When does Real ID go into effect? Everything Arizonans must know about the deadline
After years of delays, the federal Real ID Act takes effect nationwide on Wednesday, May 7, 2025.
Starting that day, people must have enhanced drivers licenses or other identification compliant with the act to pass through airport security or enter federal buildings.
In Arizona, it takes about two weeks to receive a Real ID in the mail after completing the application process, which requires an in-person interview.
Here's everything to know about the Real ID deadline, including what documentation is required to receive a Real ID-compliant Arizona Travel ID, what will happen at the airport if you don't have one, and whether you can apply after the deadline passes.
Americans will need a Real ID or equivalent identification to pass TSA checkpoints, board domestic flights and enter federal buildings starting Wednesday, May 7, 2025.
The Arizona Travel ID — which is a Real ID — has a gold or black star on the upper right corner. If your Arizona drivers license or ID does not have a gold or black star, it is not Real ID compliant.
If you don't have a Real ID or equivalent identification document, you will face additional scrutiny at the airport.
Patricia Mancha, spokeswoman for the Transportation Security Administration, told The Arizona Republic that TSA screeners will ask questions to validate your identity and inspect your luggage. If screeners can't verify your identity sufficiently, there's no guarantee you will be able to fly. Allow yourself extra time to get through security if you don't have a Real ID.
To get a Real ID, the Arizona Department of Transportation requires one primary document for proof of birth, two documents for proof of address and a Social Security number.
Acceptable documents for proof of birth include:
Certified birth certificate.
U.S. certificate of birth abroad.
U.S. passport or passport card.
Permanent resident card or resident alien card.
Unexpired USCIS employment authorization document.
I-94 form with an unexpired foreign passport and unexpired U.S. visa.
U.S. certificate of naturalization.
U.S. certificate of citizenship.
Acceptable documents for proof of address must be issued by a business, organization or government agency and include your name and residential address. Documents must be in print. These include:
Utility bills.
Credit card or bank statements.
Insurance policies.
If your current legal name differs from the one on your identifying document, such as a birth certificate or passport, Arizona requires additional records to prove a name change. These include:
A marriage certificate.
A divorce decree.
Court orders documenting your name change.
Yes. You can apply for a Real ID after the May 7 deadline. Arizonans can start their applications online; completing the process requires a visit to a Motor Vehicles Division office or authorized third-party provider. It takes about two weeks to receive your Real ID in the mail after the office visit.
Passports and these other documents qualify as a Real ID, according to the TSA:
U.S. passport.
U.S. passport card.
DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST).
U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents.
Permanent resident card.
Border crossing card.
State-issued enhanced driver's license.
An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized tribal nation/Indian tribe.
HSPD-12 PIV card.
Foreign government-issued passport.
Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card.
Transportation worker identification credential.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766).
U.S. Merchant Mariner credential.
Veteran Health Identification Card.
If you plan to use your passport or passport card, check the expiration date. Here's how to renew your passport.
Yes, you will need an Arizona Travel ID. TSA PreCheck is not a substitute for Real ID.
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. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter: @salerno_phx.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: When is Real ID required to fly? Here's the deadline
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