Coronavirus postpones Real ID: What that means

If you still don’t have a Real ID-compliant Arizona driver’s license, you’ll have another year to get that done.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has further postponed the deadline to Oct. 1, 2021, to encourage people to avoid unnecessary trips to motor vehicle offices during the new coronavirus pandemic. The announcement comes three days after President Donald Trump said during a news conference that he would extend the deadline.

In response, the Arizona Department of Transportation is extending expiration dates on driver’s licenses and canceling all already-booked appointments to obtain a Real ID driver’s license, also known as an Arizona Travel ID.

“With this delay and the need to reduce customer traffic at MVD locations during this public health situation, all current AZ Travel ID appointments have been canceled,” the Arizona Department of Transportation said in a statement.

The department urges Arizonans to delay trips to motor vehicles offices until the coronavirus threat has passed to reduce potential crowds.

Are Arizona MVD offices open?

Yes, but by appointment only. All appointments to upgrade to Real ID driver’s licenses have been canceled to make room for people who need essential services that can only be done in person. Many services the Motor Vehicles Division provides are available anytime at ServiceArizona.com. You can also call 602-712-2700 and speak to an agent.

Travel-compliant licenses can only

be obtained in person, however. ADOT will provide additional information on obtaining these once the need for social distancing has subsided.

My driver’s license is expiring. What should I do?

Don’t worry. Gov. Doug Ducey has signed an order to automatically extend the expiration date for anyone whose license is set to expire between March 1 and Sept. 1, 2020, by six months.

Will TSA accept my expired license?

TSA is allowing some grace for those who haven’t been able to get their licenses renewed, but it depends on the date of expiration. TSA started allowing people to use a license that expired after March 1, 2020, as identification at airport security checkpoints for one year after the expiration date. TSA plans to keep this policy in place until 60 days after the national emergency is lifted.