[vc_row padding_top=”0px” padding_bottom=”0px”][vc_column fade_animation_offset=”45px”][text_output]The Arizona Voluntary Travel ID is the credential that complies with the federal REAL ID Act of 2005. The Voluntary Travel ID will be available as both a driver license and identification card. As its name suggests, Arizona residents will have the option to obtain a Voluntary Travel ID.
The Voluntary Travel ID will serve as adequate documentation to pass through airport security to board commercial aircraft as well as access restricted areas in federal facilities, nuclear power plants and military facilities. It is scheduled to be available for purchase by April 2016.
- Am I required to obtain a Voluntary Travel ID?
No. Arizona residents will have an option to purchase a Voluntary Travel ID.
- Can I use my current Arizona driver license or identification card to board an aircraft?
Yes. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will continue to accept driver licenses and state-issued identification cards from all states until Jan. 22, 2018. Once Arizona has an approved REAL ID-compliant credential available for purchase by April 2016, Homeland Security has confirmed that the current Arizona license and ID card will be valid for boarding commercial aircraft until Oct. 1, 2020.
- Can I use my current Arizona driver license or identification card to enter restricted federal buildings and military bases?
Yes. Because the Department of Homeland Security has granted Arizona an extension as we continue the development of the Voluntary Travel ID, residents with a current Arizona credential are allowed to enter restricted federal buildings and military bases. The current extension is good until Oct. 10, 2016. The Voluntary Travel ID will be available in Arizona by April 1, 2016.
Also, the Department of Homeland Security has stated that once a state has a REAL ID-compliant credential available, their non-compliant credentials will be acceptable for use at airports and federal buildings until Oct. 1, 2020.
- When will I be able to get a Voluntary Travel ID?
MVD will have the Voluntary Travel ID available for Arizona residents to purchase by April 1, 2016.
- Will I have to go to an MVD office or an Authorized Third Party in order to get a Voluntary Travel ID?
Yes, federal requirements currently require individuals to present their application and identification documents in person.
- How much will a Voluntary Travel ID cost?
A cost for the Voluntary Travel ID has not yet been determined.
- Will the Voluntary Travel ID contain a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip?
No, state law prohibits the Voluntary Travel ID from containing a RFID chip
- How long will my Voluntary Travel ID be valid?
Federal requirements require the Voluntary Travel ID to be valid for a maximum of eight years. Exceptions do apply including drivers age 65 or older whose licenses are currently valid for five years. For non-U.S. citizens who have authorized legal presence the expiration date will be based off the immigration documents presented, not to exceed eight years.
- When will airports stop accepting current Arizona credentials?
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has set a deadline of Jan. 22, 2018 to stop accepting non-REAL ID credentials from non-compliant states at airport security.
However, Arizona is under an extension because MVD is actively working on developing the Travel ID. The Voluntary Travel ID will be available in Arizona by April 1, 2016.
The Department of Homeland Security has confirmed that once we have a REAL ID-compliant credential available, Arizona’s non-compliant credentials will be acceptable for use at airports and federal buildings until Oct. 1, 2020. So the 2018 deadline does not affect Arizona.
Arizona Department of Transportation. “Driver Services.” ADOT.GOV February, 11, 2016 Accessed.[/text_output][/vc_column][/vc_row]