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Department of Homeland Security extends REAL ID deadline to May 2023

Department of Homeland Security extends REAL ID deadline to May 2023

April 27, 2021

PHOENIX – On Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced that it was extending the REAL ID full enforcement date from Oct. 1, 2021, to May 3, 2023. The Arizona Travel ID is the REAL ID-compliant credential issued by the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division.

The Arizona Travel ID is a driver license or ID card, as well as a federally-compliant credential, that can be used for gaining clearance at federal TSA airport checkpoints and other restricted federally secured facilities.

What does this mean for Arizonans?

Beginning May 3, 2023, the federal REAL ID Act will require anyone passing through TSA checkpoints at airports for domestic flights to use a credential, such as the Arizona Travel ID or a passport, that requires more documentation than a standard driver license. 

Are Travel IDs still available?

Yes. To get your Travel ID, set up an appointment at AZMVDNow.gov. Travel ID applicants must show proof of their identity, proof of Arizona residency and provide their Social Security Number. For a full list of credentials and documents that meet these requirements, visit azdot.gov/TravelID.

How is the Travel ID different?

Arizona is one of 37 states offering residents a choice in their driver license credential: the federally-compliant Travel ID or the non-Travel ID Arizona driver license, which is not federally-compliant and will not allow an individual to pass through TSA after May 3, 2023. Arizona law requires that MVD provide customers with this choice.

For more information about Travel ID, visit azdot.gov/TravelID.