What To Do If You Don't Have A Real ID As Enforcement Begins In GA

GEORGIA — The REAL ID enforcement deadline has arrived, and Georgians who have not obtained the new requirement to fly domestically and enter certain federal buildings still have options if they need to travel.

Starting Wednesday, May 7, federal agencies, including the Transportation Security Administration, will begin REAL ID enforcement.

Residents who are age 18 and older must then show a REAL ID or another form of federally approved identification to board domestic flights, enter military bases or go into federal buildings, according to the Georgia Department of Driver Services.

The REAL ID is similar to a regular state identification card or driver's license, but has a small black or gold star in the upper right-hand corner.

According to the DDS on Tuesday, Georgia is currently 99 percent compliant with the new law.

As the deadline arrives, Georgians may be questioning the strictness of the deadline and whether or not they actually need the new form of identification.

In short, you do not need a REAL ID to fly domestically or enter certain federal buildings if you have a valid U.S. passport or other form of federal identification.

Residents could also apply for a U.S. passport card, which provides proof of citizenship and identity.
The wallet-sized cards are not valid for international air travel, but they are accepted for flights within the United States.

They are cheaper than a passport book ($65 for adults applying for the first time and $30 for renewals) and typically take four to six weeks to process.

Those who want to get their passport cards quicker can pay an extra $60 for expedited processing, which would take two to three weeks. Mailing schedules are not included in processing times.

The U.S. State Department has step-by-step instructions on how to apply for a U.S. passport or passport card.

Per the TSA, here is a full list of identifications that will also be accepted if travelers do not have a REAL ID:

• 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, 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 you do not have an accepted form of ID when you go to fly, you may still be able to board.

"The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process, which includes collecting information such as your name and current address to confirm your identity. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint, where you may be subject to additional screening. You will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint if you choose to not provide acceptable identification, you decline to cooperate with the identity verification process, or your identity cannot be confirmed," the TSA stated.

What is a REAL ID, and who needs one?

The REAL ID law, passed in 2005 in response to the Sept 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, strengthens national security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards.

REAL ID was originally supposed to take effect in 2008 but has been delayed for multiple reasons, including those associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Agencies may choose to phase in enforcement, but TSA officials have been urging people to upgrade their licenses sooner rather than later "to facilitate a smooth transition."

The REAL ID Act of 2005 does not affect those who only need their ID for driving purposes or identification and does not apply to those younger than age 18.

There is also no fine or penalty for not having a REAL ID by the enforcement deadline.

How do I get a REAL ID?

REAL ID cards are issued at driver’s licensing stations in Georgia.

In general, those seeking them need to provide documentation showing their legal name, date of birth, Social Security number or proof of lawful status to be in the United States and two proofs of the address of their principal residence.

Acceptable REAL ID documents are as follows, according to driver services:

• Proof of identity
• Proof of name change (any and all name changes)
• Proof of social security number
• Proof of Georgia residency
• Proof of identity and lawful status (for non-U.S. citizens)

An ID in Georgia costs $32 and expires after eight years.

While Georgia requires residents seeking a REAL ID to visit their local customer service centers, applicants can pre-apply online with the Georgia DDS.