(ARIZONA) Visa holders in Arizona can get a REAL ID–compliant Arizona Travel ID now by showing lawful presence documents like a passport, visa, and I-94, instead of a U.S. birth certificate. Starting May 7, 2025, you’ll need a REAL ID Travel ID (gold star in a circle) or another accepted ID for domestic flights and many federal buildings.
For many newcomers, the stress point isn’t the rule itself — it’s the timing. A work trip, a family emergency flight, or a required federal appointment can arrive before your card does. The good news is that Arizona’s Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) issues Travel IDs to many non‑U.S. citizens who have lawful presence, and the process is predictable if you prepare the right originals.
What “Arizona Travel ID” means for visa holders in 2026 and beyond
Arizona issues a Travel ID as either a driver license or an ID card that meets the federal REAL ID standard. It’s the card with the gold star in a circle.
If you’re in Arizona on a temporary status—like H-1B, L-1, E-3, F-1, J-1, M-1, TPS, or refugee status—your Travel ID’s expiration is tied to your immigration paperwork. The card expires on the same date as your authorized stay documents, up to a maximum of 8 years. That matters if your I-94 or work authorization ends in December 2026, because your Travel ID will end then too.
Federal REAL ID rules apply behind this, and the accepted IDs for airport screening are explained on the official U.S. Department of Homeland Security REAL ID page: REAL ID.
Key takeaway: plan ahead — the Travel ID’s expiry often matches your immigration document, so renew or update travel plans accordingly.
Eligibility snapshot: who Arizona MVD will issue Travel IDs to
Arizona does not single out visa holders for extra state restrictions in the way some other states do. In practice, MVD focuses on authorized legal presence and clean documentation.
Common eligible groups include:
– Employment-based visa holders: H-1B, L-1, E-3
– Students: F-1, J-1, M-1
– Humanitarian statuses: refugees, TPS
– Permanent residents holding a green card
Documents that replace a U.S. birth certificate
Visa holders generally meet identity and lawful presence requirements with a combination that proves who you are and why you’re allowed in the U.S. Bring original documents, not photocopies.
The most common primary set:
– Unexpired foreign passport
– Valid U.S. visa
– Unexpired I-94 (many applicants print the admission record: Form I-94 (CBP))
Other primary documents Arizona MVD accepts:
– Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551): Form I-551
– Employment Authorization Document (EAD, Form I-766): Form I-766
Students have an extra requirement:
– F-1/J-1 students must also present Form I-20 with the I-94. For background on the student document used for F-1 status, see: Form I-20 information (SEVP).
Quick reference table — Common primary documents
| Document type | Typical examples / notes |
|---|---|
| Passport + Visa + I-94 | Unexpired foreign passport, valid U.S. visa, printed I-94 admission record |
| Permanent resident | Form I-551 (Green Card) |
| Work authorization | Form I-766 (EAD) |
| Students | I-20 (F-1) plus I-94 |
The three “extra” requirements that trip people up
Most Arizona Travel ID denials at the counter come from gaps in three areas: Social Security proof, Arizona residency proof, or name consistency.
1) Social Security number (SSN)
Arizona requires an SSN. Prove it with one of:
– Social Security card
– W-2
– Pay stub
– EAD showing the SSN (paired with the Social Security card)
2) Two proofs of Arizona residency
Bring two printed documents showing your name and residential address, issued by a business, organization, or government agency. Common examples:
– Utility bills
– Bank or credit card statements
– Insurance policies
– Lease agreements
Tip: Use documents where the address format matches across your packet. Small differences like “Apt 3B” vs “#3B” can slow review.
3) Name changes
If your current legal name differs from your passport or other paperwork, bring proof such as:
– Marriage certificate
– Divorce decree
– Court order
The Arizona MVD application journey, step by step
Below is the process most visa holders follow to get REAL ID–compliant Travel IDs in Arizona, including realistic timing.
- Build a clean document packet (same day, if organized)
- Confirm every document is unexpired and in its original form.
- Order the packet: lawful presence documents first, then SSN proof, then two residency proofs, then name-change evidence if needed.
- Complete Arizona’s Travel License/ID Application (15–30 minutes)
- Use Form 40-5122 (Travel License/ID Application).
- Provide your SSN, Arizona address, and certify residency under penalty of perjury. Fill it carefully — the counter review follows what you write.
- Reserve an appointment or choose a third-party provider (same day to 2+ weeks)
- Appointments can fill quickly. Book through the state portal to reduce counter time.
- Arizona works with authorized third-party providers; many are open Saturdays.
- Go in person for photo, document review, and payment (about 30–90 minutes on-site)
- An MVD representative reviews originals, takes your photo, and completes the application.
- Expect extra questions if your I-94 end date is close or if residency proofs look new.
- Leave with a temporary paper credential, then wait for the card by mail (10–14 days)
- After payment, you receive a temporary paper ID on-site.
- The permanent Travel ID generally arrives by mail in 10–14 days, sometimes in 5–7 days.
Fees, timing, and travel planning for 2025–2026
- Fee: $25 for the Travel ID.
- Validity: Up to 8 years, but ends sooner if your immigration document expires earlier.
For travel planning, the safest timeline:
– Apply at least two weeks before travel. If you have a February flight, apply by early January to allow for mailing delays or document rechecks.
Starting May 7, 2025, a REAL ID Travel ID or equivalent is required for domestic flights. Don’t rely on TSA ConfirmID as a last-minute fix—it’s costly and not ideal for urgent travel plans.
Important deadlines and fallback:
– After May 7, 2025, TSA expects a REAL ID or another accepted ID for domestic flights — that’s why many immigrants treat Travel IDs as essential travel documents.
– If you don’t have a REAL ID by February 1, 2026, TSA ConfirmID offers identity verification for a $45 fee. This is a fallback, not a reliable solution for urgent travel.
Warning: Do not rely on TSA ConfirmID for last-minute travel. It’s a backup and can add cost and uncertainty.
What to expect from MVD staff during lawful presence checks
Arizona MVD staff will confirm identity and lawful presence based on the documents you present. For visa holders, the critical detail is often the dates: the Travel ID’s expiration tracks the end date on your immigration documents.
If your I-94 was shortened by a passport expiration, or if you recently extended status, bring the newest paperwork you have. A clean packet reduces back-and-forth at the counter and lowers the chance you’ll be asked to return with corrected documents.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the biggest time-saver is showing up with the right originals and residency proofs that clearly match the address on the application.
Practical scenarios for immigrants living in Arizona
- New H-1B worker in Phoenix: often has passports and I-94 but lacks two Arizona residency proofs. A printed lease plus a bank statement typically fixes this.
- F-1 student in Tempe: passport, visa, and I-94 may be ready, but remember the I-20 and physical residence proofs (not just a campus mailbox).
- Spouse who changed their last name after marriage: commonly faces name mismatch. A marriage certificate bridges the gap and prevents stalling.
Where to confirm current office options before you go
Arizona directs applicants to its official MVD resources for office locations, third-party providers, and service options (including Saturdays). For state guidance and service updates, start at: ADOT MVD.
Arizona visa holders can secure REAL ID-compliant Travel IDs by submitting original documentation, including passports and I-94 forms. These IDs are essential for domestic air travel starting May 2025. The card’s validity is linked to immigration status expiration. Applicants need Social Security proof and two residency documents. The process involves an in-person MVD visit, a $25 fee, and a two-week wait for mail delivery.
