How to Get a Georgia State ID Card: Eligibility, Process, and Fees
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If you're a resident of Georgia, getting a state ID card makes it easier to prove who you are. That comes in handy if you plan on taking a domestic flight, applying for a loan, or getting a job. Learn how to obtain your Georgia state ID card in this guide.
Introduction to Georgia State ID Cards
There are many times when you may need to show proof of your identity. It might prove necessary if you land a job with a new employer or try to pay for something using a debit or credit card. The waitstaff at a restaurant can ask for ID if you order an alcoholic beverage. But what is a Georgia state ID card?
Georgia state ID cards list all the information needed to verify your identity, including your name, address in Georgia, and birthday. Your new card also includes a photo of you, so anyone who asks to see it can quickly confirm that you are the person named on the ID.
There is a difference between a Georgia state ID card vs. driver's license. An ID card verifies your identity but doesn't grant driving privileges, while a driver's license does both.
Eligibility Criteria for a Georgia State ID
It's relatively easy to get a state ID card in Georgia. There are no age minimums, so long as you can sign your name or make a mark. If a parent or guardian approves, you can get an ID even if you're under 18.
The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) requests proof of identity and residency to get your card. You need to live in the state to qualify for an ID.
Required Documentation for Your Georgia State ID
A standard Georgia ID application for a U.S. citizen requires three documents to get a state of Georgia ID card. One shows your proof of citizenship, and the other two validate your residential address.
The DDS accepts any of the below as proof of identity:
- U.S. birth certificates
- U.S. passport or passport card
- Consular report of birth abroad
- State of Georgia certificate of foreign birth
- Certificate of naturalization
- Certificate of citizenship
You need two documents that show your current Georgia address. In general, anything postmarked through the U.S. Postal Service qualifies if it has your address on it. That can include:
- Utility bills
- Bank statements
- Medical bills
- Your mortgage or lease agreement
- Paystubs
- W-2 or 1099 statements
During the application process, you provide your Social Security number. Knowing the number is enough; a Social Security card is not required unless the DDS cannot verify it through its systems.
Non-Citizen Documentation
The process is slightly different if you are not a US citizen. In addition to your Georgia residency, you need alternative documentation that proves your identity and legal status.
Some examples of acceptable records include:
- An unexpired passport with a U.S. visa or parole stamp
- An I-94, I-766, or I-551
- A visa waiver stamp
An I-94 or I-797A Notice of Action may serve as proof of your lawful status. Other types of suitable documents include a Notice of Action for I-797C, I-485, NACARA, or EOIR 42B.
Types of Georgia State IDs: Standard vs. REAL ID
The REAL ID program introduced a set of federal standards for issuing identification and driver's licenses. Georgia started issuing REAL IDs in 2012. It no longer provides standard IDs.
You'll know if you have a REAL ID if there's a gold or grey star on your Georgia identification card.
Application Process and Fees for Georgia State IDs
Georgia has a strict (but simple) process for acquiring your identification card. Start by completing the Form for License/ID/Permit on the Georgia DDS website. That's necessary for anyone applying for ID — the DDS representatives can't process your application unless you complete the acceptable forms.
After you complete the application form, you will need to visit a local Georgia DDS center in person to complete the process. Remember to bring your identity and residence documents for the representative to review.
The fee for a new Georgia ID card is $32, and it lasts for eight years.
Renewal, Replacement, and Free Voter Identification Cards
Georgia provides several ways to renew or replace your ID card. Online renewal is the easiest since you can do it from the comfort of your home. All that's needed is an unexpired Georgia ID and an online account, which is free to create.
If you opt for in-person renewal, you can initiate the process online. You complete an online renewal form and then visit your local DDS center to finish the process.
Mail-in renewals are only available if you're temporarily out of state for work or education purposes.
Georgia requires an ID to vote, and its DDS center can provide you with a free voter ID card that meets the state card requirements. The card is only valid for voting purposes.
Helpful Resources for Georgia State ID Applicants
Visit the Georgia Department of Driver Services website for more information about Georgia's state ID Cards. You can start your application online and find local DDS centers near you. The website also provides information about titling and registering a car, obtaining a motor vehicle report, and requesting driving records.
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