Identification Cards in Georgia

Applying for a Georgia ID Card

The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) offers a variety of identification cards that prove your identity, age, and/or address. Keep reading for details on how to apply, including the forms and fees you'll need!

Georgia Secure ID Driver's Licenses

The Georgia DDS began issuing federally-compliant REAL ID cards—called the SecureID—in 2012. A Secure ID allows you to use your ID card for domestic travel and entry into federal and military buildings. The information below reflects the requirements to obtain a Georgia Secure ID.

For details on GA REAL IDs, see the DDS' guide and FAQs.

Eligibility Requirements

To comply with the Federal Real ID Act of 2005, the GA Department of Driver Services (DDS) provides identification (ID) cards called the “Secure ID" to all Georgia residents who are able to sign their legal signature. All Georgia residents must meet all of the new Secure ID requirements while applying, renewing, or replacing their ID cards.

There is NO minimum age requirement to apply for a Georgia Secure ID card.

  • If you need to renew, replace or update your regular Georgia ID card, you are required to provide additional identification documents to apply for your Secure ID card.
  • If you hold a current out-of-state driver's license, permit, or ID card, you must surrender it when you apply for a Georgia ID card.

If you need information on how to apply for a Georgia driver's license, jump over to our licensing and Driver's Ed pages for requirements and forms:

Apply for a Georgia ID Card

You must visit a GA DDS branch office in person to apply for your Georgia ID card. You cannot apply for a GA state ID card online, by mail, or by phone.

The DDS does NOT take appointments for Georgia ID card applications. Instead, you should plan to visit during the suggested times.

IMPORTANT: Read the “Additional Requirements" section below for information specific to non-standard ID cards.

To apply for your GA state ID card, you will need:

  • Proof of your identity, such as:
  • Proof of your Georgia residency (2 documents), such as:
    • Utility bill issued within the last 6 months.
    • Financial statement issued within the last 6 months (bank, credit card, etc.).
    • Current rental agreement.
    • NOTE: If you're a dependent and cannot prove residency, the GA DDS will also accept:
      • A valid GA-state driver's license, permit, or ID card issued to your parent, guardian, spouse, or child.
      • Your State or Federal income tax return for the current or preceding year (it must list you as a dependent).
      • School transcript with your residence shown.
  • Proof of your Social Security number (1 document), such as:
    • Your Social Security card (original or copy).
    • W-2 form.
    • SSN denial/refusal letter, if you don't have a SSN.
  • Proof of any legal name changes, such as:
    • Marriage license/certificate.
    • Divorce decree.
    • Court adoption document.
    • Petition for legal name change.
  • Payment for your ID card fee. See GA Identification Card Fees below for specific fees and accepted payment methods.

For more information and a complete list of accepted identification documents, visit the Georgia DDS website. You may also create a custom Secure ID document checklist.

Non-U.S. Citizens: If you're a non-U.S. citizen, please refer to the “Non-U.S. Citizen" section below for additional information.

Additional Requirements for Specific ID Cards

There are additional requirements to the above if you are applying for a:

  • Veteran ID card.
  • Honorary veteran ID card.
  • Voter ID card.
  • Handicap ID card.

Non-U.S. Citizens

If you're a non-U.S. citizen, the GA DDS will apply an additional fee to your application if:

  • Your immigration documents have an expiration date. You will be issued a GA state ID card with an identical expiration to your immigration documents up to 5 years.
  • You're a lawful permanent resident, recipient of asylum, or refugee and your immigration documents do NOT have expiration dates. The GA DDS will issue you a Georgia ID card valid for the lessor of: the rime of your authorized stay in the U.S or 5 years.
  • Your immigration documents do NOT have an expiration date and you're NOT a lawful permanent resident, asylum recipient, or refugee. Your GA state ID card will be valid for a limited time.

You will need to show a letter of ineligibility if you do not have a Social Security number.

For more information about non-citizen applications, please visit the GA DDS website.

GA Identification Card Fees

The fee/expiration for your Georgia ID card varies depending on the type of ID card. If you renew your Georgia ID card online, you will receive a $5 discount (free ID cards excluded).

