The Arizona MVD says now is best time to get your Real ID

By Greg Hahne
Published: Tuesday, November 16, 2021 - 10:19am
Updated: Tuesday, November 16, 2021 - 10:28am

Arizona travel ID poster
Sky Schaudt/KJZZ
A poster at an Arizona Motor Vehicle Division office in north Phoenix in 2019. The deadline for travelers to get a Real ID is May 2023.

The Arizona Department of Transportation says now is the best time to upgrade to a travel ID for those who haven’t yet. 

With the holiday season here, travel increases substantially. Travel IDs will be required on all domestic flights starting in May 2023 to comply with the Real ID Act of 2005.

“Historically, the months of November and December see less traffic in our MVD offices, that makes now a great time to update your drivers license to an Arizona travel ID, because that does require an office visit," said Doug Pacey, a spokesperson for the Motor Vehicle Division.

About 1.6 million Arizonans currently have their travel license. 

IDs cost $25 and applicants must apply in person with proper documents. For information about how to apply, visit azdot.gov/motor-vehicles/driver-services/arizona-travel-id.

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