In 2016, your Arizona driver's license won't get you through the security checkpoint at the airport or into federal buildings that require a so-called "Real ID."
Last year, more than 740,000 driver licenses were issued in MVD offices, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. Those numbers keep growing every day and none of the cards meet federal requirements.
The new version of the Arizona driver's license was issued last year on June 16 but even that one isn't up to par.
IN A NUTSHELL: 5 things to know about Real ID and your AZ license
After 9/11, the Feds put together a list of 31 things states need to do to make their driver's licenses more secure. It's called Real ID.
Arizona is among a handful of other states, such as Louisiana and Maine, that do not have licenses that comply. In fact, ADOT is prohibited from issuing a license that meets Real ID requirements because of current state law.
"Arizona got nervous that this was going to be a mandatory national ID card and people would be looking at meta data and all these things we sometimes worry about," Senator Bob Worsley said. "So our state went the other direction, instead of doing it we said 'We ban MVD in Arizona from implementing Real ID. We don't want to do it. We don't want to be mandated by the federal government to have these new cards.'"
But Worsley says that decision is catching up with us.
"They've already started to restrict Arizona driver's licenses going into federal buildings of certain security," he said.
If changes aren't made by as early as January of 2016, it would mean Arizona passengers would have to show another form of identification recognized by the Department of Homeland Security, such as a passport or Permanent Residency Card.
Worsley is working against the clock with his Bill 1273 to make it possible for Arizonans to get a federally approved card before the January 1st deadline.
Bill 1273 would make it possible for the MVD to issue Real ID cards to Arizona residents who want them.
"Let's just let people who want it, go down and be able to get it," Worsley said.
The Real ID Act requires drivers to update their photo on their license every eight years. It also requires states to get certain documentation and take extra steps to verify the license holder is in the country legally.
And it will cost you about $15. The MVD will decide the final cost. But if you keep the current one in your pocket, it may cost you more.
"My passport was like 3 or 4 weeks and $300," Worsley said. "So if you're making Arizona citizens go get passport to fly to Salt Lake or Denver or El Paso, I think we're going to have people pretty upset."
Another big benefit — the Real ID card will make it harder for fraudsters to get a fake.
Bill 1273 is still being considered by the Senate then it would have to go to the House.
In the meantime, Arizonans are encouraged to let their lawmakers know what they think.
