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Health & Fitness

New Requirements for Driver's Licenses: Be Prepared!

Why the changes to the requirements for Georgia Driver's licenses? Be prepared to wait, and be sure to bring the correct documents.

I've received a number of complaints this week from constituents who experienced long waits while attempting to renew their driver's licenses.  According to news reports, it looks like this may be a problem for some time because the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) enacted new requirements effective July 1, 2012. There should have been a better educational campaign about the changes as many Georgians were unaware of the new documentation requirements.

WHY THE NEW REQUIREMENTS?

The Real ID Act of 2005 is a Republican-sponsored law that sets federal standards for the issuance of state driver's licenses. Governor Nathan Deal, then a member of the House of Representatives, was one of the co-sponsors of this federal law and he also voted for its passage.  The law was signed by President George W. Bush on May 11, 2005. 

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HOW DOES THIS AFFECT YOU?

There are new documentation standards for obtaining a Georgia driver's license or ID card and you must visit a Customer Service Center in person for your first issuance, first renewal, or reinstatement after July 1, 2012. 

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The new documentation standards can be found here.  For example, you now must provide: 

  • an original or certified copy of your Birth Certificate or other proof of identity, and proof U.S. citizenship or lawful presence in the United States;
  • your Social Security Card or other proof of full Social Security Number (SSN), such as a W2. Previously, DDS was allowed to simply ask you for your SSN; and
  • two different proofs of your residential address. Previously, DDS only required one proof of your residential address.
  • Be sure to bring the correct documentation with you.  For additional information and a list of FAQs, click here.

     

     

     

     

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