ATLANTA — Drivers with a Georgia driver’s license will have the option to present a digital version of their ID to certain law enforcement agencies.
The Georgia Department of Public Safety says Georgia State Troopers, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officers and Capitol Police Officers are now able to accept digital licenses during traffic stops and crash investigations.
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The new policy was adopted under Georgia House Bill 296, which went into effect in 2025. The law allows Georgia residents to present a license or identification card in a specific electronic format while operating a vehicle.
The Georgia Department of Public Safety says its troopers and officers must have the necessary equipment to verify the digital licenses by July 1, 2027.
Colonel William W. Hitchens III, DPS Commissioner, said this will allow his department to serve citizens and visitors more effectively.
“We are collaborating with the Georgia Department of Driver’s Services to make this transition as easy as possible across our state,” Hitchens said.
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HOW DO YOU SHOW A DIGITAL ID?
The Georgia Department of Public Safety says there are specific ways a driver needs to show their digital ID if they’re pulled over by a trooper or state law enforcement officer.
First, the driver must tell the trooper or officer that they would like to use their digital license. The driver can show their ID by holding their phone near the trooper or driver’s reading device.
“Motorists should not hand their device to the troopers or officers,” the DPS says.
The choice to show a digital driver’s license or a physical license will be up to the driver.
“An important feature to note when presenting digital identification is that motorists will be able to review the information requested before it is shared with the law enforcement officer,” the DPS says.
“After reviewing the requested information, motorists will have to consent to share the requested information by using biometric authentication such as facial recognition.”
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WHERE CAN YOU GET A DIGITAL DRIVER’S LICENSE?
The electronic driver licenses and ID can be used by Apple, Google and Samsung wallets.
Drivers are not required to obtain a digital driver’s license or ID. Until the new digital ID are widely accepted across Georgia, drivers should continue to carry their physical ID cards and driver’s licenses.
If you are interested in learning more about digital driver’s license or ID in Georgia visit: GA Digital ID | Georgia Department of Driver Services.
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