of several states that delayed implementing Real ID over concerns about privacy and federal overreach.

To respond to these concerns, the federal government granted some extensions and rolled out the implementation of Real ID over four phases. Accepting only Real IDs to board domestic flights is the final stage of the process.

Bottom line: If you have the old Arizona driver's license that doesn't expire until you turn 65, you'll need to get a new one. If you don't, you'll have to show another Real ID-compliant document, such as a passport.

How do I know if I have a Real ID?

To find out if your ID will allow you to travel, look in the upper right hand corner. If you see a gold star, your ID will work. If not, you'll need to get a new ID or use your passport or military ID.
To find out if your ID will allow you to travel, look in the upper right hand corner. If you see a gold star, your ID will work. If not, you'll need to get a new ID or use your passport or military ID.

Look in the upper right-hand corner of your driver's license. Do you see a star? If you don't, it is not Real ID-compliant.

To get a new driver's license or Arizona ID, go to AZTravelID.com. You can make an appointment and start filling out the application online. Or, visit a Motor Vehicle Division office, where it's first come, first served. Locations and hours are at  www.azdot.gov/motor-vehicles/hours-and-locations.

Do this sooner rather than later. Many Arizonans will need new IDs. Appointments may book up and it will take 10 days or so to get your license back in the mail.

Here are the documents you need

You need four documents to get an Arizona Travel ID. Make sure all of these match the name you intend to have on your driver's license.

1. Proof of identity

Bring ONE of the following:

  • Certified birth certificate.

  • U.S. passport.

  • Passport card.

2. Proof of Social Security Number

Bring ONE of the following:

  • Social Security card.

  • W-2 form.

3. Proof of Arizona residency

Bring TWO of these showing your current address:

  • Utility bill.

  • Credit card statement.

  • Bank statement.

  • Insurance policy.

What other ID is valid for travel?

According to the Transportation Security Administration website, you can show any of the following to board a domestic flight in the United States:

  • U.S. passport.

  • U.S. passport card.

  • DHS trusted traveler card (Global Entry, Nexus, Sentri, FAST).

  • U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents.

  • Permanent resident card.

  • Border crossing card.

  • State-issued enhanced driver's license.

  • Federally recognized, tribal-issued photo ID.

  • HSPD-12 PIV card.

  • Foreign government-issued passport.

  • Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card.

  • Transportation worker identification credential.

  • U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services employment authorization card (I-766).

  • U.S. Merchant Mariner credential.

  • Veteran Health Identification Card.

You can connect with Arizona Republic Consumer Travel Reporter Melissa Yeager at melissa.yeager@azcentral.com. You can also follow her on Twitter and Instagram. 

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Real ID for Arizona residents: Here's what you need to get one