Arizona state ID cards are intended to provide the same benefits and conveniences to non-drivers that drivers licenses bestow on motorists. Non-motorists may present their ID card credentials as evidence of valid, legally-verified age and identification in any non-vehicle-related circumstance, in which motorists would typically present their licenses. This includes, for example, gaining access to an age-restricted venue, applying for a marriage license or registering to vote. As a result, these cards are an ideal option for Arizona residents who cannot – or do not wish to – drive, or are otherwise ineligible for licenses.

Non-driver IDs can also be singularly valuable to residents, in that they are exempt from the age limits that apply to drivers licenses. Interested parents may apply for a child ID card if they expect to need regular proof of their children’s identities, such as while traveling.

Arizona DMV ID Requirements

There is no age limit to apply for a DMV ID card in the state of Arizona. In fact, the state recommends that all parents obtain a child identification card for each of their children as early in life as possible. Doing so protects children from identity theft, increases the speed with which AMBER alerts can be issued – should a child go missing – and facilitates children’s enrollment in school and extracurricular activities.

Both youth and adult applicants must meet certain DMV state ID requirements to qualify for a card. These include:

  • Proving age and identity.
  • Supplying a valid Social Security Number.
  • Proving citizenship or other legal presence in the United States.
  • Demonstrating residency in the state of Arizona.
  • Surrendering any other forms of state-issued ID, whether by Arizona or any other state.
  • Having an official photo taken.

What do you need to get an ID in Arizona?

In Arizona, applicants must provide documentation that proves that they meet the core qualifications to hold an ID.

Fortunately, many of the documents needed for state ID can be used as evidence of meeting more than one qualification. For example, applicants generally need the following:

  • An original or certified copy of a birth certificate.
  • A valid, unexpired U.S. passport.
  • A Social Security card or W-2 form.
  • Two documents showing name and current address (e.g. bank statements, utility bills and tax returns).

Most, but not all, applicants are also required to pay a DMV ID card fee at the time of application.

When applying for an identification card in Arizona, in the event that applicants have changed their names from the way they appear on their documents, they must provide legal evidence of the change. For instance, a resident using a married name must present a marriage license showing both his or her birth name (as it appears on the birth certificate or passport being utilized as a primary identity document) and his or her married name.

There are additional, acceptable documents applicants can use to show a legal name change for the purpose of obtaining a DMV identification card. These include:

  • Adoption records.
  • Divorce certificates.
  • Court orders.

In all cases, documents showing name changes must be certified or otherwise sealed or marked as government-issued documents. Photocopies or informal, uncertified copies will not be accepted.

How to Get an ID in Arizona

Although Arizona residents cannot get ID online, they can begin their application processes on the web to save time. The online application form allows them to submit basic information and print a receipt, which they can take to any MVD office to complete the process.

Alternatively, residents may apply for ID at authorized third-party providers throughout the state. Additional fees may apply.

In either case, the process is essentially the same. Procedures to get an ID include the following steps:

  1. Gather the required documents
  2. If desired, use the MVD’s online pre-application to begin
  3. If desired, make an MVD appointment
  4. Take the documents to an MVD office or a qualified third-party provider
  5. The issuing authority verifies the documents, takes the applicant’s photograph and collects the appropriate fees (if residents have IDs to surrender, they do so at the time of application, as well)
  6. Receive the government issued ID card in the mail

REAL ID Cards in Arizona

The federal REAL ID Act established nationwide REAL ID card standards for drivers licenses and non-driver IDs. As of October 2020, Americans wishing to use their licenses or non-driver IDs as proof of identity to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings must hold compliant IDs. Americans holding non-compliant “standard” state IDs will be required to supply secondary or alternative documentation, such as birth certificates or passports, in addition to their licenses to access flights or federal properties.

REAL ID-compliant DMV state IDs contain safety features not present on standard IDs. Applicants are also generally held to stricter documentation standards when applying for REAL ID cards than when applying for standard cards.

The Arizona REAL ID-compliant option is called a Travel ID. Residents may apply for Travel IDs at the MVD or through third-party sites, but must specify that they want the Travel ID when applying.

How to Renew or Replace a State ID in Arizona

To replace a lost ID card or renew an expiring one, Arizona residents can go to any MVD office or authorized third-party service provider. If they are renewing, they will need to submit their ID cards and one other forms of approved ID at the time of application. If they need a replacement ID card, residents will need to prepare to supply all the same documentation they needed for their initial application. Note that Arizona ID cards are generally valid for eight years.

DMV ID Costs in Arizona

The Arizona DMV ID cost varies by applicant age and the type of ID. The current fees are as follows:

  • Standard ID card for residents 0 to 64 years of age: $12
  • Standard ID card for residents 65 years of age or older: Free
  • Duplicate or replacement standard ID card: $12
  • Travel ID: $25
  • Travel ID renewal: $25

Note: Federal Supplemental Security Income recipients may qualify for free ID cards, regardless of age. Interested parties should inquire with the MVD for eligibility details.

Last updated on Wednesday, March 4 2020.