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Understanding Georgia ID Cards: What This Guide Covers

This guide provides information about Georgia ID cards — state-issued identification documents that work for a range of purposes in Georgia. A Georgia ID card is a physical card created by the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) that shows your identity and serves as proof of residency and age in many situations. Unlike a driver's license, a Georgia ID card does not permit you to drive a vehicle. Many people obtain Georgia ID cards for identification at banks, healthcare facilities, government offices, and age-restricted purchases.

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The guide explores what information appears on a Georgia ID card, how the process works, and what documents you might need to bring. This resource walks through the various reasons people obtain Georgia ID cards and the different types available. You will learn about the standard card, which is the most common form of state identification in Georgia, as well as enhanced options that meet federal requirements for air travel and federal building access.

Understanding how Georgia ID cards work helps you know what to expect when visiting a DDS office. The guide breaks down timelines, costs, and the general steps involved in obtaining a card. This information comes from official Georgia DDS sources and reflects current Georgia state law as of 2024. The guide does not replace official government resources but offers a foundational overview to help you understand the process.

Practical takeaway: Before visiting a DDS office, review this guide to understand what a Georgia ID card is and whether information about it matches your situation. This preparation can make your visit more straightforward.

Types of Georgia ID Cards and Their Uses

Georgia offers several types of ID cards, each designed for different needs and situations. The standard Georgia ID card is the most commonly issued form. It contains your photograph, full name, date of birth, Georgia address, and an identification number. This card works for entering banks, voting locations, healthcare settings, and other places where identification is required. The standard card costs $32 and is valid for eight years for adults ages 21 and older, or five years for those under 21.

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The Enhanced Georgia ID card meets federal Real ID Act standards, which means it can be used for domestic air travel and entry into federal buildings. Many people choose the Enhanced card if they plan to fly within the United States or visit federal facilities. This card requires additional documentation to verify citizenship or lawful presence in the United States. The Enhanced card costs $65 and has the same validity periods as a standard card. It displays a gold star in the upper right corner to show it meets federal standards.

Georgia also issues ID cards for people with disabilities or medical conditions. These cards may include a wheelchair symbol or other indicators that help service providers understand your needs. The process for obtaining a disability ID card is similar to a standard card, but you provide medical documentation from a licensed healthcare provider.

Senior citizens age 65 and older may receive a card at reduced cost. Georgia offers discounted rates for older adults, typically around $16 instead of the standard $32 fee. This option makes identification more affordable for seniors who need state ID but may be on fixed incomes.

Practical takeaway: Determine which type of ID card fits your needs before visiting a DDS office. If you plan to fly domestically or enter federal buildings, the Enhanced card may be worth the additional cost and documentation.

Documents You Will Need to Bring

Bringing the correct documents when you visit a DDS office is important because staff cannot process your request without them. Georgia requires specific documents that prove your identity, citizenship or lawful presence, and Georgia residency. Having these documents ready prevents delays and allows the DDS to complete your card request on the same day in most cases.

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For proof of identity, you must bring one of these documents: a valid or expired passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, a school or government-issued ID, or a previous Georgia driver's license or ID card. If you bring a birth certificate, it must be certified (not a photocopy) and include the raised seal from the issuing state. A photocopy of these documents will not work.

Georgia residency requires documentation showing your name and current Georgia address. Documents that work include a utility bill dated within the last 60 days, a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, a Georgia vehicle registration, or a bank statement. A credit card statement, insurance documents, or other mail from your address may also be accepted. If you live with someone else, you may bring a letter from that person stating you live at their address, along with their identification and proof they live at that address.

For a standard ID card, you typically do not need citizenship documents. However, for an Enhanced ID card, you must prove U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residence. Acceptable documents include a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate from a U.S. state or territory, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a Certificate of Naturalization, a Certificate of U.S. Citizenship, or a valid Permanent Resident Card (Green Card). Military discharge papers (DD-214) also demonstrate U.S. citizenship.

You will also need to bring $32 for a standard card or $65 for an Enhanced card. Georgia accepts cash, checks, and debit or credit cards at DDS offices. If you are a senior over 65, bring proof of age such as a birth certificate or previous ID card to receive the discounted rate.

Practical takeaway: Create a checklist of required documents and verify you have each one before heading to a DDS office. Bringing everything at once prevents multiple trips and ensures faster processing.

What Happens During Your DDS Office Visit

When you arrive at a Georgia DDS office, staff will guide you through a straightforward process that typically takes 20 to 45 minutes. The exact time depends on office traffic and how quickly you and the staff member complete each step. Most DDS offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis, though some locations accept online appointments that may reduce waiting time.

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At the front desk or intake area, you will check in and may wait your turn. Bring all required documents with you. When called, you will meet with a DDS staff member who will review your documents to confirm you meet requirements for the card type you selected. The staff member will ask questions to verify information such as your legal name, date of birth, and Georgia address. Answer honestly and completely, as false information on an ID card is a crime.

You will then have a photograph taken at the DDS office. This photo appears on your ID card and serves as the main identifier when you use the card. Wear clothing and eyeglasses as you normally would, but avoid wearing hats, sunglasses, or heavy makeup that obscures your face. The photo must clearly show your face and typically cannot include a smile with teeth showing, though photography rules may vary slightly by location.

The staff member will create your card using information from your documents and the photograph. Most standard Georgia ID cards are produced on-site and printed within minutes. You may receive your card before you leave the office. For some card types or in cases where additional review is needed, the DDS may mail the card to your address within one to two weeks. When you receive your card, check that all information is correct. If you spot an error, return to the DDS office or contact them to request a correction.

Practical takeaway: Arrive at the DDS office with all documents organized and ready to show. Dress for a photograph as you would for a professional setting to ensure your ID card photo accurately reflects your appearance.

Costs, Timelines, and Card Validity

Georgia ID cards have clear costs and expiration dates so you know what to expect financially and when you will need to renew. A standard Georgia ID card for an adult aged 21 or older costs $32 and is valid for eight years. For people under 21, the standard card costs $32 and is valid for five years. An Enhanced Georgia ID card costs $65 and has the same validity periods — eight years for adults over 21 and five years for those under 21. Senior citizens aged 65 and older pay approximately $16 for a standard card, which is roughly half the regular price.

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The validity period begins on the date the DDS issues your card. Georgia prints the expiration date clearly on the front of your card, making it easy to know when you need to renew. If your card expires while you are away from Georgia, you can still renew by mail in some situations, though in-person renewal at a DDS office is the standard method. Ren