Georgia REAL ID Guide

National security has always been important, but it became even more so in the aftermath of 9/11. At the request of the 9/11 Commission, Congress passed the REAL ID Act, which established a new standard for identification. The REAL ID Act includes driver's licenses, and while implementation has been painfully slow, the act will go into effect in 2023.

REAL ID In Georgia

A black or gold star will appear in the top right-hand corner of every driver's license issued in Georgia after 2012, indicating that it complies with the REAL ID Act. As of May 3, 2023, a REAL ID will be required to do the following:
  • Access to certain federal facilities
  • In comes a nuclear power plant.
  • Board any commercial aircraft subject to federal regulation, such as a domestic flight.
Granted, the first two are not common occurrences for most Americans. However, the last one may affect many people regularly, particularly those who frequently travel for work. To continue using your Georgia driver's license to fly domestically, it must be REAL ID-compliant by 2023. If you cannot upgrade your driver's license to REAL ID-compliant status by the deadline, other forms of identification are acceptable for boarding a flight.

Flying In Georgia With REAL ID

Beginning May 3, 2023, all air passengers 18 and older will be required to present a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, a state-issued enhanced driver's license, or another acceptable form of identification to fly within the United States. While Georgia licenses issued since July 2012 are Real ID compatible, the state began issuing licenses this year with additional security measures to ensure passenger safety. They're made of polycarbonate, which is more tamper-resistant and durable than previous licenses, and they have black-and-white photos on the back.

How To Get REAL ID In Georgia

When renewing a driver's license in a Georgia Department of Driver Services office, residents can choose between a Real ID and a standard driver's license. Identification (original or certified copy of a birth certificate with a raised seal or valid U.S. passport), a Social Security card, a W-2 form, proof of legal name changes, and two proofs of your Georgia address, such as vehicle registration, insurance card, or bank statement, are required documents to obtain the more secure I.D. Obtaining a REAL ID in Georgia is a fairly simple process. Follow the steps below:
  • Contact a Customer Service Center.
  • Bring original or certified copies of the following documents:
    • A piece of identification, such as your birth certificate, U.S. passport, or Certificate of Naturalization. Make sure you are familiar with the entire list of REAL ID documents, so you know what to bring.
    • Social Security Number
  • Two documents proving your Georgia residency, including:
  • Utility bills or phone bills that have your street address issued within the last six months are acceptable.
  • Non-citizens must show valid identification and legal status.
  • Pay a $38 fee.

Secure ID In Georgia

Thanks to Secure ID, Georgia will continue to produce the most secure Driver's License (DL) and Identification (I.D.) cards in the state's history. It will also bring Georgia in line with the Federal Real ID Act of 2005, which codified some of the 9/11 Commission's findings from their investigations into the events leading up to the terrorist attacks. The Real ID Act forbids the federal government from accepting non-compliant states' DL/ID cards to board a commercial flight or enter a federal building. Under the SAFFE DL (Secure Automated Fast Friendly Easier Driver's License) Program, DDS began issuing its most recent generation of high-security DL/ID cards in 2010. Georgia's new Secure ID Program expands on SAFFE DL's advances by improving the integrity and security of Georgia DL/IDs.

Requirements

The requirements for receiving a Secure ID are similar to obtaining a Georgia driver's license or identification card. All customers receiving a Secure ID must:
  • Provide identification documents and their current full legal name (if a name change has occurred);
  • Two documents proving their current residential address are required.
  • Please provide documentation proving their full Social Security Number (SSN).
  • Non-citizens must also present a document approved by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to prove their legal presence.
  • At least once every 16 years, have their photograph and signature collected in person.