The Real ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 based on recommendations of the 9/11 Commission. The Act sets standards for state-issued identification accepted for the purposes of air travel or accessing restricted federal buildings, nuclear power plants and military bases/facilities, etc.
Effective January 22, 2018, air travelers, etc. who do not have a license from a compliant state (Arizona is deemed compliant, so this deadline is not applicable for our residents) or a state granted an extension must provide alternate acceptable ID, a list of which can be found here https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification.
However, effective October 1, 2020, all air travelers, etc. will be required to present a REAL ID-compliant ID. This means after 10/1/20, Arizonans who wish to travel by air or access federal or military facilities, and who do not have an alternate accepted ID (see above), may wish to convert their Arizona license to the Voluntary Travel ID.
At this point, the Voluntary Travel ID is optional, and may only make sense for those whose license will be issued or renewed prior to 10/1/20. Valid for a maximum of eight years (less in a few limited circumstances), the application or renewal fee is $25, and an option now available to those applying for a license, but is available to currently licensed drivers only at certain MVD locations by appointment only (the application can be completed online in advance, then an appointment scheduled at ServiceArizona.gov); or, new and existing driver my visit an approved 3rd Party Provider anytime. You will need to provide specific documentation consisting of one document to establish birth/legal presence, one to verify SSN and two which establish Arizona residence.
Real ID-compliant ID is not required for things such as entering federal facilities not requiring ID for entrance, to vote/registering to vote, for application or receipt of federal benefits, for driver licensing, to access health or life-preserving services, law enforcement, or constitutionally protected activities, or participation in law enforcement proceedings or investigation.
For more information or to make an appointment, see the links below:
Online app: https://apps.azdot.gov/mvd/Application/ApplicationForm.aspx
Appointments: https://servicearizona.com/officeAppointments?popularclick
FAQ: https://azdot.gov/mvd/services/driver-services/arizona-travel-id/arizona-travel-id-faq
Gordon Thompson
For more information about Arizona dui and criminal law issues please contact Gordon Thompson who has used his experience to write a blog on topics of interest. You can also chat with Gordon about your specific questions. Website: https://GordonThompsonAttorney.net
