Georgia REAL ID: What You Need to Know
After May 3, 2023, ensure that your Georgia driver’s license is REAL ID-compliant, especially if you want to travel on domestic flights.
Written by Jessica Gibson
Edited by Amy Bobinger
Table of Contents
Beginning on May 3, 2023, all driver’s licenses issued in
Georgia
must be REAL ID-compliant. If your documents are not updated to be REAL ID-compliant, you may experience challenges when trying to board a domestic flight. - Take valid forms of identification to a Georgia Department of Driver Services and pay the fee to get a Georgia REAL ID.
- You’re required to show a Georgia REAL ID to board a domestic flight or enter certain federal facilities.
- Take valid forms of identification to a Georgia Department of Driver Services and pay the fee to get a Georgia REAL ID.
- You’re required to show a Georgia REAL ID to board a domestic flight or enter certain federal facilities.
What is REAL ID?
National security has always been essential, but it became even more of a priority in the aftermath of 9/11. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) urged Congress to pass the
REAL ID Act of 2005
, establish a new standard for identification.The REAL ID Act extends to ID cards and driver’s licenses, and while the implementation has taken a number of years, Georgia began enforcing the law in early 2023.
Who needs a REAL ID?
As of May 3, 2023, you will need a REAL ID to do the following:
- Enter certain federal buildings and federal facilities
- Enter a nuclear power plant
- Board any type of federally regulated commercial aircraft, including domestic flights
Granted, the first two are not daily events for most Americans. The last one, though, could affect many people on a regular basis, especially people who often travel for work. To continue using your Georgia driver’s license to get on domestic flights, you must ensure it’s a REAL ID driver’s license by 2023.
If you are unable to upgrade your driver’s license to be REAL ID-compliant by the deadline, other identification documents are still valid for boarding a flight, including a passport. For a full list of valid IDs, check out the
TSA website
. How to get a Georgia REAL ID
It’s relatively straightforward to get a REAL ID in Georgia. Simply visit a Customer Service Center at a Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) location, and bring original or certified documents including:
- A document that proves your ID, such as your birth certificate, US passport or Certificate of Naturalization. Familiarize yourself with thecomplete list of REAL ID documents, so you know what to bring.
- Social Security Card (proof of social security number)
- Two documentsproving Georgia residency, like a utility bill or rental agreement dated within the past six months
- Valid proof of identity and/or lawful status if you’re a non-U.S. citizen
You’ll also need to pay $38 by cash, check, debit card, credit card, Apple ID, or Google Pay.
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FAQS
Do I need a REAL ID?
If you want to use your driver’s license to board domestic flights after May 3, 2023, you’ll need to have a REAL ID-compliant license. You will also need one to enter certain federal government facilities.
Will the REAL ID look different from my old ID?
You’ll see a gold star or black star printed in the top right-hand corner of the REAL ID. Old Georgia IDs and licenses did not have this.
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