Bouncers out front of your local bar aren’t the only ones skeptical of your Arizona ID — the federal government is, too. Don’t fret, though, because Arizona just released a new ID that is compliant with federal standards and is now available to Arizonans.
The new Voluntary Travel ID’s were released on April 1, and Arizonans can transfer over to them on an “opt-in” basis until Oct. 1, 2020. After that date, however, the new ID’s will be mandatory for anyone wishing to travel via airplane or enter a federal building, as per the Real ID Act of 2005.
The act was implemented following the airline hijackings of of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and the new ID’s will include a specific marking denoting them as a federally valid ID.
According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, the Voluntary Travel ID will give Arizonans the opportunity “to pass through airport security to board commercial aircraft as well as access restricted areas in federal facilities, nuclear power plants and military facilities.”
ADOT said the Voluntary Travel ID will be valid for up to eight years and will cost $25 to apply. Arizonans can still use their ID to travel until the October 2020 deadline. Arizonans must apply for the ID in person by either going to an authorized third party driver license provider or by making an appointment at their local Motor Vehicle Division offices. Appointments can be scheduled by visiting servicearizona.com.
ADOT spokesman Ryan Harding, said Arizonans will need to present four documents when applying for the new ID. Harding said one document will prove their legal status in the U.S. by providing either a passport, birth certificate or immigration documents. The second document will need to be a social security card or W-2 tax form and the other two forms will need to prove their residency in Arizona by providing utility bills or a bank statement.
“It gives state residences a choice,” Harding said. “It’s recommended if they travel a lot, but otherwise they can just use a passport if they don’t feel the need to purchase one.”
Daniel Pressman, a political science sophomore, said as an Arizonan who’s been to the MVD a few times to get his permit and license, this new law does seem like it could have many negative side effects aside from just having to deal with the long lines of the MVD.
“I’ll be turning 21 this summer, so along with receiving my new driver’s license I’ll try to get the new ID then,” Pressman said. “It will definitely be confusing for many people, as it’ll be difficult for me to find all four documents. I do think there will be complaints among Arizonans — there has always been complaints about the MVD and how even simple tasks turn into all-day visits.”
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