Over 3 million Travel ID cards issued in Arizona
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Over 3 million Travel ID cards issued in Arizona
The Arizona Department of Transportation’s Motor Vehicle Division announced that over 3 million people now hold Arizona Travel IDs. A federal requirement that took effect a few months ago, requiring all domestic airline travelers to have a Travel ID, a passport, or other forms of acceptable identification to pass through TSA checkpoints.
On Monday, the Arizona Department of Transportation’s Motor Vehicle Division announced that over 3 million people now hold Arizona Travel IDs.
This is a federal requirement that took effect a few months ago, requiring all domestic airline travelers to have a Travel ID, a passport, or other forms of acceptable identification to pass through TSA checkpoints easily.
A standard ID or driver’s license may not be accepted; therefore, those without the Arizona Travel ID risk longer wait and screening times.
To obtain a Travel ID, take the following forms of identification to your local DMV:
Proof of identity: a birth certificate or a valid passport
Social Security number: just the number, not the card
Two documents proving Arizona residency, such as rental or bank statements, credit card or cellphone bills in your name with your current Arizona address
Walk-ins are available, but appointments are strongly encouraged. ADOT states that it may take approximately 14 days to receive your new ID card in the mail.
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Maricopa MVD says people ‘panicking’ to get Real ID; 65% don’t have it as deadline looms
Arizona minted its first Real ID back in 2015, a decade ahead of the federal mandate. Starting Wednesday, the TSA will require travelers to present a federally compliant ID at airport security checkpoints. Standard driver licenses and ID cards remain valid for driving, but not for boarding domestic flights. State officials advise that if residents do not have a compliant ID and plan to fly on or after that date, they should take action at least two weeks ahead of their travel date to avoid last-minute delays. The Arizona Travel ID has rolled out slowly over the last few years. As of Thursday, Arizona had issued 2.75 million Travel ID credentials, up from 2.19 million in March 2024 and 1.93 million in 2023.
It might not seem like a big deal, but this new federally compliant credential is required for federal security checkpoints, which means it’s required for domestic air travel.
Arizona minted its first Real ID back in 2015, a decade ahead of the federal mandate going into effect in hours. Starting Wednesday, the TSA will require travelers to present a federally compliant form of identification at airport security checkpoints.
State officials advise that if residents do not have a compliant ID and plan to fly on or after that date, they should take action at least two weeks ahead of their travel date to avoid last-minute delays.
“If your travel isn’t imminent, we suggest waiting until two weeks before your flight to avoid the current rush,” Arizona Motor Vehicle Division spokesman Bill Lamoreaux told InMaricopa today.
Residents may be able to upgrade to the Arizona Travel ID online through AZMVDNow.gov. The MVD also accepts walk-in visits, though appointments are best if you want to get in and out quickly. In addition, Authorized Third Party offices across the state (like the one in Maricopa) offer extended hours, including evenings and Saturdays.
The Travel ID costs $25 and is valid for eight years — only if you want to wait in line at the MVD. You could go over to Maricopa’s State Express Motor Vehicle & Driver License. It’ll cost you $60, and they do it twice a day: 8 a.m. and 1 p.m.
When contacted for comment, Kathy the receptionist had to talk in a hurry.
“Everywhere is packed with people trying to get it,” said Kathy, who said she doesn’t give out her last name.
“I don’t know if it’ll lighten up,” she said when asked if she expects the crowds to thin after the midweek deadline. “People are panicking because of that deadline.”
You’re going to need this new ID to get through most secure federal facilities, such as military bases and federal courthouses and most importantly, airport security. Standard driver licenses and ID cards remain valid for driving, but not for boarding domestic flights.
The Arizona Travel ID has rolled out slowly over the last few years. As of Thursday, Arizona had issued 2.75 million Travel ID credentials, up from 2.19 million in March 2024 and 1.93 million in March 2023. Of those applying for identification credentials, 85% are choosing the Arizona Travel ID over the standard version, said Lamoreaux. Still, 4.86 million Arizonans hold the old-style identification that will not meet federal air travel requirements beginning this week.
The Arizona Travel ID, denoted by a star in the upper right corner, confirms that the holder has met federal documentation requirements.
Federally compliant IDs, such as U.S. passports, military IDs, passport cards or trusted traveler cards like the SENTRI card, are also acceptable at TSA checkpoints.
Source: https://www.azfamily.com/2025/07/07/over-3-million-travel-id-cards-issued-arizona/