Why You Need the Arizona Travel ID and How To Get Yours Now

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Since our travel agency is based in Arizona I thought I'd write about the Arizona Travel ID which has been in the development stage for years but will finally be fully implemented and required (voluntary) for anyone who needs to travel domestically and doesn't have other valid travel documents to do so. You may also see this id referred to as the Arizona Real Id, Travel Id, or Gold Star Id. They are one and the same.

 

Effective October 1, 2020, to travel by air domestically, enter Federal Buildings, or Nuclear facilities you will need to meet a minimum security requirement, as created by the Real ID Act of 2005, by presenting a valid Arizona Travel ID. This is voluntary as you’ll be able to fly if can provide another valid document such as a passport. See the list of valid identifications linked below from TSA.

 

If you travel regularly to other US cities, we recommend most people, over 18, get their Arizona Travel ID. Here are a few reasons why we believe it's practical to have this card.

1. If you don’t have a passport or other qualified document this is the easiest method.
2. If you don't want to bring your passport when you fly domestically.
3. If it's inconvenient to retrieve your passport from a safe deposit box in order to fly domestically.
4. It serves a dual purpose as your driver’s license and your travel ID.

 

How do you go about obtaining your Arizona Travel ID before the deadline of October 1, 2020?

 

First, my suggestion is to obtain the required documentation that is required to prove your identity? No sense completing the application if you're not prepared with this documentation. Without the proper documentation you’ll be turned away from the MVD office or authorized third party facility.

 

You’ll need a total of four documents from three different categories. The full list of requirements are linked below but here is a summary of the categories and what will qualify from these categories that most people should have available.

 

Proof of Identity (Show 1 of the items below)

Birth Certificate

U.S. Passport

Passport Card

 

Proof of Social Security Number (Show 1 of the items below)

Social Security Card

W-2 (must have full social security number on it)

Recent pay stub (must have full social security number on it)

 

Proof of Arizona Residency (Show 2 of the items below)

Utility Bill

Credit Card Statement

Bank Statement

Insurance policy

**Note: If your current legal name is different from the one shown on a document, you must show legal proof of name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree or court order.

 

Now that you’ve gathered the required documents, how do you apply?

1. Complete the Travel Id Application.
2. Schedule an appointment at an MVD office or go anytime to an authorized third party driver license office. Some of these offices have Saturday hours.
3. Once at the office, show your application and documents from above and have them reviewed by a service person.
4. Take your picture and pay the fee. MVD charges $25. An authorized third party office may charge slightly more.
5. Within 2 weeks you’ll receive your new Arizona Travel ID.

 

Sourced documents related to the Arizona Travel Id requirement.

https://azdot.gov/motor-vehicles/driver-services/arizona-travel-id/overview

https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification

 

https://azdot.gov/motor-vehicles/driver-services/arizona-travel-id/identification-requirements

 

Author: Richard Morris

 

 

Kristin and Richard Morris are the owners of Arizona Cruise and Travel in Gilbert, AZ, a Cruise Planners® franchise. They want to travel more and help others do the same. ACT on your travel dreams today! Call us at (602) 626-3740 or toll-free at (888) 419-6640. You can visit our website at www.arizonacruiseandtravel.com and play around. Heck, you might as well search for your next cruise because you know you want to.

 

 

 Richard and Kristin also own Southwest Premier Insurance Agency, LLC, a full service, independent insurance agency in Gilbert, AZ.