Department of Driver Services Commissioner Rob Mikell announced that a new economic development initiative has been launched at DDS’ customer service centers statewide.

Passed during the last session of the General Assembly, Senate Bill 122 enables issuance of a one-time 120-day extension for non-citizens who are waiting for updated paperwork from the federal government to remain lawfully in the United State. To obtain Georgia licenses and ID cards, all applicants must prove lawful presence or U.S. citizenship.

Sen. Hunter Hill (R-Smyrna) sponsored the legislation, which was championed by Gov. Nathan Deal to support international companies with Georgia operations in growing their businesses to promote job creation. It also may be an important incentive to attracting new foreign businesses to the state.

“This additional customer service enhancement should be a welcome benefit to many applicants including students, business partners and their families,” said Mikell.

Prior to this initiative, customers who were waiting for an extension for time to remain lawfully in Georgia from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) would not be eligible to renew their license or ID.

For this extension, non-citizen customers must meet the following requirements:
• The customer must be an existing DDS customer with a Georgia driver’s license, ID card or permit
• The card that the customer is applying for must have expired or must be expiring within 30 days
• The customer must provide proof (Form I-797C from DHS) of having requested an extension for time to remain lawfully within the U.S.