ATLANTA — Gov. Brian Kemp and Department of Driver Services (DDS) Commissioner Spencer R. Moore have announced an emergency operations plan for the agency which includes a 60-day extension for many Georgia residents with a driver's license or state ID card nearing expiration.
In addition to the extended expiration dates, the DDS is closing all of its customer-facing service centers until further notice.
“To maintain a safe and healthy environment for our citizens and the DDS Team who assist them at the Centers, this is an important step," Kemp said. "Having an extension allows hundreds of thousands of Georgians to legally drive and have proof of identity during this emergency period while DDS centers are closed.”
In February, DDS centers served more than 250,000 customers in person across the state and is one of the highest volume agencies serving the public in the state.
“I appreciate the Governor’s prompt action to protect the health of DDS customers, Team Members and their families," said Moore. "Our business partner, Thales, is to be commended for swiftly endorsing our emergency plan to provide the extended cards to our customers.”
Moore said the following points will be covered under the plan:
All valid Georgia driver's licenses and state-issued identification cards with an expiration date between now and June 30, 2020, will receive an extension by a period of 60 days.
Notices will be mailed and new cards will be printed and mailed directly to customers.
Eligible types include identification cards, commercial (CDL) and non-commercial driver's licenses, limited permits and driving permits.
Medical certifications and CDL endorsements will be extended along with the CDL licenses.
Customers who need to reinstate their license or upgrade from a Class D to a Class C license should utilize DDS Online Services at www.dds.georgia.gov.
Customers who are new to Georgia will not be served during the closure period and should continue using their credentials from their former state. A plan to reopen safety for these customers is being developed.
Last week, an extension was provided for approximately 36,000 customers age 60 and older with a valid license or ID with an expiration date from March through June 30, 2020. DDS also suspended all road-testing, non-commercial and commercial, to follow the recommendation of public health authorities regarding social distancing.
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