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On Sept. 5 the Painted Desert Kiwanis Club welcomed Arizona Department of Transportation Assistant Communications Director for Customer Outreach Doug Nick to their meeting in Holbrook. Nick gave a brief presentation about the requirements that will need to be met in order to retrieve the new federal identification card or Travel ID. Currently, anyone who has a state identification card can use it to pass Transportation Security Administration (TSA) inspection when traveling within the U.S. On Oct. 1 2020, that will no longer be the case.
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According to Nick, as a result of the Sept. 11, 2001, disaster, “In 2005, the 9/11 commission recommended that states issue drivers licenses that have more documentation behind them to prevent fraud and increase security.”
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Following the suggestion, congress passed The Real ID Act, which by definition is an Act of Congress that modifies U.S. federal law pertaining to security, authentication and issuance procedure standards for driver’s licenses and identity documents, as well as various immigration issues pertaining to terrorism.
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With only a year until implementation, Nick provided some examples of what documentation will be expected. In order to get a new travel identification, applicants will have to provide four forms of identification, primary documentation in the form of birth certificates or passports, documentation with their social security number and two forms of proof of residency. Stressing that post office boxes will not be accepted.
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A $25 fee will be due at the time of application. Once all necessary documentation is submitted, a new card will be issued. Though very similar to the current state identification cards and licenses, there will be a yellow star in the upper right-hand corner that signifies its purpose for travel.
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Those who have passports may use them to travel within the U.S. if they chose, but no one will pass TSA inspection without being able to produce a passport or the Travel ID. State identification and licenses will no longer be considered valid documentation to fly. Citing family emergencies and last-minute trips, Nick suggested not waiting.
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Nick explained that the process can begin now. Although, Holbrook’s MVD will be closed until Sep 13 for training purposes, Nick said that driver permits and most title transfers can also now be done online at azmvdnow.az.gov. Anyone wanting more information on the Travel ID can access it on azdot.gov/travelid.
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