As of May 7, 2025, residents of Arizona who want to get on domestic flights or into some federal buildings need to show an Arizona Travel ID or other IDs accepted by the federal government. The Arizona Travel ID is a secure, federally accepted identification document that eligible residents can obtain. If you still need to apply for a Travel ID in Arizona, this article will walk you through eligibility, documentation needed, application process, and fees, so that you can effortlessly do your Travel ID application in Arizona and remain in compliance with federal law.
Who is eligible for the Arizona Travel ID?
You can apply for an Arizona Travel ID if you are a resident of Arizona and lawfully present in the United States. Travel ID can be obtained by someone who already has or is eligible for an Arizona state-issued driver’s license or identification card. Minors older than 18 years are not mandated to get a Travel ID but can obtain one with parental consent and the necessary documents. If you’re not planning on flying or accessing federal buildings, you can still use a standard license, but it won’t qualify asa federal ID.
What are the documents you need to acquire in order to obtain a Travel ID in Arizona?
All applicants must present original or certified documents that prove identity, Social Security number, and Arizona residency. Photocopies or digital files will not be accepted, and the documents must be uniform.
Proving your identity: Accepted documents
To validate your identity and lawful presence, present one of the following:
- Valid, unexpired U.S. passport or passport card
- Certified U.S. birth certificate
- Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship
- Valid permanent resident card or foreign passport with visa and I-94 form
If your name has recently changed and is not the same as your identification document, you will need to provide official name change documents, like a marriage certificate or court order.
Social Security Number: What you need to provide
Arizona accepts one of the following as evidence of your Social Security number:
- Original Social Security card
- Current W-2 or 1099 form displaying your full SSN
- Pay stub with complete SSN
Individuals who do not qualify for a Social Security number need to provide a letter from the Social Security Administration and legal status papers in the United States.
Two proof of Arizona residency: what’s accepted
You will need two different documents with your Arizona address. Each document will have your name and be dated within 60 days. Documents that qualify include:
- Utility bills (electric, gas, water)
- Lease or mortgage statements
- Official credit or bank statements
- Car registration or car insurance
- Government agency mail
If the documents aren’t in your name, you may use a Residency Affidavit signed by the individual with whom you reside, along with their residence proof.
Step-by-step guide for obtaining an Arizona Travel ID
The Arizona Travel ID application takes a number of steps and has to be done in person at an MVD office or through an approved third-party provider. The following is the step-by-step guide to every stage of the process.
Step 1: Fill out the Travel ID application form
Begin by completing the Travel ID application form, available at any MVD location or online through the Arizona DMV website. This form gathers essential personal details and specifies whether you’re applying for a driver’s license or an ID card.
Step 2: Gather your supporting documents
Once your application is prepared, collect all the supporting documents. Be sure to use original or certified documents and have your name and details the same for all the documents. Being prepared in advance avoids delays.
Step 3: Schedule an appointment and visit in person
Travel ID applications have to be applied for in person. Make an appointment at a nearby MVD office or approved provider to prevent lengthy waiting periods. A few offices do take walk-ins, but this may lead to long waits, particularly after the deadline.
Step 4: Hand in your documents and finish the process
At work, you will present your documents and submit your finished application. One of the workers will review all of your documents and then take your photo and put the ID through the process. You will possibly also be required to confirm some other eligibility information.
Step 5: Pay fees and pick up your temporary credential
You’ll need to pay the appropriate license or ID fee. After payment, you’ll receive a temporary paper ID while your Travel ID card is mailed to you. Most applicants receive their card within 7–10 business days.
Arizona Travel ID deadline and fee
The federal Arizona travel ID deadline was May 7, 2025. Since then, residents of Arizona must possess a Travel ID or some other form of identification that the federal government recognizes to get on domestic flights or access secure federal sites.
If you did happen to miss the deadline, your regular license will nonetheless permit you to drive and appear before citizens around the state but not for federal use. The following are the Arizona Travel ID fees currently:
- Travel ID driver’s license (new or renewal): $25
- Travel ID identification card (non-driver): $12
- Duplicate Travel ID credential: $12
No extra cost is involved for requesting a Travel ID compared to a regular ID, but you have to pay the regular license or ID fee when you apply or renew.
If you happen to be one of those people who recently renewed your regular license or ID right before it expired and now need a Travel ID, a replacement comes with a fee. If your license hasn’t yet reached renewal status, you can upgrade to a Travel ID at any time.
What to do if you are late for an Arizona Travel ID
If you haven’t yet obtained your Travel ID by May 7, 2025, don’t worry—you’re not behind, and you still have time. While your regular ID is still a valid state document, it’s no longer an acceptable way of getting on an airplane or into federal buildings.
Until you have your Arizona Travel ID, you’ll be required to use a passport or other federal-recognized identification for those occasions. Getting it done right away will save you travel inconvenience or being denied access to secure areas in the future. Be sure to gather all of your documents and make an appointment soon. A Travel ID is a one-time upgrade that will make travel and federal entry much easier in the future.
Why an upgrade to Arizona Travel ID is important
Travel ID is a mandatory identification for anyone from Arizona who will be traveling by air in the U.S. or visiting federally regulated sites. Even if the federal deadline has come and gone, it is never too late to get it. Getting it now spares you from having to comply with federal law and abandoning numerous sources of identification. It’s an easy process if you go through each step systematically and prepare your documents beforehand.
Arizona MVD offices and providers will assist you in completing the process smoothly. Do not postpone it until your next travel date or the last moment. Get your Arizona Travel ID today in advance to remain one step ahead of the ball and free from any trouble in the future. For additional information or to start your checklist, go to the official Arizona Travel ID page.
