Walker County Messenger

Kemp authorizes emergency license procedures for Georgia drivers

- Staff reports

Gov. Brian P. Kemp and Department of Driver Services (DDS) Commission­er Spencer R. Moore announced an emergency operation plan for the agency, which includes a 60-day extension for many Georgians with a driver’s license and/or ID card nearing expiration. Along with the extended expiration dates, the DDS customer service centers will cease customer-facing services until further notice for the well-being of customers and DDS team members alike.

“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 served more than 250,000 customers in person statewide and is one of the highest volume agencies serving the public in the state.

Moore commented, “I appreciate the governor’s prompt action to protect the health of DDS customers, team members and their families. Our business partner, Thales, is to be commended for swiftly endorsing our emergency plan to provide the extended cards to our customers.”

All valid GA driver’s licenses and ID 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: ID 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 credential from their former state. A plan to reopen safely for these customers is being developed.

Recently 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.

DDS Online Services can be accessed at www.dds.georgia. gov or download the mobile DDS 2 GO app to conduct your licensing business anytime from the comfort of your home or office.

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