Real ID scams on the rise

As Arizonans get ready to travel for the summer, many are finding a number of scams related to the government’s role out of the Real ID program.

The latest rise in scams targets those wondering how to get a Real ID or passport who run a search online.

Many people don’t know you finalize your Real ID in person, in a process similar to acquiring a U.S. Passport for the first time. But people are finding websites they think will get them their Real ID or passport only to discover these are actually “paper pre” sites. Some individuals are paying more than $100 up front not knowing all they will receive in return is a PDF form, not the actual ID or passport.

The Real ID act originally passed in 2005 but the implementation was delayed until May 7, 2025.

Joe Ducey, a business and consumer specialist from the Better Business Bureau, joined “Arizona Horizon” to explain what these scams look like and how to avoid them.

According to AZDOT, Real ID shows that the ID holder has met additional federal standards from extra sources of documentation. These are:

• Two documents proving Arizona residency, such as rental or bank statements and credit card or cellphone bills in your name with your current Arizona address
• Proof of identity: a birth certificate or U.S. passport
• Social Security number: just the number, not the card