Federal Deadline For Real ID Extended to May 2023

If you have yet to obtain your REAL ID, you’re in luck. Arizonans will now have more time to get the Arizona Travel ID that will be required to pass through security checkpoints for domestic travel.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced Tuesday they have extended the deadline for the Real ID enforcement 19 more months to May 3, 2023, due to the pandemic.

DHS said the extension was a result of pandemic and the restrictions it imposed on states’ ability to issue REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards, with many driver’s licensing agencies still operating at limited capacity.

Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005 following the 911 terror attacks. The goal is to establish minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and id cards.

Beginning in May 2023, the Arizona Travel ID will be required to board a plane, enter restricted federal buildings, or access military bases and will serve as a driver’s license. REAL IDs are distinguishable by a small star embedded on the upper right-hand corner.

The Arizona Travel ID’s are issued by the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division.

To obtain the Arizona Travel ID, it is the same process that you do at an MVD or an authorized third party, but you do have to provide a little bit more information, more verification about yourself. The Arizona Travel ID requires more documentation than a standard driver’s license to meet federal REAL ID security requirements. Applicants must apply in person and will be asked to provide their Social Security number, proof of identity, and proof of Arizona residency.

Appointments can be made online with the MVD or visit one of the many authorized third-party locations throughout the state. The ID costs $25 and will expire after eight years.

Arizonans are not required to obtain the travel ID and could opt to use a passport as a form of identification to get through airport security instead of a driver’s license.

According to ADOT, 1.2 million Arizonans already have the ID.