Deadline to update Arizona IDs to meet federal standards is rapidly approaching

PHOENIX — Planning a trip in the near future or beyond? Travelers hoping to book domestic flights have until May 7 to ensure their documents meet Real ID Arizona requirements.

After the deadline, only the Arizona Travel ID, a U.S. passport or other federally approved identifications will be accepted at security checkpoints, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT).

While it’s a month away, officials gathered at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport on Thursday to urge Arizonans to take action as swiftly as possible.

Deadline to get the Arizona Travel ID approaching quickly

It can take one to two weeks for an Arizona Travel ID to arrive by mail.

While the deadline was initially pushed back due to the COVID pandemic and other mitigating factors, TSA spokesperson Patricia Mancha said it will not be delayed again.

“Hundreds of millions of people have to get a Real ID,” Mancha said during a Thursday press conference. “When there’s so many people who have to do this, it takes time.”

Why do travelers have to meet Real ID Arizona requirements?

The Real ID policy came as a recommendation after 911 terror attacks in 2001.

Authorities passed the law in 2005 to make flying safer, according to Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego.

“It was a plan to have more standardization in drivers’ licenses and ID generally,” Gallego said. “And making sure there are some basic common-sense checks on everyone’s ID.”

How to meet Real ID Arizona requirements

Some can order their Real ID on the MVD website and upload the necessary documents.

Those who have to take a new photo, however, will have to update their Arizona ID in person.

Bill Lamoreaux with ADOT said it’s easy: Just walk in to any MVD office and you can get your Real ID in about 15 minutes.

Travelers who want to ensure their IDs are federally compliant can also go to MVD’s website to make an appointment at their nearest MVD office or a third-party vendor.

May 7th is the deadline to get your REAL ID. pic.twitter.com/OJMwBRftmt

— Heidi Hommel (@heidi_hommel) April 10, 2025

Real ID Arizona requirements include a passport or birth certificate, along with two pieces of mail with your name and current address.

Lamoreaux said applicants will also need to provide their Social Security number, but they don’t need to bring their Social Security cards.

What’s accepted in lieu of Real ID Arizona?

These forms of identification are accepted in absence of documents that meet the Real ID Arizona requirements:

• Passport.
• Department of Defense ID.
• Transportation worker identification credential.
• Tribal ID.

Can you fly without your federally compliant Arizona Travel ID?

However, those who fail to get a federally compliant Arizona Travel ID will be subjected to additional questioning to verify their identity, Mancha said.

“There will be additional scrutiny of yourself, your luggage and, if we can’t verify who you are, you may not be allowed to enter the checkpoint and fly,” Mancha said.

She warned travelers to prepare for long lines at TSA security checkpoints after May 7. If hundreds of people lack proper identification after the deadline, travelers could miss their flights.

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