ATLANTA (July 19, 2013) – In light of the new licensing and identification requirements implemented by the Georgia Department of Driver’s Services (DDS) last year, Sen. Cecil Staton (R-Macon) is providing his constituents with a necessary update on four critical operational changes that have gone into effect as of June 1, 2013.
“I am proud of the Georgia Department of Driver’s Services for their efforts to make renewing a Georgia driver’s license or ID as seamless and easy as possible,” said Sen. Staton.” “These changes will go a long way toward ensuring shorter wait times and providing Georgia drivers with a less stressful experience.”
As of July 2012, all Georgia residents are required to bring additional documentation in order to renew or apply for a driver’s license or ID card. These documents include at least one (1) original or certified document to prove primary identity; at least one (1) document to prove the person’s social security number; and at least two (2) documents to prove residential address.
However, on June 1, 2013, the Georgia Department of Driver’s Services implemented four new operational changes to better serve Georgia drivers. These changes will primarily affect drivers who are missing certain identification documents or who make changes to their address using a DDS Online Services Account.
- Easier paperwork transmittal: In the event constituents fail to provide the proper proof of residency or social security information, customers are now able to upload proper paperwork through the DDS website. Once the application is approved, customers will receive a follow-up email about when to expect their permanent license or ID card. Identification data may also be submitted by fax or email for customers without internet access.
- Streamlined documentation process: If customers are missing critical information during their first visit to DDS, they may return to their local DDS Customer Service Center to have their documents scanned by a DDS representative. This will prevent customers from repeating steps from previous visit such as taking a new photo or re-entering personal information.
- New Online Security Procedures: The likelihood of customers making an in-person visit to the DDS has been dramatically reduced as a result of the Department of Drivers Service’s new and improved online account security and customer identification procedures. According to DDS, the success rate for processing online address changes has increased to over 99 percent.
- Improved Online Tracking: DDS added a new feature to its online services called, “Where’s my license.” This option was implemented to help customers who take advantage of an online DDS services account. This procedure will make it easier to track the processing status of a new or renewed Georgia license or ID card without the inconvenience of making an extra call to a local Customer Service Center. Customers will receive a confirmation status of whether their application was approved, mailed, pending or denied.
All driver’s licenses and ID cards issued by Georgia Department of Driver’s Services are compliant with the Federal Real ID Act of 2005, which prohibits licenses or ID’s from non-compliant states from being used to board commercial aircrafts or enter federal buildings. The Federal Real ID Act of 2005 was based on the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission.
Sen. Staton urges his constituents to visit the Georgia Department of Driver’s Services website for more information: http://www.dds.ga.gov/secureid/index.aspx. Constituents are also welcome to contact Sen. Staton’s office at 404. 656.5039 with questions or concerns.
RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
July 19, 2013
For Information Contact:
Jennifer Yarber, Interim Director
Shawna Mercer, Sr. Communications Specialist
Shawna.Mercer@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028