Latest news with #Lamoreaux
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Yahoo
Real ID second thoughts: Can you switch back to a standard Arizona license?
As the May 7 Real ID deadline looms closer, maybe you've gotten your Real ID and are having second thoughts. Maybe you have security and privacy concerns about the ID − concerns that explain why the American Civil Liberties Union is opposed to Real ID enforcement. Is it possible to switch back to a regular driver's license if you have second thoughts about a Real ID? It depends on the state. In Arizona, where motorists have the option of selecting a standard license that is not federally compliant or selecting the Real ID-compliant Arizona Travel ID, those who have the Travel ID can switch back. Still, demand for the Arizona Travel ID is high as people prepare for the rollout of the new rules for passing airport security and boarding airplanes. About 85% of Arizonans applying for drivers licenses are choosing the Travel ID instead of the standard license, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. Get the Arizona news you need. Sign up for AZ Briefing from azcentral. Yes, you can switch back from Real ID to an ordinary Arizona driver's license, ADOT spokesman Bill Lamoreaux said. "The Arizona Travel ID (Real ID) is an option for those that fly domestically or need to access secure federal buildings such as the federal courts or military bases," he said. "The standard Arizona driver's license or ID cards are still acceptable forms of identification for other purposes. Someone wishing to downgrade from the Arizona Travel ID to a standard credential would pay the age-appropriate fee" to obtain the ID, Lamoreaux said. Those fees are as follows, according to ADOT: Age 50 and older: $10. Ages 45-49: $15. Ages 40-44: $20. Age 39 and younger: $25. New at Sky Harbor: All the new flights in Phoenix in 2025, from Southwest red-eyes to Aeromexico 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 Subscribe to today. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Real ID second thoughts: Can you go back in Arizona?
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Yahoo
Apply for your Real ID by this date if you want it by May 7, Arizonans
Americans will soon need a Real ID to pass airport security for domestic flights. Real ID enforcement will begin on May 7, following multiple delays. People who don't have a Real ID that day will be subject to additional scrutiny and may be turned away. The longer you wait to apply for your Real ID, the less likely you'll have it by May 7. Arizonans can apply online for the Arizona Travel ID, Arizona's Real ID-compliant state identification, but must complete the process in person. They'll need to make sure they have the required documents for their appointments Here's when people should apply for a Real ID so it arrives in the mail in time for their flights. It takes about 10 to 14 days to receive an Arizona Travel ID in the mail after the in-person interview is completed, said Bill Lamoreaux, spokesman for the Arizona Department of Transportation. The ID arrives in a plain white envelope, Lamoreaux said. Applicants should be careful when sifting through their mail to avoid inadvertently throwing it away. The Arizona Department of Transportation said it takes about two weeks for an Arizona Travel ID to arrive in the mail after an application is submitted. That means anyone who wants to get their Real IDs by May 7 should apply by Wednesday, April 23. Allowing more time is suggested in case of processing delays, especially as demand for Real IDs increases. Lamoreaux recommends allowing at least three weeks between applying for a Real ID and your travel plans. An Arizona Real ID costs $25. The news you need to start your day. Sign up for AZ Briefing While the Arizona Travel ID is not mandatory for Arizonans, Real ID is mandatory to go through airport security and enter federal buildings such as courthouses. Other documents can be used as Real ID, including a passport book or card, military ID, tribal ID or a trusted traveler card such as Global Entry. Where you can fly: All the new flights at Mesa Gateway Airport this spring 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 Subscribe to today. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Real ID: Apply by this date if you want yours by May 7
Yahoo
13-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
AZ driver's licenses have a secret feature you might not know about
Arizona driver's licenses and identification cards have a slew of special design elements meant to represent the state, but there's one hidden feature you might not know about. The Arizona Department of Transportation took the opportunity to upgrade the cards in 2023 with a new design and a slate of security features. "It was an opportunity to incorporate a bunch of technology into what is perceived as a plastic card," said ADOT spokesperson Bill Lamoreaux. One of those upgrades is a special image that is only visible under black light, something most Arizonans might not have noticed. Here's what to know about the hidden designs visible on Arizona driver's licenses, plus some more features you may not have noticed. One of the most unique features of Arizona IDs are a special design visible only under black light, which was originally reported by the Phoenix New Times. When held under a black light, the front of the ID shows a howling coyote and the back features a Monument Valley scene at night and a scorpion. Embedded in both designs is the "Grand Canyon State," which is the state's nickname. Though the black light design wasn't highlighted when the new card was revealed, the