Arizona Introduces Secure Travel ID Driver’s License to Comply with Real ID Act
PHOENIX – Arizona residents will soon have the option to apply for a new Secure Travel ID driver’s license as part of the state’s efforts to comply with the Real ID Act. The act, passed by Congress in 2005, requires states to meet enhanced security standards for government-issued identification in order to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings.
The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) announced the upcoming launch of the Secure Travel ID program, which will offer residents the choice to upgrade their standard driver’s license to a Real ID-compliant version. The program will officially roll out on October 1, 2021, in accordance with the federal deadline for all states to be in compliance with the Real ID Act.
According to ADOT officials, the Secure Travel ID driver’s license will feature advanced security features, including a gold star in the top right corner, to indicate that it is Real ID-compliant. The card will also have a machine-readable zone and a secure chip to store biometric information, making it more resistant to counterfeiting and fraud.
“Arizona is committed to providing our residents with a secure and convenient form of identification that meets the federal requirements for domestic air travel and access to federal facilities,” said ADOT Director John Halikowski. “The Secure Travel ID program will give Arizonans the option to upgrade to a Real-ID compliant driver’s license that enhances their travel experience and ensures their identity is protected.”
To obtain a Secure Travel ID driver’s license, Arizona residents will need to provide proof of identity, proof of residency, Social Security number, and proof of legal presence in the United States. The application process will also require applicants to undergo a facial recognition scan to verify their identity and prevent fraud.
The cost of upgrading to a Secure Travel ID driver’s license will be $25, in addition to the standard driver’s license fee. The card will be valid for up to eight years, after which residents will need to renew their Secure Travel ID to maintain its Real ID compliance.
Arizona is joining a growing number of states that have implemented Real ID-compliant driver’s licenses in response to the federal mandate. As of October 2020, all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and several U.S. territories are fully compliant with the Real ID Act, ensuring that their residents have access to secure identification for air travel and federal facilities.
The introduction of the Secure Travel ID program in Arizona has been praised by residents who see it as a necessary step towards enhancing security and convenience for travelers. Many have expressed their support for the initiative, citing the importance of having a reliable form of identification for domestic travel.
“I think it’s great that Arizona is offering a Secure Travel ID option for residents,” said Sarah Thompson, a Phoenix resident. “It’s important to have a Real ID-compliant driver’s license for air travel, and having this option will make it easier for people to comply with the federal requirements.”
With the launch of the Secure Travel ID program, Arizona is poised to provide its residents with a secure and convenient form of identification that meets the highest standards of security and compliance. By offering residents the option to upgrade to a Real ID-compliant driver’s license, the state is ensuring that Arizonans can travel with confidence and ease, knowing that their identity is protected and their access to federal facilities is secure.
