Travel License: Id Requirements

From May 7, 2025, a Travel ID will be required for domestic air travel in the US, as well as to enter restricted federal buildings and military bases. To apply for an Arizona Travel ID, you will need to bring three categories of identification documents to your appointment. These include one document to establish birth or legal presence and two documents to establish residency in Arizona. All documents must be originals or certified copies in English, certified by the issuing agency.

Arizona Travel ID requirements

Beginning May 7, 2025, only an Arizona Travel ID (driver's license or ID card), a U.S. passport, or other federally-approved identification will be accepted at TSA airport security checkpoints for domestic travel. This means that, to use your Arizona driver's license or identification to board an aircraft or to enter restricted federal buildings and military bases, you will need a Travel ID.

The Arizona Travel ID is a credential that complies with the federal REAL ID Act of 2005. It is available as both a driver's license and an identification card. A gold star is embedded in the card to show that the cardholder has provided added proof of identification to ensure the license or ID meets strict federal requirements.

To apply for a Travel ID, you will need to bring three categories of identification documents with you to your appointment. All documents must be originals or certified copies in English, certified by the issuing agency. Specifically, you will need one document to establish birth or legal presence and two documents to establish residency in Arizona.

The cost of a Travel ID is $25 for the initial application and renewal. In most cases, the Travel ID is valid for eight years. Exceptions apply, including for drivers age 65 or older whose licenses are currently valid for five years. That five-year limit also applies to the Travel ID. For non-U.S. citizens with authorized legal presence, the expiration date will be based on the immigration documents presented, not exceeding eight years.

Identification documents needed

To apply for an Arizona Travel ID, you will need to bring three categories of identification documents with you to your appointment. All documents must be originals or certified copies in English, issued by the relevant agency.

Firstly, you will need one document to establish your birth or legal presence. Secondly, you will need two documents to establish your residency in Arizona. These can be selected using the Travel ID Document Guide or by referring to the Required Documents List.

From May 7, 2025, only the Arizona Travel ID (driver's license or ID card), a U.S. passport, or other federally-approved identification will be accepted at TSA airport security checkpoints for domestic travel. This is in compliance with the REAL ID Act of 2005, which requires a gold star to be embedded in the ID, showing that the cardholder has provided proof of identification to meet federal requirements.

REAL ID-compliant license

From May 7, 2025, all US travelers must have a REAL ID-compliant license to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. The Arizona Travel ID is a REAL ID-compliant credential that comes in the form of a driver's license or ID card. It has a gold star embedded in the card, indicating that the holder has provided additional proof of identification to meet strict federal requirements.

To obtain a REAL ID-compliant license, individuals must visit their state's driver's licensing agency website to determine the exact documentation required. At a minimum, individuals must provide documentation showing their full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, two proofs of address of principal residence, and lawful status. It is important to note that states may have additional requirements, so it is recommended to check with the relevant state agency before visiting in person.

The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, established minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. It prohibits certain federal agencies from accepting licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards for specific purposes, such as accessing federal facilities and boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft. The Act does not require individuals to present identification where it is not already required to access a federal facility and does not prohibit the acceptance of other forms of identity documents, such as a U.S. passport or passport card.

It is important to note that a REAL ID-compliant license is not required for international travel, entering the United States, or sea (cruise) travel. A valid passport or equivalent will still be needed for international travel.

TSA airport security checkpoints

As of May 7, 2025, only specific forms of identification will be accepted at TSA airport security checkpoints for domestic travel. These include the Arizona Travel ID (driver's license or ID card), a U.S. passport, and other federally approved identification. The Arizona Travel ID is a credential that complies with the federal REAL ID Act of 2005 and is distinguished by a gold star embedded in the card. This star indicates that the cardholder has provided additional proof of identification to meet strict federal requirements.

• Arrive Early: It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight to allow ample time for parking, check-in, and security screening.
• Checked Baggage: Consider checking your bag if possible. With an increasing number of passengers opting for carry-on luggage, checking your bag can help expedite the screening process.
• Organize Carry-on Baggage: If you must carry on, ensure your bag is well-organized. A cluttered or overstuffed bag takes longer to screen, delaying you and other passengers.
• Follow the 3-1-1 Liquids Rule: TSA's 3-1-1 rule limits liquids, gels, and pastes to containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) inside a single quart-sized bag.
• Separate Electronic Devices: Remove personal electronic devices larger than a cell phone, such as laptops, tablets, e-readers, and handheld game consoles, from your carry-on bag for separate screening.
• Food and Snacks: Most food items can remain inside your carry-on bag. However, certain items, such as liquids, gels, and baby food, have special instructions that should be followed.
• Prohibited Items: Familiarize yourself with the list of prohibited items before packing. Hazardous materials, for example, are generally forbidden in carry-on and checked baggage, with a few exceptions for personal care items.
• TSA PreCheck™: Consider enrolling in TSA PreCheck™, which allows you to expedite the security process by keeping your shoes, belt, and light jacket on and leaving your laptop and liquids in your bag.
• Report Suspicious Activity: Stay vigilant and report any unattended bags, individuals with threatening items, or suspicious activities to local law enforcement.
• Screening Procedures: TSA may employ a variety of screening technologies, including millimeter-wave advanced imaging technology and walk-through metal detectors, to ensure the safety of passengers.

Valid ID for domestic travel

As of May 7, 2025, a valid ID that complies with the REAL ID Act of 2005 will be required for domestic travel within the United States. This includes TSA airport security checkpoints for domestic air travel, as well as for entering restricted federal buildings and military bases. To obtain a REAL ID-compliant license, you must be a current resident of the issuing state and provide the required documents, which may include proof of birth or legal presence and proof of residency.

The Arizona Travel ID is one example of a REAL ID-compliant identification card. It is available as a driver's license or a standard identification card and can be obtained by scheduling an appointment at AZ MVD Now and providing the necessary documents. The Arizona Travel ID is valid for eight years in most cases, although there are exceptions for drivers aged 65 and older, whose licenses are valid for five years, and for non-US citizens with authorized legal presence, whose IDs are valid for up to eight years based on their immigration documents.

The Arizona Travel ID can be identified by a gold star embedded in the card, indicating that the cardholder has provided additional proof of identification to meet strict federal requirements. This ID is accepted for domestic travel within the United States, including air travel, until a valid passport or equivalent is required for international travel.

In addition to the Arizona Travel ID, other forms of valid ID for domestic travel may include a U.S. passport or other federally approved identification. These forms of ID will be accepted at TSA airport security checkpoints for domestic travel within the United States. It is important to note that the requirements for international travel have not changed, and a valid passport or equivalent is still required for travel outside the United States.

Frequently asked questions