Georgia REAL ID

What is REAL ID? The REAL ID Act of 2005, enacted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, sets federal security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. These standards help deter terrorism by requiring more secure issuance processes. Georgia refers to this as the Secure ID initiative.

REAL ID-compliant cards are required for official federal purposes starting May 7, 2025, including:

  • Boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft
  • Entering federal buildings
  • Accessing nuclear power facilities

All Georgia driver’s licenses and IDs issued after 2012 are REAL ID-compliant and feature a gold or black star in the upper right-hand corner. The color difference is due to card design changes.

Two example Georgia Driver's License & IDs showing the location of either the black star or gold star for Real ID compliance.

Air Travel and Federal Facility Access

Federal law requires REAL ID-compliant identification to board domestic flights or enter federal facilities, such as military bases, federal courthouses, or nuclear power plants, starting May 7, 2025. Georgia REAL ID driver’s licenses and IDs, marked with a gold or black star, meet these security standards.

Important: The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not accept temporary (interim) licenses or IDs as valid identification. Interim documents are temporary paper licenses and are not acceptable for air travel. Permanent licenses are mailed within 30 days, so plan ahead if making changes to your license.

For more information on travel requirements, please refer to the TSA website.

If You Already Have a Georgia REAL ID

If you're a U.S. citizen and already hold a REAL ID-compliant Georgia license or ID, you do not need to re-submit documents unless you are:

  • Changing your name
  • Updating your gender marker
  • Requesting other identity-verifying services

Most license services can be performed using DDS Online Services without visiting a Center.

If You Need a REAL  ID or Hold an Out-of-State/Foreign License

If you lack a REAL ID, hold an out-of-state license (REAL ID or regular), or have a foreign license, visit a Customer Service Center with the following original or certified documents:

  • Identity (1 document): Proves who you are, e.g., certified birth certificate, valid U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, or I-551. For name changes from your birth certificate, review Name Change requirements.
  • Social Security Number (SSN): Provide your full SSN on the online License/ID/Permit Form. If verification fails, bring proof from the list of Acceptable REAL ID Documents below.
  • Georgia Residency (2 documents): Show where you live, e.g., utility or phone bill, dated within the last 6 months, with your name and street address.
  • Non-Citizens: Provide proof of identity and lawful status.

List of Acceptable REAL ID Documents

Below are the required documents to obtain a REAL ID-compliant license or ID, organized as collapsible sections for convenience. You may also download a printable checklist PDF from the resources listed at the end of this page.

  • Proof of Identity - US Citizens (1 Document)
    Bring 1 of the following documents:
    • U.S. Birth Certificate/Amended Birth Certificate – Original or certified copy (Includes U.S territories and the District of Columbia).  Must have a raised seal and be issued by the Bureau of Vital Statistics or State Board of Health.
    • Unexpired U.S. Passport or Passport Card
    • Official Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by U.S. Department of State (FS-240, FS-545 or DS-1350)
    • Certificate of Naturalization (N-550, N-570) -  certified copy
    • Certificate of Citizenship (N-560, N-561) - certified copy
  • Proof of Name Change (Any and All Name Changes)

    If the name on your identity document differs from your current legal name, you must provide document(s) from the following list to show your name change history:

    • U.S. Passport or Passport Card
    • Divorce Decree – Stating the name change - certified copy
    • Court Order for Legal Name Change – certified copy
    • Court Adoption Document – certified copy
    • Marriage Certificate/License – certified copy
    • Marriage License Application - certified copy
    IMPORTANT
    • Customers who hold a valid GA Driver's License or ID Card are to present the original or certified document which supports the most recent name change.
  • Proof of Social Security Number (If Required)

    If your Social Security Number failed to verify through the system, you will be required to provide any of the following documents:

    • Social Security card – Original or copy
    • Print-out from SSA with name and full SSN
    • W-2 or 1099 form from employer showing name and full SSN
    • Paycheck stub showing name and full SSN
    • SSA-1099 or Non-SSA-1099 form showing name and full SSN
    • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefits Letter with name and full SSN
    • Federal/State Tax Return with Applicant’s name and full SSN. Also acceptable for proof of SSN for Dependents
    • Medicare / Medicaid card with Applicant’s name and full SSN
    • Selective Service Notice with Applicant’s name and full SSN
    • Military Discharge Papers (DD214) or Military ID with Applicant’s name & full SSN, Disabled American Veteran Card (DAV), DS-516, Military Leave Orders

    If the above fails to resolve the SSN issue, you will need to contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) office.

    NOTE: Customers can redact or cross out non-essential information on Proof of Social Security Number documents such as:

    • account numbers
    • financial figures
    • or other information that does not obstruct your name and SSN
  • Proof of Georgia Residency (2 Documents)
    Bring 2 from any of the following document categories:

    The two (2) documents must be from separate sources or separate accounts (please redact account numbers).

    The documents must show your name and current residential address. P.O. Boxes do not prove residency.

