Georgia residents are facing a pivotal moment as the deadline for REAL ID compliance has officially arrived on May 7, 2025. This new enforcement mandates that all travelers aged 18 and older must present a REAL ID or another form of federally approved identification to board domestic flights, enter military bases, or access federal buildings. The REAL ID, which features a small black or gold star in the upper right corner, is designed to enhance national security and streamline identification processes.
According to the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS), the state boasts an impressive 99 percent compliance rate with the REAL ID law. Gabriel Sterling, the chief operating officer with the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “It really is so we know you are who you say you are.” He noted that Georgia has been proactive in implementing these changes, having become compliant as a state in 2012.
For residents who did not secure a REAL ID before the enforcement date, there are still alternatives available for air travel and access to federal facilities. A valid U.S. passport or other forms of federal identification are acceptable substitutes. The U.S. passport card, which is a more affordable option at $65 for first-time applicants and $30 for renewals, can also be used for domestic flights. While it typically takes four to six weeks to process, expedited options are available for an additional $60 fee, reducing the wait time to two to three weeks.
In addition to passports, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts a variety of other identification forms. These include:
- U.S. passport
- U.S. passport card
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
- Permanent resident card
- Border crossing card
- Federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe IDs, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs)
- HSPD-12 PIV card
- Foreign government-issued passport
- Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
- Transportation worker identification credential
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
- Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
If travelers arrive at the airport without an acceptable form of ID, they may still be allowed to board a flight after undergoing an identity verification process. This could involve providing personal information such as their name and current address. However, failure to cooperate with the TSA's identification process could result in being denied entry to the security checkpoint.
The REAL ID law was enacted in 2005 in response to the September 11 terrorist attacks, with the aim of bolstering security standards for state-issued identification. Although it was initially set to take effect in 2008, the implementation faced numerous delays, including those caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The TSA has been urging individuals to upgrade their licenses sooner rather than later to ensure a smooth transition.
While the law does not impose penalties for those who do not obtain a REAL ID by the deadline, it is essential for certain activities, including flying and entering federal facilities. For many Georgia residents, the transition has been relatively seamless, especially for those who have renewed their licenses since 2012, as they automatically received a REAL ID.
At the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the busiest airport in the world, officials have been preparing for the enforcement of the REAL ID law. They do not anticipate significant delays for those with REAL IDs, but passengers without one should plan to arrive three hours early instead of the standard two hours to accommodate potential additional screenings.
Homeland Security Secretary Kirsti Noem addressed Congress prior to the deadline, emphasizing the importance of the REAL ID law in improving safety. She stated, “We will make sure that it is as seamless as possible. This law will be enforced and it will allow us to know individuals in this country, who they are and that they’re authorized to travel.”
As the deadline approaches, experts are also warning residents to be vigilant against scams that may exploit the urgency surrounding the REAL ID compliance. Jon Clay, vice president of intelligence threats with Trend Micro, noted that scammers often take advantage of critical deadlines, warning, “Certainly the scammers love that because now they can send you a text message, an email message, they could give you a phone call and say, you have to do this now.” He advises individuals to ignore unsolicited communications from the DMV, as they would not reach out via phone or text.
In summary, while the REAL ID enforcement deadline has arrived, Georgia residents still have options for identification when traveling. With over 99 percent compliance in the state, many are well-prepared for the new regulations. However, for those who haven’t made the transition yet, understanding the alternatives and remaining cautious against potential scams will be crucial in navigating this new landscape.