 
 
 
 
 
Card Validity Period + Fee
State ID card 8 years—$32
Veteran ID card 8 years—free
Honorary veteran ID card 8 years—free
Voter ID card 8 years—free
Veteran Handicapped ID card 6 months (temporary) or 4 years—free
Handicapped ID card 8 years—$5
Indigent ID card 8 years—Must present your state-approved Indigent Resource Provider voucher - $5

If your Georgia ID card was lost or stolen, the GA DDS will charge you $10 for the duplicate.

Renew Your Georgia ID/Secure ID Card

You may renew your Georgia ID card up to 150 days before it expires and no more than 2 years after expiration.

First-Time Secure ID Renewals

If this is your first renewal of your GA Secure ID card, you must renew in person.

You may be eligible to renew your GA ID card:

We'll outline the steps for each option below.

Replacing a Georgia ID Card

If your Georgia ID card is lost, stolen, damaged/destroyed, or you need to change your information, you will need to apply for a duplicate. The GA DDS charges $10 for replacement cards.

You can apply for a replacement Georgia ID card online or in person at your local GA driver's license office. You cannot apply by mail or phone.

For information on how to replace a lost GA driver's license, visit our Replacing a Lost License in Georgia page.

Online

You can replace your Georgia ID card online if you:

  • Hold a regular Georgia ID card, not a Secure ID card.
  • Are a resident of Georgia.
  • Are a U.S. citizen.

Visit the Georgia DDS Lost License Replacement website and create an online customer account.

The GA DDS send your replacement Georgia ID card to the post office within 30 days.

In Person

To replace your Georgia ID card in person, visit your local Georgia DDS driver's license office and bring:

  • Proof of your identity (must be originals) using either:
    • 1 document from Category A, such as:
      • U.S. birth certificate.
      • Military ID card.
      • Current foreign passport with a valid I-94 card.
    • 1 document showing full Social Security number, such as:
      • Social Security card.
      • SSA-1099.
      • Income tax return (previous year).
    • 2 documents proving you GA residency; such as
    • Utility bill
    • Rental agreement or mortgage documents.
    • Vehicle registration or title.
  • Payment. See the “GA Identification Card Fees" section above for specific fees and accepted payment methods.

NOTE: If you are replacing your GA indigent ID card, you may need to present another voucher from your Indigent Resource Provider.

ID Name or Address Change

The GA DDS allows one free name or address change on your original Georgia ID card. You must complete the application 150 days before your GA state ID card expires to be eligible.

Change Your Name

You must notify the Georgia DDS of your name change within 60 days by visiting your local GA DDS office in person. You cannot change your name online or by mail.

You must bring:

  • Certified legal documents verifying your name change(s), such as:
  • Payment (if applicable). For specific fee information and payment methods, see the “GA Identification Card Fees" section above.

IMPORTANT!

If you were married on or after November 1, 1982 and would like to hyphenate a surname and a married name, you must present a marriage license application (certified copy) that reflects the hyphenation.

For more information, read our guide to changing your name in Georgia.

Change Your Address

You must notify the GA DDS of your new address within 60 days of your move.

You can change your address either in person at a local GA DDS office or during your online Georgia ID card renewal application.

To change your GA address in person, you must provide 2 documents (or 1 document only if you have a GA Secure ID card) proving your residential address, such as:

  • Recent utility bill.
  • Financial statement.
  • School record or transcript.

You will also need payment for your replacement Georgia ID card, if applicable. See GA Identification Card Fees above for fees and payment methods.

For more information, read our guide to changing your address in Georgia.

Forms

DS-516
Certificate of Eligibility for Veterans Driver's License/Identification Card
Apply for a military veteran's license OR GA state identification card with the DDS.
DDS-29
Application for Placement of Medical/Disability Information on License/Permit/Identification Card
Submit this form to request that the DDS print important health information on your Georgia driver's license or ID. May require a doctor's certification.
DDS-579
Affidavit for Identification Card for Voting Purposes
Submit this affidavit to the GA Department of Driver Services if you need an ID card in order to vote AND do not have a valid driver's license. Must be signed before a notary public.
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