GA DDS closes all locations; emergency operation plan in place

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    ATLANTA, GA (WGCL) — The Georgia Department of Driver Services has announced they’re closing all 67 Customer Service Centers in the state out of an abundance of caution due to coronavirus concerns.

The department says all centers will remain closed until March 31. Online services are still available. Click here for more.

Susan Sports, Public Information Officer for the department, released this information regarding the plan in place for Georgia drivers:

“Governor Brian P. Kemp and Department of Driver Services (DDS) Commissioner Spencer R. Moore announced an emergency operation plan for the Agency which includes a 60-day extension for many Georgians with a driver’s license and/or ID Card nearing expiration. Along with the extended expiration dates, the DDS customer service centers will cease customer-facing services until further notice for the well-being of customers and DDS team members alike.

Governor Kemp said, “To maintain a safe and healthy environment for our citizens and the DDS Team who assist them at the Centers, this is an important step. Having an extension allows hundreds of thousands of Georgians to legally drive and have proof of identity during this emergency period while DDS centers are closed.”

In February, DDS served over 250,000 customers in person statewide and is one of the highest volume agencies serving the public in the State. DDS Commissioner Spencer R. Moore commented “I appreciate the Governor’s prompt action to protect the health of DDS customers, Team Members and their families. Our business partner, Thales, is to be commended for swiftly endorsing our emergency plan to provide the extended cards to our customers.”

All valid GA driver’s licenses and ID cards with an expiration date between now and June 30, 2020 will receive an extension by a period of 60 days.

Notices will be mailed, and new cards will be printed and mailed directly to customers.

Eligible types include: ID cards, commercial (CDL) and non-commercial driver’s licenses, limited permits and driving permits.

Medical Certifications and CDL endorsements will be extended along with the CDL licenses.

Customers who need to reinstate their license or upgrade from a Class D to a Class C license should utilize DDS Online Services at dds.georgia.gov.

Customers who are new to Georgia will not be served during the closure period and should continue using their credential from their former state. A plan to reopen safely for these customers is being developed.

Last week, an extension was provided for approximately 36,000 customers age 60 and older with a valid license or ID with an expiration date from March through June 30, 2020. DDS also suspended all road testing, non-commercial and commercial, to follow the recommendation of public health authorities regarding social distancing.

DDS Online Services can be accessed at dds.georgia.gov or download the mobile DDS 2 GO app to conduct your licensing business anytime from the comfort of your home or office.”

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