21-04-2025
Real ID: You have to go in person to get one. Here's how it works in AZ
Applying for an Arizona Travel ID, this state's version of the Real ID that will soon be required to board a plane, requires filling out an application, submitting your documentation and then an in-person interview.
The federal Real ID Act will take effect for Arizonans and several other states that have not yet adopted it on May 7. When that happens, people must have identification compliant with the act to pass through airport security or enter federal buildings.
Appointments to get an Arizona Travel ID are quickly filling up, with few slots available over the next 30 days, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. Here's what to know about getting your Real ID in person in metro Phoenix.
People can start the process of getting an Arizona Travel ID online at Finishing the process requires an in-person visit.
After applying for the Travel ID, make an appointment at an MVD office or third-party provider. You'll bring your documentation and review your application with a representative.
It takes about two weeks after an appointment for an Arizona Travel ID to arrive in the mail, according to ADOT. If you want yours by May 7, you should complete your application — including the in-person interview — by April 23.
Arizona MVD offices are reporting 20% to 30% higher demand for Arizona Travel IDs as the deadline approaches, ADOT spokesman Bill Lamoreaux said.
Because of that, few appointments are available at metro Phoenix MVD offices over the next 30 days.
As of April 17, the Chandler MVD location had no appointments available for the next 30 days and availability is limited at many other locations.
Yes. Arizona Motor Vehicle Division offices accept walk-ins.
Walk-ins have average waits of about 30 minutes, ADOT spokesman Bill Lamoreaux said. People can expect the longest waits on Mondays and Fridays.
Arizona MVD offices are open 7:30 a.m.-4:45 p.m. Mondays-Fridays.
Yes. ADOT lists about 58 third-party locations that offer drivers license services, including Real ID.
That includes Arizona Auto License Services, which has five metro Phoenix locations and one in Flagstaff. Its owner, Howard Moss, said appointments are filling up fast because people are worried about the Real ID deadline.
"All my stores have been real busy with Real ID," Moss said. "People are not really totally sure why they need (the Arizona Travel ID), but if you fly domestically and don't have a passport, you might have a problem if you don't have one."
Third-party locations accept appointments and walk-ins and are open on Saturdays and evenings, Moss said.
To schedule an MVD appointment for an Arizona Real ID, click on "Schedule an appointment" at then follow the prompts. You'll need to provide information about your Arizona driver's license or ID if you have one; if you don't, you'll provide your Social Security number to get an appointment.
If you're going to a third-party office, go to the website of your chosen location and make your appointment.
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To get a Real ID in Arizona, ADOT requires one primary document for proof of birth, two documents for proof of address and a Social Security number.
An Arizona Travel ID is valid for eight years.
A Real ID — the Arizona Travel ID — costs $25.
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
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Real ID: You have to go in person to get it. Here's how in AZ
