TSA accommodating temporary AZ driver’s licenses

PHOENIX — Arizona began issuing newly designed driver’s licenses on Monday, but the new design and features mean about a two-week delay between when people will actually receive their new license in the mail, which could mean hassles for travelers needing valid ID.

In the meantime, the Motor Vehicle Division is issuing temporary licenses and the Transportation Safety Authority said it will begin accommodating people with those temporary licenses.

“Our TSA officers throughout the state of Arizona are aware of the new temporary driver’s license being issued by the DMV in this state, so we will be accepting them,” said TSA spokesman Nico Melendez.

Melendez said as he understands it, the MVD will not be making people surrender their expired or old license, but will instead be punching holes in them so people can bring that alongside their temporary license.

“It’s only going to be a piece a paper but there will be a photo on there, he said. “The most important thing is that passengers will be given back their expired driver’s license so if they just bring that to the airport with them they won’t have any trouble getting through security.”

If possible, Melendez said it’s still a good idea to bring another form of acceptable identification such as a passport or military ID card though, because while Arizona TSA agents are familiar with the new temporary licenses, travelers may run into trouble elsewhere.

“Just to be on the safe side it’s a smart idea to bring a second form of ID,” he said.

Travelers can visit TSA.gov or download the My TSA smartphone app for more information about acceptable forms of ID when traveling.