Don’t Miss the Deadline, Arizona! Get Your REAL ID Now!

If, like me, you avoid a trip to Arizona MVD more than you avoid visiting your dentist, it's time to hop on the MVD website and make an appointment. And look, I just provided a link for you, so you don't even have to look them up.

Here's why you need to get moving on this.

Time is Running Out, Arizona. Get Your REAL ID Before the Deadline

Shortly before the world shut down during the global pandemic back in 2020, Arizona set a deadline for Arizona citizens to obtain what's known as the Real ID.

Get our free mobile app

The Real ID is the Arizona Travel ID, a federally compliant identification card that complies with the Real ID Act of 2005.

If you're planning to travel domestically or access certain federal facilities, you'll need this ID card. You might not be entering any nuclear power plants anytime soon, but if you're flying anywhere, you'll need it.

If you're not sure if you have it, take out your Arizona driver's license or ID card and check up the upper right corner. If you've got a star there, you're already meeting requirements and don't have to change anything.

Arizona's Dangerous 3rd Highest Rate of Hit and Run Deaths in US

Why the Deadline for the REAL ID changed in Arizona

The deadline to get your Real ID was initially set for 2008. The COVID-19 pandemic pushed the deadline forward a number of times.

The current and final deadline is now May 7, 2025.

The deadline is looming, so make that appointment before your friends and neighbors realize they're also in a crunch and make your wait time even longer. And trust me on the appointment. If you have everything with you AND an appointment time set up, you'll make this process nearly painless.

How Will USPS Rate Hikes Affect Arizona?

If you don't have a Real ID after the deadline, you'll need your passport to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings. Trust me, updating your Arizona ID is much easier.

To get your Arizona Travel ID, visit the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) online, gather your necessary documents, and make an appointment. You'll need proof of your identity, your Social Security number, and two documents proving you reside in Arizona.