PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Time is running out to get a Real ID. Starting on May 7, you’ll need one to fly in the U.S. and get into government buildings.
READ MORE: No Real ID? What will happen if you show up for a flight after the deadline
If you don’t get one in time, you’ll have to use a passport or other federal identification. The deadline comes after years of delays. These IDs are supposed to be harder to counterfeit.
The Transportation Security Administration said it’s seeing about an 81% compliance rate at airport checkpoints across the country, according to a recent CBS report.
So how are Arizonans doing? ADOT officials say about 2.55 million Arizonans are up to date. If you still need a Real ID, you can make an appointment online.
Bill Lamoreaux with ADOT said there are even some authorized third-party locations that are open after business hours and on Saturdays. It costs $25. He said Monday and Friday tend to be the busiest days.
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You’ll need to bring your birth certificate or a certified copy, or a valid passport, and two forms of ID with your name and current address. Lamoreaux said that could be an electricity bill, credit card statement or even your car registration.
“Once all that paperwork is done, the new driver’s license will come to you in the mail,” he said. “That takes about 10 to 14 days.”
He says it will arrive in a plain, generic-looking envelope, so be sure to check through your mail.
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