Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Rolls Out Gold Star Driver’s Licenses in Effort to Increase Security
In an ongoing effort to enhance the security of state-issued identification documents, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has announced the rollout of new Gold Star Driver’s Licenses. These licenses feature a gold star symbol on the front, indicating that the holder has provided additional documentation to verify their identity and legal presence in the United States.
The Gold Star Driver’s License program is part of the federal REAL ID Act, which was passed by Congress in 2005 in response to recommendations from the 9/11 Commission. The Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards in order to prevent identity theft and to enhance national security.
Under the REAL ID Act, states are required to verify the identity and legal presence of individuals before issuing them a driver’s license or identification card. In Arizona, this means that applicants for a Gold Star Driver’s License must provide a list of specific documents, such as a birth certificate, passport, Social Security card, and proof of residency, in order to obtain their new license.
According to ADOT, the Gold Star Driver’s License is not mandatory for Arizona residents, but it is recommended for those who frequently travel by air or enter federal facilities, such as military bases and nuclear power plants. Starting in October 2020, individuals will need a REAL ID-compliant form of identification, such as a Gold Star Driver’s License, in order to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities.
ADOT Director John Halikowski stated, “The Gold Star Driver’s License is a more secure form of identification that will help protect Arizonans from identity theft and fraud. We encourage all residents to consider upgrading to a Gold Star Driver’s License in order to ensure smooth travel and access to federal facilities in the future.”
The rollout of the Gold Star Driver’s License has been met with mixed reactions from Arizona residents. Some see it as a necessary step to enhance security and prevent identity theft, while others view it as an unnecessary intrusion into their privacy.
“I don’t see the need for a Gold Star Driver’s License,” said Phoenix resident Sarah Johnson. “I already have a valid driver’s license, and I don’t see why I should have to jump through hoops to get a new one just because the government says so.”
However, others see the Gold Star Driver’s License as a valuable form of identification that will provide peace of mind when traveling or accessing federal facilities.
“I travel frequently for work, and having a Gold Star Driver’s License will make things much easier for me,” said Tucson resident Mark Davis. “I don’t mind providing the extra documentation if it means I can avoid long lines at the airport and have a more secure form of ID.”
ADOT has been working to educate Arizona residents about the benefits of upgrading to a Gold Star Driver’s License. The agency has set up informational booths at DMV locations throughout the state, where residents can learn more about the program and find out what documents they need to apply for a Gold Star Driver’s License.
In addition to the Gold Star Driver’s License, ADOT has also introduced a new mobile app that allows residents to renew their driver’s license or identification card online. The app, called “MyArizona,” enables users to upload documents, take a new photo, and pay for their renewal without having to visit a DMV office in person.
The introduction of the Gold Star Driver’s License is just one of many initiatives that ADOT is undertaking to enhance the security and efficiency of the state’s driver’s license and identification card program. By upgrading to a Gold Star Driver’s License, Arizona residents can ensure that they have a secure and reliable form of identification that will meet the requirements for domestic air travel and access to federal facilities in the future.
