The Brief
- Beginning this Wednesday, you must have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card to travel within the U.S.
- Authorities at the Atalanta airport state that they are ready for the transition and will have extra personnel available to address any inquiries.
- Georgians with a valid driver’s license or ID card issued since 2012 ought to meet the requirements of the REAL ID Act. To verify this, look for a symbol—a black or gold star—located in the top-right corner of your identification document.
ATLANTA
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The deadline for obtaining a REAL ID is fast approaching, and authorities at the Atlanta airport have stated that they will be prepared for this significant shift in travel requirements.
The Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport plans to deploy extra personnel at crucial entrance areas to assist passengers who might be uncertain regarding the updated regulations.
What is REAL ID?
What we know
Beginning this Wednesday, you must have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card to travel within the U.S.
Following the passage of the REAL ID Act in 2005 by Congress, the required transition was initiated. This shift came about due to a suggestion made by the 9/11 Commission, which recommended that the government establish security criteria for driver’s licenses and identification cards issued by states at locations like Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints, federal buildings, and critical areas including nuclear facilities.
The implementation was scheduled to start in 2008 but encountered several postponements as states struggled to put the new policy into effect.
How can I tell if my ID is already a REAL ID?
Dig deeper
If you’ve received a new identification card in recent years, it might already meet the requirements for REAL ID standards.
A valid ID will have either a golden or black star in the top right corner. In Georgia, all permanent driver’s licenses and ID cards issued following 2012 meet the REAL ID requirements.
Good news has arrived for citizens of Georgia, also known as the Peach State.
The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) has made an announcement.
In March, the state had reached 99.9% REAL ID compliance. This indicates that most Georgia residents already possess a compliant identification card. Usually, only new drivers and people who recently moved to Georgia need to acquire a REAL ID-compliant document.
What should I do if I don’t possess a REAL ID, and how can I obtain one?
What you can do
To get a REAL ID in Georgia, you need to apply in person at a Georgia DDS Customer Service Center and provide the necessary documentation which includes the following items:
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Identity Verification: Official certified birth certificate, active U.S. passport, or Certificate of Naturalization
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Verification of Social Security Number: Provide either a Social Security card, Form W-2, SSA-1099 document, or a pay slip that displays your complete name along with your SSN.
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Evidence of Georgia Residence: Two documents not older than six months (such as a utility bill, bank statement, or rental agreement).
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Evidence of Legal Status: Individuals who are not citizens are required to show immigration papers verifying their legal status in the United States.
You can visit
dds.georgia.gov
To finish the essential paperwork and verify the needed documents prior to your appointment. Booking slots can get filled quickly, so make certain to schedule in advance.
If you have any queries or require assistance, you may contact the Georgia DDS at 1-800-436-7442.
What they’re saying
Hartsfield-Jackson officials say anyone with questions on Wednesday will be directed to TSA for further assistance.
“As the world’s busiest airport, ATL has been committed to helping travelers understand and prepare for this important change,” said ATL Airport General Manager Ricky Smith. “We encourage our passengers to check their IDs now and upgrade if needed to avoid inconveniences and travel delays.”
If you already possess a valid passport, you don’t require a REAL ID for air travel—but you still need to show your passport if your driver’s license isn’t up to date with the new requirements.
The Source
The details for this narrative were sourced from a statement issued by the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, along with material from prior reports by FOX 5 and an Associated Press document.
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