What Do I Need to Get an Arizona ID: Documents, Costs, Travel ID

To get an Arizona identification card, you need one proof of identity, your Social Security number, and two documents showing your current Arizona address. Bring those to a Motor Vehicle Division office or an authorized third-party provider, pay $12 for a standard card or $25 for a Travel ID, and have your photo taken. You’ll leave with a temporary card, and the permanent one arrives in the mail a few weeks later.

Decide First: Standard ID or Travel ID

Arizona issues two versions of the ID card, and the choice affects which identity documents you can use.

The standard ID handles everyday identification: banking, age verification, dealing with state agencies. The Travel ID is Arizona’s REAL ID-compliant card. Since May 7, 2025, you need a Travel ID or a valid U.S. passport to board a domestic commercial flight or enter restricted federal buildings and military bases.¹

If you already carry a passport when you fly, a standard ID covers the rest. If you want one card that does both, get the Travel ID.

Documents to Bring

Every document must be an original or a certified copy from the issuing agency. Photocopies and notarized copies will be turned away.²

One Proof of Identity and Date of Birth

You need a single primary identity document. For either card, the common options are:

An original or certified U.S. birth certificate issued by a state, territory, or possession (hospital-issued birth records don’t count)
An unexpired U.S. passport or passport card
A Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551)

The standard ID accepts a broader list, including a U.S. military ID, a tribal Certificate of Indian Blood, a DD-214, or an expired Arizona driver license on record with MVD.³ For the Travel ID, stick to the shorter federally approved list: birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate, or certificate of citizenship.

Social Security Number

You must provide your full SSN on the application. MVD verifies it electronically, so the physical card isn’t strictly required.² Bringing the card or a W-2 with your full SSN is a sensible backup if electronic verification stalls.

Two Proofs of Arizona Address

You need two documents from different sources that show your name and current Arizona street address. They must be mailed items from a business, organization, or government agency. Utility bills, bank or credit card statements, rental agreements, and insurance policies all qualify. Any mailed MVD document also counts.²

If you only have one, you can fill out an Arizona Residency Affidavit (Form 40-5143), which lets another person vouch for your address under penalty of perjury.⁴

Name Change Proof, If Applicable

If your current legal name differs from the name on your primary identity document, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree (for last name changes only), court-ordered name change, or adoption decree. One step people skip: update your name with the Social Security Administration at least 24 hours before your MVD visit. MVD checks your name against SSA records, and a mismatch will stop the application cold.²

What It Costs

Standard ID, ages 0–64: $12
Standard ID, age 65 and older: no fee
Standard ID, SSI recipients: no fee
Travel ID (original or renewal): $25

MVD offices accept cash, checks, traveler’s checks, money orders, and credit or debit cards.⁵ Authorized third-party locations charge a convenience fee on top of the state fee.⁶

If You’re Not a U.S. Citizen

Non-citizens with authorized legal presence can get an Arizona ID. Permanent residents use their Permanent Resident Card. Others can use an unexpired USCIS Employment Authorization Document, an I-94 paired with an unexpired foreign passport and U.S. visa, or a Refugee Travel Document (I-571).³

A Travel ID issued to a non-citizen expires when the underlying immigration documents expire, up to a maximum of eight years, and must be renewed with updated documents when status is extended.¹ The SSN and residency requirements don’t change.

Getting an ID for a Child

Arizona issues ID cards to minors of any age. The core documents are the same: the child’s birth certificate or other primary identity document, Social Security number, and proof of Arizona residency. A parent or guardian should accompany the child. Cards issued to anyone under the legal drinking age look visually distinct so they can be identified at a glance.⁷

How the Visit Works

Schedule an appointment through AZMVDNow.gov. The site has a “New to Arizona” appointment type for people getting a first Arizona ID, driver license, or vehicle registration.⁸ Walk-ins are allowed, but an appointment cuts the wait substantially. You can also start the application online before you arrive to shorten counter time.

At the office, a representative reviews each document to confirm your identity, date of birth, SSN, and address. Inconsistencies get flagged on the spot, which is why the SSA name update matters before you show up. Once your documents clear, you’ll have a digital photo and signature taken. You leave with a temporary ID you can use immediately, and the permanent card is printed at a central facility and mailed to your home within a few weeks.

One rule to keep in mind: if you later obtain a regular Arizona driver license, you’re required to surrender the ID card back to MVD, and no refund applies for the overlap.⁷

1
Arizona Department of Transportation. Arizona Travel ID
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Arizona Department of Transportation. Arizona DL/ID Requirements
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Arizona Department of Transportation. Arizona Travel DL/ID Requirements
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Arizona Department of Transportation. Arizona Residency Affidavit
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Arizona Department of Transportation. Fees (Driver License)
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Arizona Department of Transportation. Authorized Third Party Providers
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Arizona Legislature. Arizona Revised Statutes 28-3165 – Nonoperating Identification License
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AZ MVD Now. Schedule an Appointment