Georgia Department of Driver Services launches digital driver’s license

The Georgia Department of Driver Services announced last week that Georgians now have a digital option for driver’s licenses. Starting tomorrow, the Georgia Department of Driver Services will begin to offer Georgia residents the option to add a valid, Georgia-issued driver’s license and ID to their iPhone and Apple Watch.

Georgia is the largest state to provide this capability to their residents enabling an easy, fast, and secure way for Georgians to present their driver’s license or ID — without needing to take out their physical card. This new service will assist traveling Georgians who can use their digital license and ID at select TSA security checkpoints, including some at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport. The state agency said customers will be able to securely present their digital driver’s license and ID using their iPhone or Apple Watch at select Transportation Security Administration security checkpoints.

Said Department of Driver Services Commissioner Spencer R. Moore, “Get ready to reimagine the way you use your driver’s license. We value the opportunity to work with Apple and TSA to bring this convenience to our residents.”

Arizona, Maryland, and Colorado are the three other states that had previously introduced digital state ID options. Georgia residents who are enrolled in TSA PreCheck will be able to use their digital license as verification, which they say provides a quick, safe, and efficient process.

In a press release, Robert Spinden, TSA Federal Security Director for the State of Georgia said, “This new rollout allows passengers to safely and securely enter the security checkpoint area and offers a convenient travel experience for passengers–especially as their iPhones and Apple Watches can now act as both their IDs and boarding pass.”

Governor Brian Kemp issued a statement saying, “As the No. 1 state for business, Georgia recognizes the value of finding new and innovative ways to remain at the forefront of emerging trends. I want to thank our great team at DDS for working with their partners in the private sector, as well as the TSA, to make this exciting new service possible. I look forward to this option being widely available for hardworking Georgians and visitors alike.”

To get started, Georgia residents must have a valid and easily readable Georgia driver’s license or ID card, as well as an iPhone 8 or later, or Apple Watch 4 or later, with the latest version of iOS or watchOS, according to officials. 

To add your driver’s license or state ID to your Apple Wallet, tap the + button at the top of the screen in Apple Wallet on your iPhone select ‘Driver’s license or State ID,” and follow the on-screen instructions to start the set-up and verification process.

Officials said that it could take up to 48 hours for Georgia to appear as an option in Apple Wallet. DDS officials said that Georgians must continue to carry their physical driver’s license or ID with them and that the digital version is a free and voluntary option.

Information about Apple Wallet can be found at learn.wallet.apple/id.