logo
How can I tell if I have a real ID? Look for this symbol on your Arizona license

How can I tell if I have a real ID? Look for this symbol on your Arizona license

Yahoo22-04-2025

When the requirements for Real ID finally take effect nationwide on May 7, air travelers must have a star on their state identification to get through security and board their flight.
As the May 7 deadline approaches, people are applying for Real IDs at state motor vehicle offices and approved third-party offices. They arrive with the necessary documents so they'll be ready to fly and avoid the consequences of not having one.
But how do you know if your drivers license is Real ID-ready?
Here's how to tell if you have a Real ID and what an Arizona Travel ID, the state's version of Real, ID, looks like.
The Arizona Travel ID — which is a Real ID — is distinguishable from a standard drivers license by a gold or black star on the upper right corner. Starting May 7, your ID must have that gold or black star in the corner to pass through airport security checkpoints or enter federal buildings.
Most states' Real ID cards have a solid gold or black star, or a clear star inside a gold or black circle. The California Real ID has a clear star inside a gold bear, which plays on the California state flag that shows a grizzly bear atop a patch of grass.
Recently issued state credentials that are not Real ID-compliant will include the label, "Not for federal identification."
A gold star on the upper right corner of an Arizona Travel ID indicates that it's Real ID compliant.
Get weekend plans. Sign up for our Things to Do newsletter.
Travel IDs issued since 2023 contain a black star.
Regardless of whether the star is gold or black, it signifies a Real ID.
The Arizona Travel ID costs $25.
An Arizona Real ID is good for eight years.
Phoenix airport guide: All the airlines, food and lounges in Terminal 3, Terminal 4
Michael Salerno is an award-winning journalist who's covered travel and tourism since 2014. His work as The Arizona Republic's consumer travel reporter aims to help readers navigate the stresses of traveling and get the best value for their money on their vacations. He can be reached at Michael.Salerno@gannett.com.
Subscribe to azcentral.com today.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: What does Real ID look like? How to tell if you have one

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Sorry, you can't use your Costco membership card to get through TSA
Sorry, you can't use your Costco membership card to get through TSA

Business Insider

time7 hours ago

  • Business Insider

Sorry, you can't use your Costco membership card to get through TSA

"Can't fly on hotdogs and hope." That's according to the Transportation Security Administration, which recently posted on social media to let Americans know they cannot, in fact, use their Costco membership cards in place of a Real ID. "We love hotdogs & rotisserie chickens as much as the next person but plz stop telling people their Costco card counts as a REAL ID because it absolutely does not," TSA said in an X post on June 4. In a follow-up post on Instagram, the agency said a Costco Gold Star Membership card might get you a 48-pack of toilet paper and other goodies the warehouse retailer is known for, but "it won't get you through a TSA checkpoint." "We get it, you're a bulk-buying boss, the executive of excess, the sultan of samples. But unless your $1.50 hot dog has a passport, you're gonna need a REAL ID or other acceptable form of ID to fly," the post said. The posts from TSA, which is known to have a tongue-in-cheek social media presence, came after Real ID requirements were set to take effect in May. Americans were scrambling ahead of the May 7 deadline to secure a Real ID, which the Department of Homeland Security had previously said would be required to fly domestically from that date. However, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that Americans would still be able to fly without a Real ID for the time being. TSA's website currently says that travelers without a Real ID — or an alternative form of acceptable identification, like a passport — will be notified of their noncompliance and could be subject to additional screening at the airport. list.

TSA makes clear if Costco card works as REAL ID
TSA makes clear if Costco card works as REAL ID

Yahoo

time9 hours ago

  • Yahoo

TSA makes clear if Costco card works as REAL ID

**Related Video Above: Real ID requirement went into effect last month (WJW) — The Transportation Security Administration is warning travelers that a Costco membership card is not the same as a REAL ID. 'We love hot dogs and rotisserie chickens as much as the next person but please stop telling people their Costco card counts as a REAL ID because it absolutely does not,' the government agency said on Facebook last week. Can you fly without a REAL ID after the May deadline? The agency did not clarify if people had been attempting to make it through airport security using their Costco cards or if the post was in response to other online messaging. Still, the reaction to the the post caused quite a flurry of enthusiasm from commenters. 'I'm pretty sure that the Costco card is stronger than some passports,' one person wrote. 'I was told my Blockbuster employee name tag from 2005 would work … is this true?' another wondered. Owner of raccoon found with meth pipes vows she won't surrender him The REAL ID deadline was May 7, when states started to require enhanced verification for domestic airline travel and entrance to some federal buildings. In Ohio, the REAL ID has a star on the upper right side of the card. Find out more about REAL IDs and how to acquire one in Ohio right here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Apple Wallet soon to include passports, but it won't be valid for this type of travel
Apple Wallet soon to include passports, but it won't be valid for this type of travel

Yahoo

time12 hours ago

  • Yahoo

Apple Wallet soon to include passports, but it won't be valid for this type of travel

Apple announced that iOS users will be able to create a digital ID using their passport in Apple Wallet beginning this fall when the new iPhone operating system rolls out. An Apple spokesperson said during the event, "While not a replacement for your physical passport, digital ID can be used for domestic travel and at supported TSA checkpoints. " To be clear, that means even travelers who have a digital passport in their Apple Wallet will still need to present the physical document at customs and border checkpoints when traveling internationally. However, the Transportation Security Administration confirmed that a digital passport will be accepted by TSA officers at security screenings for domestic travel. When the REAL ID law took effect in May, many travelers had to double-check whether they had compliant driver's licenses or would need an alternative form of ID, like a passport, to board domestic flights. Apple said it is also refreshing digital boarding passes and improving the travel-centric features of its Wallet app. Zach Wichter is a travel reporter and writes the Cruising Altitude column for USA TODAY. He is based in New York and you can reach him at zwichter@ This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Can I travel with my Apple Wallet's passport feature?

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store