REAL ID Deadline Nears: What Muscogee County Residents Need to Know

By Janell Williams

As the federal REAL ID enforcement deadline approaches, residents in Muscogee County are being urged to ensure their driver’s licenses or identification cards meet new requirements—or risk being turned away at airport security or federal buildings.

Beginning May 7, 2025, every air traveler 18 years or older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another acceptable form of identification to fly within the United States or access certain federal facilities.

A REAL ID is identified by a gold or black star in the upper corner of the card. It meets enhanced federal security standards established after the 9/11 terrorist attacks and is different from a standard Georgia driver’s license.

What the REAL ID Affects

Without a REAL ID or alternative form of federal identification—such as a U.S. passport or military ID—residents will not be permitted to:

• Board domestic flights
• Enter secure federal buildings
• Visit military bases

Standard driver’s licenses will still be valid for driving and other identification purposes within the state.

How to Get a REAL ID in Muscogee County

Georgia residents can obtain a REAL ID-compliant license by visiting a local Department of Driver Services (DDS) office. In Muscogee County, the DDS Customer Service Center is located at 8397 Macon Road in Midland.

To apply for a REAL ID, individuals must bring:

1. Proof of identity (e.g., birth certificate or valid passport)
2. Proof of full Social Security number (e.g., Social Security card or W-2)
3. Two documents proving Georgia residency (e.g., utility bills, lease agreements)
4. If applicable, proof of legal name change (e.g., marriage certificate or court order)

Officials recommend making an appointment online to reduce wait times and ensuring all documents are originals or certified copies.

Getting Prepared

“As the implementation date of May 7, 2025, nears, DDS is seeing customers who are already Real ID compliant visiting our centers.  Either a gold or black star on a Georgia license or ID will be accepted, and the color only changed due to a card design change within DDS,” said DDS Commissioner Spencer R. Moore.

According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, more than half of Americans still do not have a REAL ID. Georgia began issuing REAL IDs in 2012, but not all residents have updated their cards.

For Muscogee County residents planning to fly, now is the time to act. Those who do not have a REAL ID and do not carry a passport could face travel disruptions next year.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit the Georgia Department of Driver Services at dds.georgia.gov or call the Muscogee County office at 877-423-6711.