DDS urges voters to prepare documents early

To ensure a smooth process when casting a ballot on Nov. 8, now is the time to ensure you have proper photo identification.

“Don’t wait until Election Day to realize your driver’s license or identification card is missing,” said DDS Commissioner Bert Brantley.  “Tuesdays are always the busiest days at our DDS centers.  Add to that the extra customers who need photo IDs before the polls close, and that is a recipe for significant wait times.”

DDS is planning on deploying additional staff to its busiest centers on Election Day to assist customers as quickly as possible. However, there is no reason to wait until that day. Replacing a lost license, changing an address and checking the best times to visit in person can all be done on the DDS Online Services webpage https://online.dds.ga.gov/onlineservices/ or from the homepage at www.dds.ga.gov.  If you must visit in person, use the Skip A Step! DDS Online feature to complete and submit your required paperwork before you arrive.  It will save valuable time during your visit.

Poll workers will accept a valid or an expired Georgia driver’s license or State Identification Card  (provided it’s expired no more than one year).  They also will accept the DDS Interim (temporary) license and/or ID which is issued at the center before the laminated card is mailed to you.

However, DDS urges everyone to keep their driver’s license and/or ID Card valid and current – including making any changes to a name or address as soon as possible. For voters who don’t drive or have any other type of acceptable photo identification, DDS can issue a Voter Identification Card for Voting Purposes.  Customers apply in person at any DDS location and present documentation to prove identity, residency and proof of voter registration.

For a list of other acceptable voter identification visit the Secretary of State MyVoter Page (MVP) to review voter requirements, verify that you are a registered voter, locate your assigned polling place and more at www.sos.ga.gov  or https://www.mvp.sos.ga.gov/MVP/back2HomePage.

For complete driver licensing and testing information, visit the DDS website at www.dds.ga.gov.