In June of 2015 we issu
ed a new style of Driving License in Arizona in a high-security credential format designed to protect against identity theft. BUT if you show up at Sky Harbor during October 2016 with your boarding pass and your recently issued Driving License you will not not be following the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) rules that require a REAL ID driving license. We all know what happens at a TSA Checkpoint when you do not follow the TSA rules.
Are you ready for REAL ID?
According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, the new Voluntary Travel ID (Arizona’s REAL ID compliant credential) will be available in April 1, 2016 ( yes April Fools day). Once the ID is available to the public, ADOT has said current use of Arizona credentials at airport security and restricted federal buildings will be extended until October 2020. This extension will give Arizonans a few years to obtain a new Voluntary Travel ID if they so choose.
The REAL ID compliant license will contain a number of unique personal identifiers to be stored together in government databases, including his or her full name, date of birth, Social Security Number, scanned signature, and other identifiers including biometric data. It does not require a “chip” be imbedded in the card.
The TSA will accept a US Passport as identification if you do not want to get a REAL ID complaint Driving License.