REAL ID: The federal requirement for domestic airline travelers to have a federally compliant form of identification takes effect Wednesday, May 7.

Federal REAL ID air travel enforcement begins Wednesday, May 7 Arizona Travel ID will get you through airport security without delays The federal requirement for domestic airline travelers to have a federally compliant form of identification takes effect Wednesday, May 7. If you plan to use your driver license or state-issued ID card for air travel this summer, visit an Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division office or selected authorized third party locations to get your Arizona Travel ID at least two weeks beforehand.    Without the Arizona Travel ID or other form of federally compliant identification such as a valid U.S. passport, you’ll risk missing an airline flight.  The star in the upper right corner of an Arizona Travel ID shows that the holder has met federal standards requiring extra documentation.  This includes: Proof of identity: a birth certificate or U.S. passport Social Security number: just the number, not the card Two documents proving Arizona residency, such as rental or bank statements and credit card or cellphone bills in your name with your current Arizona address You can walk into an office for this service, but we suggest scheduling an appointment at azmvdnow.gov.  The Arizona Travel ID costs $25 and is valid for eight years.  The new Arizona Travel ID card will arrive in the mail within 10-14 days. Now that May 7 is here, you can join 2.77 million Arizonans who have already upgraded to the Arizona Travel ID  to be ready to fly.  For information on how to obtain an Arizona birth certificate please visit the Arizona Bureau of Vital Records’ website. For more information and a full list of qualifying documents, please visit azdot.gov/TravelID.

To plan your trip, get travel times or see ADOT cameras, download the AZ 511 app. The Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers to use the designated detours when there are closures on state highways. Visit us on social media on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Flickr or the ADOT blog.

 

Kristi Noem says travelers without Real ID will still be able to fly after deadline

Homeland security chief says people without new ID ‘may be diverted to a different line, have an extra step’

Edward Helmore and Associated Press

Tue 6 May 2025 13.59 EDT

Kristi Noem, the head of the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), said on Tuesday that travelers without a REAL ID will still be able to fly when the updated identity system comes into effect on 7 May, but they may face extra scrutiny at transportation security agency (TSA) checkpoints.

Noem told lawmakers that 81% of travelers already have IDs that comply with the REAL ID requirements, and that those that don’t “may be diverted to a different line, have an extra step”.

“But people will be allowed to fly,” Noem added. “We will make sure it’s as seamless as possible.” She said that checkpoints would also accept passports and tribal identification.

REAL ID is a state-issued driver’s license or ID card that homeland security says is a more secure form of identification. The new ID will also be required to access certain federal buildings and facilities.