Grand Canyon Times

Today marks the one-month countdown until a federal deadline requires domestic airline travelers to possess a federally compliant form of identification. Residents planning to travel using a driver's license or state-issued ID should consider obtaining an Arizona Travel ID. The Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division offers these IDs, as do certain third-party locations.

Without the Arizona Travel ID or another form of federally compliant identification, such as a valid U.S. passport, travelers risk missing their flights.

According to the department, "The gold star in the upper right corner of an Arizona Travel ID shows that the holder has met federal standards requiring extra documentation." This documentation includes proof of identity, like a birth certificate or U.S. passport; a Social Security number, just the number, not the card; and two documents proving Arizona residency, such as rental or bank statements and credit card or cellphone bills with the current address.

Appointments can be made at azmvdnow.gov, though walk-ins are also accepted. The Arizona Travel ID costs $25 and lasts for eight years, with the card arriving via mail within 10-14 days.

The deadline of May 7 is approaching rapidly. As noted by the department, "Join the 2.6 million Arizonans who have already upgraded to the Arizona Travel ID."

For those seeking additional information on obtaining an Arizona birth certificate, the Arizona Bureau of Vital Records’ website is recommended. A complete list of qualifying documents can be found at azdot.gov/TravelID.