Travelers passing through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport will soon need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another approved form of identification to board domestic flights. The federal deadline to obtain the updated identification is May 7, 2025.
The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 following recommendations from the 9/11 Commission to enhance security and prevent the use of fraudulent IDs for air travel. REAL ID-compliant licenses are marked with a gold or black star in the upper-right corner. In Georgia, these IDs can be obtained through the Department of Driver Services (DDS).
What travelers need to know
Starting May 7, all passengers flying within the United States will be required to show a REAL ID or another form of TSA-approved identification, such as a passport, to pass through security checkpoints at Hartsfield-Jackson and other U.S. airports.
“So with the REAL ID Act, what they’re trying to do is make it so that people aren’t just using fraudulent IDs any time they’re traveling, especially by plane,” said Dan Velez, a spokesperson for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
Although the TSA has announced plans for a phased enforcement approach through May 2027, travelers without a REAL ID after the 2025 deadline may face delays or be denied boarding.
How to get a REAL ID in Georgia
Georgia residents can apply for a REAL ID-compliant license at any DDS center. To obtain a REAL ID, applicants must provide:
- Proof of lawful presence, such as a U.S. passport or birth certificate.
- Proof of Social Security number, such as a non-laminated Social Security card or an official document displaying the number.
- Proof of Georgia residency, which requires two documents, such as a utility bill, bank statement, mortgage statement, or insurance policy.
“It’s a call to action now. Prepare ahead of time,” Velez said. “If your license or ID renewal is coming up, convert to the REAL ID at this point.”
Important Reminders
- Georgia REAL IDs are identified by a gold or black star in the upper-right corner.
- Temporary or interim licenses issued by the DDS are not accepted by the TSA as valid identification. Plan ahead, as permanent licenses typically arrive within 30 days.
- REAL ID is not required for children under 18 traveling with an adult or for international travel, where a passport is still necessary.
Federal officials estimate that only 56 percent of driver’s licenses nationwide are REAL ID-compliant. With the May 2025 deadline approaching, travelers are urged to apply as soon as possible to avoid disruptions.
For more information, visit the Georgia DDS website or contact Hartsfield-Jackson’s customer service center.
