Tucson International Airport (TUS) is known for its convenient travel experience and the Tucson Airport Authority (TAA) wants to ensure every departing passenger continues to enjoy that ease after the federal REAL ID deadline. A compliant ID will be required effective May 7, 2025.

Beginning May 7, 2025, The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will require every traveler to present federally compliant identification to pass through its security checkpoints at airports across the country. The list of acceptable forms of ID includes the Arizona Travel ID, known nationally as the REAL ID.

TAA President and CEO Danette Bewley highly encourages Arizona residents planning a trip through TUS, or any domestic airport, to schedule their appointment to obtain an Arizona Travel ID as soon as possible. Members of our community with identification issued by another state should double check that it is REAL ID compliant. If not, another form of identification accepted by the TSA will be required.

“There are so many things to think about before you travel, like what to pack, when to arrive at the airport, and how you will enjoy your time on the flight,” said Bewley. “The last thing you should worry about is being turned away at the security checkpoint. Having either the Arizona Travel ID or a proper form of identification is one step to ensuring you can go through a security checkpoint without issue.”

The Arizona Travel ID is recognizable by its gold star in the upper righthand corner. More than 1.65 million Arizonans have already upgraded their driver’s license or ID card, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). Anyone needing to schedule an appointment can find the appropriate information here. ADOT also created a helpful information page for individuals who would like to learn more at AZTraveID.com.

Since the REAL ID deadline was extended, the TAA has shared reminders across multiple platforms. Billboards, social media posts, employee e-mail signatures, and now this press release, all encourage the community to make sure their ID can fly before it is too late. In August 2022, the TAA’s Warm Welcome Volunteers will begin sharing informative handouts and candy with passengers on the concourses of TUS. The “Stars for Starburst” campaign is an interactive approach of raising awareness about the importance of traveling with a REAL ID.

“We really need our community to start having REAL ID conversations with their loved ones. The last thing we want is for a member of our community to be turned away by the TSA after the deadline because they do not have a correct form of identification,” Bewley added.

The TSA will accept other valid forms of identification, which includes passports, permanent resident cards, and Veterans Health Identification Cards (VHIC). A complete list can be found here.