slideshow

The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) Monday began implementing additional procedures for the issuance of driver s licenses and identification cards. The new procedures, called Secure ID, are designed to make the licenses and cards more secure from personal identity theft and assist the DDS in staying up-to-date on driver information.

The procedures also bring Georgia in line with the Federal Real ID Act of 2005, which adopted the recommendations of the 911 Commission. The Real ID Act prohibits the federal government from accepting driver licenses or IDs issued by non-compliant states to board a commercial flight or enter a federal building. By implementing Secure ID, Georgia will be in compliance with the act.

The new procedures require that if you need to renew your driver’s license or have it reinstated, you need to bring additional documentation with you when you visit a DDS Customer Service Center. The documents include:

• At least one document proving Primary Identity – an original or certified copy of your Birth Certificate or other proof of identity.
• At least one document to prove your Social Security Number - your Social Security Card or other proof of full SSN, such as a income tax statement or pay stub with your name and Social Security Number printed on it.
• At least two documents to prove your Residential Address – such as a utility bill or bank statement issued within the last 60 days, a valid rental contract, employer verification such as a pay stub , letter from your employer, or W-2 for current or preceding calendar year, a non-expired Georgia driver’s license, health insurance statement or explanation of benefits for claim, state or federal income tax return for current or preceding year, annual social security statement for current or preceding year, Medicare or Medicaid statement, school record or transcript for current or preceding year, homeowners insurance policy or bill for current or preceding year, or a mortgage payment coupon or property tax bill for current or preceding year.

There is no change in the current fees for a driver’s license or ID card, and the only difference between the current licenses and cards and the new ones will be a gold star in the upper right corner. Drivers are not required to come in for the new licenses prior to their current expiration date, but drivers who want the new licenses can come in before their expiration date; they just need to bring the required documentation with them.

For more information on the new requirements, visit the DDS website at www.dds.ga.gov.