Gov. Hobbs Rushes to MVD for Real ID Ahead of May 7 Deadline

Starting May 7, 2025, travelers will need a Real ID or similar documentation to board commercial flights. This requirement, enforced by the Transportation Security Administration, emphasizes the importance of updated identification for air travel.

Despite having special travel privileges, Governor Katie Hobbs obtained her Real ID on May 1. She recognized the urgency of the upcoming deadline, noting, “There’s nothing like a deadline to spur people into action.” Though she benefits from exemptions as governor, she acknowledged that these privileges would not last forever.

The Real ID has been available in Arizona since 2015, and many residents are taking advantage of it. According to the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD), approximately 85% of individuals getting a license now choose the Real ID option.

The Real ID requires specific documentation: proof of identity, a Social Security number, and two documents showing the individual’s name and Arizona address. Acceptable forms of identity include an original birth certificate or an unexpired U.S. passport. Documents for proof of address can be utility bills or bank statements.

For those looking to apply, the MVD encourages making appointments online to streamline the process. A $25 fee covers the new license, which includes a star designation for enhanced security. The updated license is usually issued within a week.

The path to the Real ID requirement began with the Real ID Act of 2005, aimed at enhancing aviation security post-9/11. Arizona initially resisted compliance due to concerns over privacy and the potential for a national ID system, but pressure from the Department of Homeland Security changed that stance in 2015, allowing for the issuance of Real IDs without accompanying RFID technology.

Governor Hobbs, who was part of the discussions in the Senate, expressed that skepticism regarding Real ID is often rooted in conspiracy theories. She believes that the public needs to understand the security benefits it offers instead.

For travelers without a Real ID or suitable documentation, TSA has indicated that while boarding may still be possible, it will involve increased scrutiny, potentially resulting in a lengthy process that could cause missed flights. This warning appears to have prompted many Arizonans to proactively obtain their Real IDs.

The MVD’s statistics reflect a remarkable shift, with the majority now opting for the Real ID. Governor Hobbs, satisfied with her new license, stated, “It looked OK on the temporary one they gave me.”