    • Household Information – From a current or preceding calendar year – Mortgage, payment coupon, Lease, deed, HUD settlement statement, escrow statement, property tax bill, Homeowners insurance policy or premium bill, title search documentation, or Military housing agreement letter. Current (dated within the past six (6) months) valid rental contract/agreement, rent payment receipt for a home, apartment, mobile home, dorm, extended-stay motel.
    • Any physical postmarked mail delivered by the U.S.P.S. dated within the past six (6) months
    • Documents Issued by Federal, State, or Local Governments – From a current or preceding calendar year – Social Security documentation, Annual Benefits statement, Numident record, Social Security check. Government assistance documents such as Medicare, Medicaid, unemployment insurance claims, Disability, WIC, Georgia or Federal Income Tax Return or refund check, Voter Registration card, unexpired firearms license, unexpired Merchant Marine license, I-797A, I-797C, correspondence from DDS, USPS Change of Address confirmation, Jury Summons, Military discharge benefit statement, and other documents issued by Federal/State/Municipal government.
    • Financial Statements - Dated within the past six (6) months, please redact account numbers. Financial statement for bank/credit union account, investment account, credit card account, or loan/credit financing.
    • Utility Bills – Dated within the past six (6) months. Utility bill for services installed at your residential address (water, sewer, gas, electricity, cable/satellite TV, Internet, telephone/cell phone, or garbage collection). Please redact the account numbers.
    • Motor Vehicle Information – Vehicle Registration or Title, Insurance policy, or Insurance Card with the address displayed for the current year or dated within the past six (6) months.
    • Employer Documentation – From current or preceding calendar year – Employer verification including paycheck, paycheck stub, a letter from employer on company letterhead, or W-2 form.
    • School Records – School record/transcript for the current or prior school year, report card, student loan documentation, or form DS-1.
    • Medical Statements – From a current or preceding calendar year – Health insurance statement, explanation of benefits (EOB) for a claim, or a health care bill/invoice.
    • Other accepted documents: Georgia Department of Community Supervision Residence Verification Form; Refugee Address Verification Affidavit (DS-20); letter from a shelter, half-way house, or other similar facilities on letterhead, dated within the past six (6) months. **Accepted as stand-alone proof of residency.
  • Proof of Identity & Lawful Status - Non-US Citizens
    Bring 1 document for Proof of Identity and 1 document for Proof of Lawful Status (if required). 

    NOTE: Georgia Department of Driver Services does not accept translated documents. If a non-US Citizen establishes residency in Georgia, he or she must obtain a Georgia driver's license within thirty (30) days.

    DDS will only issue a driver's license in a name that exactly matches the original immigration documents. 

     

    Required Identification Documents for Non-Citizens

    First Immigration Document

    (For Proof of Identity)

    Second Immigration Document

    (For Proof of Lawful Status)

    Unexpired Foreign Passport with U.S. Visa

    (Immigration Status A, B, E, H, I, L, O, P, Q, R or S)

    		Valid I-94 or I797A Notice of Action

    Unexpired Foreign Passport with U.S. Visa

    (Immigration Status F-1, F-2, J-1, J-2, M-1 or M-2)

    I-20 (For F-1, F-2, M-1, or M-2 Status)

    or

    DS-2019 (for J-1 or J-2 Status) and Valid I-94 or I-797A Notice of Action

    Unexpired Passport with I-94 or I-551 with Asylee or Refugee Status/StampNot Required
    I-766 with Category Code: C08Not Required
    I-766 with Temporary Protection StatusNot Required
    I-766 without Temporary Protection StatusUnexpired Foreign Passport
    I-766 with Category Codes C09, C10, C18, & A11Proof of Pending Application to Adjust Status - I-797C Notice of Action (dated within the last 5 years) with Case Types I-485, NACARA or Executive Office of Immigration Review (EOIR 42B). In some cases other documentation issued by USCIS, DHS, or other Federal agencies may be acceptable to demonstrate lawful status as defined by 6 C.F.R. 37.3 and as determined by USCIS.
    I-551 or I551 Stamp with Photo on I-94 formNot Required
    I-551 StampUnexpired Foreign Passport

     

Additional Information: 

  • Name Change: If your identity document name differs from your current legal name (e.g., due to marriage), provide documents showing name change history. Customers with a valid Georgia license/ID must present the original or certified document supporting the most recent name change.
  • Minors: May use a passport, but proof of guardianship requires a certified birth certificate or court-ordered documents.
  • Non-Citizens: Must submit original immigration documents for each driver’s license or ID service request.
  • Gender Change: Submit a court order or physician’s letter certifying the gender change, including name, date of birth, and date of reassignment, or a passport reflecting the updated gender.
  • Other Documents: Check specific license type or service pages for additional requirements.

REAL ID Resources

  • REAL ID Documents Guide for U.S. Citizens (PDF, 135.17 KB)

    Outlines the required original or certified documents for identity, Social Security Number, name changes, and Georgia residency to obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID.

  • REAL ID Documents Guide for Non-U.S. Citizens (PDF, 153.61 KB)

    Specifies the required immigration, identity, Social Security Number, name change, and Georgia residency documents needed to obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID.

Review Frequently Asked Questions about REAL ID