PHOENIX - The federal government has been threatening for close to a decade to keep people off planes without a Real ID or passport.

It now appears federal officials are getting serious, setting a May 7 deadline for enforcement.

Maybe.

The Transportation Security Administration – whose employees check passengers before they can get through security - already has proposed a rule to keep the deadline - but delay full enforcement until May 7, 2027.

Still, Bill Lamoreaux with the Arizona Department of Transportation, said it makes sense to act sooner than later. And, if nothing else, it avoids what could be a rush when all this really becomes enforceable - whether this May or two years from now.

Consider: The state has issued nearly 7.6 million identification cards. That includes not just driver licenses but other documents like non-operator IDs for those who don't drive, including children.

It is estimated about 5.2 million people are without the required document, and it is true that not everyone needs a Real ID since passports are acceptable.

But that means having to carry around another document, something otherwise unnecessary for domestic air travel.

And the document mandate doesn't apply to those younger than 18.

What is required, even for Arizonans who already have a driver's license, is a face-to-face visit with staffers at MVD and possession of several pieces of information.

The most important is proof of identity, meaning an original or certified birth certificate, a U.S. passport or a passport card.

Applicants need to provide two documents that show Arizona residency with your name on it. Options include utility bills, bank statements, insurance policies and even an MVD-issued vehicle registration card.

Lamoreaux said even junk mail with your name and address also will suffice.

But in all cases, the names must match. Nicknames do not. And if a name has been changed through marriage or divorce, a copy of that document is needed.

Finally, all applicants need a Social Security number, though it is not necessary to present the card.

After all that, you get a new license with a star in the upper right corner - the signal to TSA and others that this is an enhanced ID.

But be prepared to pay an extra $25 for the enhanced license.

The other downside, if you will, is these new licenses are good for only eight years.

By contrast, once someone gets a regular Arizona license it is good until the 65th birthday, though there is a requirement to get a new photo every 12 years. For those older than 65 a license is valid for five years, with a requirement for a new vision test at each renewal.

Then there's that requirement for a face-to-face visit for a Real ID.

It is possible to make an appointment with MVD, though Lamoreaux points out that doesn't mean you'll be seen at the exact time reserved. Instead, he said, it allows those who arrive at the scheduled time to skip the waiting line of those who showed up without an appointment and are willing to wait.

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