DDS to Issue New Driver's Licenses, I.D. Cards

Gov. Sonny Perdue has announced that Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) is preparing to issue new and improved driver’s licenses and identification cards by fall 2009. The new cards will combat document fraud and protect the identities of Georgia’s citizens by using the latest credentialing technology.

New card production will begin at Conyers, Covington and Locust Grove in September 2009. Statewide implementation of the new system is scheduled to take approximately two months with all customer service center locations producing the new cards by the end of November 2009. All previously issued Georgia licenses and IDs will remain valid until the expiration date when they will be exchanged for a newly-designed card.

The new documents are designed to be more difficult to counterfeit, alter or replicate. The license will remain roughly the size of a credit card. The new cards have several security features including ghost photos, a laser-engraved signature over the primary photo to minimize alterations and a tamper resistant coating placed over the card. The cards will feature machine-readable barcodes that can be used by banks, retailers and other businesses to verify the information printed on the front.

Fees will not increase, and customers will continue to choose between a five-year or ten-year license or ID.

“Under 21”

A major security feature of the new process is designed to combat underage drinking. Cards issued to those “Under 21” will be printed in a vertical format, aiding retailers and law enforcement in identifying minors.

Interim

Another new security practice will be the issuance of an interim driver’s license or ID. Interim documents will be printed on special security paper which is highly sensitive and will discolor after any attempt to alter it. It contains a photo and signature to allow its use for identification purposes. Interim cards will be valid for up to 45 days or until a permanent laminated license or ID is mailed from the central production print facility to the applicant’s mailing address on file with DDS.

Permanent License/ID

The permanent licenses and IDs will be mailed directly to the customer on a mailing carrier that is folded and enclosed in a generic envelope without exposing the actual cards. When the permanent card is received, the interim should be destroyed in accordance with Georgia law and to safeguard personal information. The carrier should be filed by the customer to access later should their license be lost or stolen.

Customer Service Improvements

The new licensing system includes a new data management system with electronic imaging to scan documents where they may be securely stored and easily accessed later. DDS has taken great care in safeguarding our customer’s private information. Each customer’s personal information becomes a part of the personal driver’s license record. It will remain confidential and is disclosed only as authorized or required by law.

When visiting DDS in person, a more efficient one-window-process provides customers with a “one-stop shopping” experience at most locations eliminating the need to visit multiple windows.

If a transaction can not be completed once begun, data can be filed and stored until the required information is presented to complete the service. A customer may visit another location where the stored information may be quickly accessed.

New state-of-the-art equipment will be installed including modern computer and photography equipment and printers that will be faster and more reliable.

For more information, visit www.dds.ga.gov.

Georgia DDS Implements New Mandates

The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) has implemented several legislative mandates which may affect your driving privileges.

Fees will now be charged for any retest of a general knowledge exam (automobile, motorcycle and CDL) and for missing a commercial driving road test. Non-citizens living in Georgia will be able to keep their foreign issued driver’s license along with a newly-issued Georgia license.

House Bill 1111

House Bill 1111 allows DDS to charge a fee for failed attempts at written tests. Prospective drivers will be charged $10.00 each time a retest is attempted, providing a good reason to study before hand. The up-front fee would apply for all knowledge tests that DDS administers including commercial and motorcycle licenses. If the customer passes the test the fee will replace the permit fee for the service requested.

Prospective Commercial Driver’s must pay a $50.00 fee prior to making a reservation for a CDL Road Test. If the customer does not show up for their appointment they will have to pay a new $50.00 fee to schedule a new appointment. The $50.00 fee is good for two tests if the customer arrives at the reserved time. Even though CDL road tests require mandatory appointments, many fail to appear for the exam wasting valuable examination time.

In addition, Commercial Driver’s must provide a full legal name for the application and may not utilize a social security number as a CDL license number. Federal mandates now require DDS to obtain out of state records for all CDL applicants and impose mandatory disqualifications in Georgia which were not imposed in previous jurisdictions. Civil penalties for commercial driver violations and commercial driver employer violations have been enhanced.

Senate Bill 488

Senate Bill 488 allows non-citizens to keep their foreign issued driver’s license or identification card when obtaining a non-commercial Georgia license or ID card. Customers applying for a Commercial Drivers License must surrender their out of country license.

A non-citizen who is not a Georgia resident but is visiting or attending school may drive using a valid license from another country plus an International Driver Permit. The International Driver Permit is issued in the home country and translates a foreign issued license to make it understandable to U.S. officials.

For compete driver testing and licensing information, visit the DDS Web site www.dds.ga.gov. Many transactions such as implementing a change of address or replacing a lost or stolen license may be initiated online.