feature helps make the ID cards more secure. "It was a great way for law enforcement or security to verify that the card presented to them is a legitimate Arizona card so under black light you can see those designs," Lamoreaux said. There are other unique design touches to the driver's license and ID cards, all of which were carefully selected to represent the Grand Canyon State. "We wanted to incorporate touches of Arizona for everyone as well," Lamoreaux said. Ringtail: The state mammal is clearly visible on IDs. It became the state mammal in 1986 and is related to racoons and coati. Rays of light: This design feature pays homage to Arizona's flag. Saguaro: This saguaro cactus is an Arizona icon, so it's only fitting that it appears on the IDs. Ponderosa pine: The ponderosa pine was also included in the design to show the different climates in Arizona. Black and white photo: This license switched from color photos to black and white photos. The black and white photo is laser engraved and makes it "less likely to be tampered with and have fake cards out there from Arizona," Lamoreaux said. Those Arizonans who have the Arizona Real ID — also called the Arizona Travel ID — will notice their IDs have a gold or black star in the top right corner. After years of delaying full implementation of the requirement that people have a security-enhanced Real ID to pass airport security, board airplanes or enter federal buildings, anyone who doesn't have a Real ID will be turned away starting May 7, 2025. "Now is a great time to (update your ID) if you don't have the travel ID yet because May 7 is here before you know it and if you fly that's the fastest way to get past TSA," Lamoreaux said. Arizona Republic reporter Michael Salerno contributed to this article. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona IDs have a hidden feature. Have you seen it?
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Yahoo
Real ID is required to fly starting May 7. What you need to get one in Arizona
After years of delays, full enforcement Real ID is finally happening. Air travelers have less than two months to update their driver's licenses in time for new travel regulations to take effect. When enforcement of the federal Real ID Act begins on May 7, 2025, only IDs that meet strict requirements will be acceptable to go through airport security and board aircraft. The Arizona Travel ID is Arizona's Real ID-compliant identification. New information shared by the Arizona Department of Transportation showed close to 2.6 million Arizonans have the Arizona Travel ID, up from 1.9 million in March 2023 and 2.2 million in March 2024. Here are the requirements and deadline to get a Real ID in Arizona, plus other documents that qualify as a Real ID. A Real ID is a form of identification that passes strict federal security requirements. It was created after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Congress set the standards for Real ID in the Real ID Act of 2005. Once the Real ID requirements take effect, only a Real ID-compliant form of identification will be acceptable to go through Transportation Security Administration checkpoints, board aircraft or enter federal buildings. Real ID requirements take effect on May 7, 2025. Arizona Travel IDs are distinguishable from standard drivers licenses by a gold or black star on the upper right corner. If your driver's license has a gold or black star, it's a Real ID. At least 1.4 million Arizonans have active drivers licenses that were issued before the Arizona Travel ID was introduced, according to ADOT spokesman William Lamoreaux. Nationally, just under 50% of all Americans still need Real ID, according to the Department of Homeland Security and the TSA. About 33% of active Arizona driver's licenses are Arizona Travel IDs, Lamoreaux said. 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. 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 from 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. Get the Arizona news you need. Sign up for AZ Briefing from azcentral. You can apply for an Arizona Travel ID at but finishing the process requires an in-person visit. After applying for the Travel ID, Arizonans can then schedule an appointment at one of ADOT's MVD offices or one of the agency's approved third-party offices. During this visit, they'll bring their identification and review their 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. The Arizona Department of Transportation lists 45 MVD offices and 58 third-party drivers license locations throughout the state where you can complete your Real ID application. Make appointments online at The Arizona Travel ID costs $25. Yes, you can get a Real ID after May 7. You just won't be able to use your noncompliant driver's license to pass airport security. If you don't have an Arizona Travel ID, these documents can be used instead of 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. Yes. You can use a passport book or passport card in place of a Real ID. Be aware that a passport card, smaller and cheaper than the passport book and valid for land and sea crossings in Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and parts of the Caribbean, cannot be used to board international flights. Yes. A U.S. Department of Defense ID or a Veteran Health Identification Card can be used as a Real ID. As of April 1, the Real ID deadline remains scheduled for May 7, 2025. Southwest assigned seats start date: The latest on when open seating ends 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 Subscribe to today. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: When is the Real ID deadline? What you need to get one
