Georgia Department of Public Safety now accepts digital driver’s license and ID

ATLANTA — Drivers can now use a digital driver’s license stored on their phone during traffic stops with Georgia State Patrol troopers, but officials say they should still carry their physical license.

The Georgia Department of Public Safety announced Friday that its State Patrol troopers, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement officers and Capitol Police officers can now verify state-issued digital licenses and IDs during traffic stops, crash investigations and other interactions.

“We are collaborating with the Georgia Department of Driver Services to make this transition as easy as possible across our state,” said Georgia Department of Public Safety Commissioner Col. William Hitchens.

How to present a digital ID

The option is voluntary. Drivers can continue using their physical license or state ID. Those who choose to use a digital ID should tell the officer, then hold their phone near the officer’s ID reader. Drivers do not need to hand over their phones.

Before sharing any information, drivers can review the officer’s request and approve it using a security feature such as facial recognition. According to DPS, the process shares the same identifying information provided by a physical ID and does not give officers access to additional data on the phone.

Officers will not ask drivers specifically for a digital ID. The driver chooses which form of ID to present.

Keep your physical license handy

Digital IDs are not yet accepted by every law enforcement agency in Georgia. DPS recommends carrying a physical license or state ID as more agencies adopt the technology.

House Bill 296 allows drivers to present a license in an approved electronic format and gives Georgia law enforcement agencies until July 1, 2027, to obtain equipment to verify digital licenses.

State Department of Driver Services Commissioner Angelique B. McClendon commended DPS for its “forward-thinking leadership” in adopting digital driver’s licenses.

“Their willingness to embrace this innovative technology demonstrates a shared commitment to modernizing government services while maintaining the highest standards of public safety. This partnership represents an important step toward making digital identification a convenient, secure, and practical option for Georgia Drivers,” McClendon said.

Drivers interested in obtaining a digital license or ID can find information through the Georgia Department of Driver Services website.