What you need to know about the Real ID deadline in Georgia

Starting May 7, the Transportation Security Administration will no longer accept non-Real ID compliant identification cards at all airports.

If you’re a Georgian, however, you’re probably already covered.

The state began issuing Real ID-compliant driver’s licenses in 2012. And the Department of Driver Services said Georgia is 99.9% covered. ID cards with a black or gold star in the upper right corner are compliant.

Commissioner Spencer Moore in a recent statement said the agency has seen an increase in Georgians visiting its centers, even though they are already compliant. Both colors of stars signify Real IDs; the two colors were because of a prior design change, he clarified.

The federal Real ID Act, passed in 2005, laid out requirements for all state-issued IDs to feature additional security measures, initially with a 2008 effective date.

The idea came from the 9/11 Commission, which recommended stricter driver’s license security measures.

Because of state backlogs and the COVID-19 pandemic, the timeline was pushed out repeatedly until this spring.

Since Georgia started issuing Real ID-compliant licenses ahead of many other states and most Georgia driver’s licenses are valid for up to eight years, almost all Georgia licenses are compliant.

Credit: John Spink

Credit: John Spink

In a recent statement, TSA said nationwide 81% of travelers are already presenting compliant IDs.

But those who do not — and do not have another alternative like a passport — “can expect to face delays, additional screening and the possibility of not being permitted into the security checkpoint.”

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