Georgia’s New Driver’s License Requirements Create Hours-Long Waits Across the State
ATLANTA — Georgia residents trying to renew or obtain a driver’s license are facing hours-long waits after a new in-person documentation rule took effect last week, according to the Statesboro Herald.
By 7:30 a.m. Friday, hundreds of people were already in line at the Department of Driver Services office in Gwinnett County — some waiting more than two hours before the doors opened. In certain locations, including Norcross and Sandy Springs, wait times stretched past five hours during the first week of implementation.
What’s Changed Under the New Rule
The change extends documentation requirements — previously only mandatory for first-time applicants — to all renewals and reinstatements. Now, customers must appear in person and present:
- Original or certified birth certificate
- Social Security card
- Two documents proving residency
Online renewals are no longer allowed for a person’s first renewal after the law change.
The new system is part of a federal push for more secure identification following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Georgia officials say they have until 2017 to bring license or ID holders over age 50 into compliance.
Frustration and Multiple Trips
For many, the rollout has been anything but smooth. Peggy Walker of Lilburn said she and her 15-year-old son made three attempts to get his learner’s permit — the first time missing a required document, and the second being turned away due to crowd size.
“They should’ve announced this, put it out on the media, made everyone aware … what they needed before they got here,” she told reporters.
Others, like Alysia Pennington of Lawrenceville, were more understanding. Arriving at 5:40 a.m. for her fourth attempt to renew her license, she brought patience — and a book. “Unfortunately, with all the identity theft, I do understand it’s to protect us,” she said.
State Response
Susan Sports, spokeswoman for the Department of Driver Services, said the delays are partly due to a learning curve for examiners. “Anytime we have a process change, it takes them longer to complete a transaction,” she noted, adding she expects wait times to improve “by next week.”
Officials encourage residents to double-check their required documents before visiting service centers to avoid being turned away.
Have you experienced delays under Georgia’s new license rules? Share your story in the comments and join the conversation at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
