Believe it or not, the AZ Travel ID deadline is actually this year

ADOT MVD has been warning everyone for several years that TSA will be requiring a federally compliant ID, like the Arizona Travel ID or passport. Well, that time is almost here – sort of.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently announced a phased approach for enforcement of the REAL ID regulations after the May 7, 2025, deadline. That’s right, the enforcement could still take up to two years to be fully in place.

May 7 will be the first date that TSA will begin to ask for the REAL ID, also known as the Arizona Travel ID, or some other federally approved identification. For those who do not have an approved federal identification, you can expect a warning and possibly even delays as you are going past TSA security checkpoints. ADOT MVD follows TSA guidelines and encourages people to consider getting the Arizona Travel ID to avoid such delays or other travel issues starting on May 7, and during the phased enforcement.

This credential is distinguished by a gold star in the upper right corner and is available to Arizona residents as a driver license or identification card. 

You can walk into an MVD office for this service, but we suggest scheduling an appointment and that can be done online at azmvdnow.gov. Even if you haven’t activated your AZ MVD NOW account, you can still schedule an appointment. 

Because the Arizona Travel ID is compliant with the federal standards, you will need to provide extra documentation like a birth certificate, Social Security number and proof of Arizona residency.

So if your 2025 travel plans include flying across the country for work, vacation or even a family reunion, you may want to update your ID to the Arizona Travel ID and avoid any unnecessary travel delays.

More information and a full list of qualifying documents are available at azdot.gov/TravelID.