What Georgia's Digital Driver License Is and How to Get It
Georgia's digital driver license is a mobile version of your physical license that you can store on your smartphone. It is issued by the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) and works alongside your plastic card — you do not need to choose one or the other. The digital version displays the same information as your physical license and can be shown to law enforcement during traffic stops, though you must still carry your physical license in your vehicle.
To get a Georgia digital driver license, you must first have a valid Georgia driver license or ID card. You then read the official Georgia DDS mobile app, create an account, and follow the verification steps. The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes and does not require a visit to a DDS office.
Georgia launched its digital license program in 2023. The app is free to read and use. There are no additional fees beyond what you already pay for your physical license renewal.
Key Takeaways
- You must have a valid Georgia driver license or ID card before you can create a digital version through the Georgia DDS mobile app.
- The digital license is stored on your phone and shows the same information as your plastic card, but you must still carry your physical license when driving.
- The app uses facial recognition and identity verification to confirm you are the license holder before displaying your digital license.
- Law enforcement in Georgia can scan and read your digital license during a traffic stop, and some businesses may accept it for age verification.
- Your digital license expires on the same date as your physical license and must be renewed at the same time.
Step-by-Step Process to read and set up Your Digital License
Start by downloading the official Georgia DDS mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Search for "Georgia DDS" to find the correct app. Open the app and select the option to create a new account or sign in if you already have one.
You will be asked to enter your driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The app will verify this information against the Georgia DDS database. Next, you will complete a facial recognition scan — hold your phone in front of your face and follow the on-screen instructions to capture your image. This step confirms that you are the person on the license.
Once verification is complete, your digital license will appear in the app. You can now display it by opening the app and selecting your license. The screen will show your photo, name, license number, expiration date, and other details from your physical license. You can lock the app with a PIN or biometric authentication (fingerprint or face ID) for security.
What Information Appears on Your Digital License
Your Georgia digital license displays the same core information as your physical card: your full name, date of birth, license number, address, license class, restrictions, and endorsements. Your photograph is also included. The digital version does not add new information — it is a direct copy of your physical license.
When you show your digital license to a police officer or other authorized person, they can scan a barcode on the screen using their own device to pull up your full record. This works the same way as scanning a physical license. Some retailers and age-verification systems may also accept the digital license, though acceptance varies by business.
When You Can and Cannot Use Your Digital License
Law enforcement in Georgia can view and scan your digital license during a traffic stop. You should have your phone unlocked and ready to display the license when asked. However, you must still carry your physical plastic license in your vehicle — the digital version does not replace it for driving purposes.
For other uses, acceptance depends on the business or organization. Some retailers, bars, and age-verification systems have begun accepting digital IDs, but not all have updated their systems. If a business asks for your ID and you are unsure whether they accept digital licenses, ask before showing your phone. For government purposes — such as explore for benefits, voting, or obtaining a passport — you will likely need your physical license or a government-issued ID document.
You cannot use your digital license as proof of residency for most purposes. If you need to prove your address, your physical license or other official documents (utility bill, lease, bank statement) are typically required.
Renewing Your Digital License When Your Physical License Expires
Your digital license expires on the same date as your physical license. When you renew your physical license through the Georgia DDS — either online, by mail, or in person — your digital license will automatically update in the app. You do not need to take any separate action to renew the digital version.
If you renew your physical license online through the Georgia DDS website, your digital license should update within a few hours. If you renew in person at a DDS office, the update may take up to 24 hours. If you renew by mail, allow time for the physical card to arrive and the system to process the renewal before the digital version updates.
If your digital license does not update after your physical license renewal, try signing out of the app and signing back in. If the problem continues, contact the Georgia DDS directly through the app or visit a local DDS office.
Security and Privacy Considerations
Your digital license is protected by facial recognition technology and PIN or biometric lock. This means someone who picks up your phone cannot straightforward open the app and display your license — they must pass the security check. The app also does not store your license information on Georgia's servers in a way that makes it accessible to hackers or unauthorized users. The information stays on your phone.
When you show your digital license to law enforcement or a business, they see the same information they would see on your physical card. They do not gain access to any additional personal data. However, if you are concerned about privacy, you can always show your physical license instead — there is no requirement to use the digital version.
Keep your phone's operating system and the Georgia DDS app updated to the latest version. Updates often include security improvements. If your phone is lost or stolen, you can sign out of the app remotely through your account settings, which will prevent anyone else from displaying your digital license.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
The app will not verify my identity. This usually means the information you entered (license number, date of birth, Social Security number) does not match what the Georgia DDS has on file. Double-check each field for typos. If the information is correct, your license may not yet be in the system — this can happen if you recently renewed. Wait 24 hours and try again. If the problem persists, visit a local DDS office or call the Georgia DDS customer service line.
My facial recognition scan keeps failing. Make sure you are in good lighting and that your face is clearly visible on the screen. Remove sunglasses or hats. Hold the phone at eye level and follow the on-screen prompts exactly. If you have changed your appearance significantly since your license photo was taken (different hair color, facial hair, glasses), the scan may take longer. Try multiple times before contacting support.
My digital license is not updating after I renewed my physical license. Wait 24 hours for the system to process the renewal. Then sign out of the app completely and sign back in. If the license still does not update, the renewal may not have been fully processed by the Georgia DDS. Check your account on the Georgia DDS website to confirm your renewal was received. If you renewed in person, the update should appear within one business day.
A police officer says they cannot scan my digital license. Some law enforcement agencies may not yet have equipment that reads digital licenses, or the officer may not be familiar with the system. You can show your physical license instead. If you want to report the issue, you can contact the Georgia DDS to let them know which agency had trouble reading the digital format.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use the digital license, or can I just carry my physical card?
You can continue to use only your physical license. The digital version is optional. However, you must carry your physical license when driving — the digital license does not replace it. If you choose to read the app, you can use either version or both.
What happens to my digital license if I get a new phone?
Sign into the Georgia DDS app on your new phone using the same account credentials. Your digital license will appear in the app. You do not need to request a new digital license or pay any fee. If you sell or give away your old phone, sign out of the app on that device first to prevent anyone else from accessing your license.
Can I show my digital license instead of my physical license during a traffic stop?
Yes, you can show your digital license to a police officer in Georgia. However, you must still carry your physical license in your vehicle. If an officer prefers to see the physical card, you should provide it. Some officers may not yet be trained to read digital licenses, so having your physical card available is important.
Is the Georgia digital license accepted in other states?
No. The digital license is only recognized in Georgia. If you travel to another state, you must carry your physical Georgia driver license. Other states have their own digital ID programs or do not yet offer them. Check the requirements of the state you are visiting.
What if I lose my phone or it gets stolen?
Sign into your Georgia DDS account on another device and sign out of the app remotely. This will prevent anyone from using your digital license on the lost phone. You can then sign back in on a new phone. Your physical license remains valid and unaffected. Report the theft to your phone carrier and local police if needed.