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The cost of renewing a Georgia Class C driver's licence is now $20 for five years and $35 for ten years. A five dollar discount is available to motorists who renew licenses by mail, the internet, or the telephone. If eligible to renew by mail, internet, or telephone, then credit cards are accepted (American Express, Discover, Master Card and Visa). If visiting a Customer Service Center, such as Blue Ridge Service Center # 27, cash or money orders are required.

In August 2005, Gregory C. Dozier, Commissioner of DDS (the newly created Department of Driver Services), announced plans to deliver the ultimate in customer service. Dozier said his agency is prepared to surpass all expectations and carve a new reputation as being customer focused and professional. Dozier expressed appreciation to Governor Sonny Perdue and to members of the Georgia General Assembly for the support to make licensing and testing more efficient.

In May of 2005, Gov. Perdue signed House Bill 501, one of his major legislative initiatives. This bill formed the Department of Driver Services (DDS). House Bill 501 also dismantled the Department of Motor Vehicle Safety (DMVS) and placed the responsibility of issuing driver's licenses with the newly formed DDS. The remaining services of DMVS such as tags, titles, and vehicle safety enforcement, were moved to existing agencies including the Dept. of Revenue, Dept. of Public Safety, and Dept. of Transportation.

This week, Rep.Charles Jenkins was available for comment. He said, "It is early in the program, but so far everything seems to be running smoothly."

If eligible, Georgia drivers will receive a Renewal Application by mail from the DDS, sixty days prior to their current license's expiration date. To be qualified, the DDS must have a valid photo, fingerprint and signature saved on digital file, and no outstanding cancellations, suspensions or revocations on record. Changes such as name changes, can only be made in person at a Customer Service Center. The Renewal Application will be mailed to the driver's last known address. If they have moved, they must visit a Customer Service Center within 60 days to update their mailing address. Renewal Applications will not be forwarded and lost ones will not be replaced. There is one free address change allowed during each renewal cycle. The organ donor discount program and renewal vision testing will be discontinued, except as required for special licensing circumstances such as drivers with bi-optic lenses and drivers 64 and older. (First time applicants are required to take the eye exam.) Georgia Identification Cards will be valid for 5 or 10 years.

The Web site at www.dds.ga.gov is streamlined and provides current information in a clear and concise format. In cases of no internet access, the telephone number is (866) 754-3687 or (678) 413-8400. A successful transaction takes less than five minutes, and the replacement license will be mailed in about thirty days.

All Customer Service Centers will be closed Saturday, Sept.3, 2005 for Labor Day week-end, but will reopen Tuesday, September 6. The Tuesday following a holiday is typically a very busy day, so please plan ahead as longer lines can cause delays. Driver's License offices are usually open Tuesday thru Saturday, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

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