Georgia ID Guide
Georgia license and ID designs, what to check on each, plus the Georgia digital license and age verification laws.
- Current card design
- 2019Issued statewide since mid 2019
- Older design still valid
- 2012Gold star cards, until about mid 2027
- Digital ID
- 3 phone walletsApple, Google and Samsung. It does not replace the card
- Alcohol, tobacco, vapor, hemp
- 21Any government ID with a photo and date of birth
Georgia licenses and IDs
Sample images: Georgia Department of Driver Services (2019 presentation on the new card, barcode guide, website samples, a 2013 flyer and a Fall 2009 brochure held by the Digital Library of Georgia). Images were cropped to the card; nothing else was changed.
2019 design
CurrentBack of the card
- Barcodes
- A 2D barcode across the top and a narrow 1D barcode standing upright at the left edge.
- Inventory control number
- Printed along the left edge beside the 1D barcode. It identifies the card blank, not the holder.
- Date of birth, repeated
- At the lower right of the back. It should match the front.
- Card version date
- At the upper right, above the website address.
- Magnetic stripe
- None shows on any sample the agency publishes.
- Record
- GA-DL-2019
- First issued
- Jun 2019
- Last issued
- Still being issued
- In circulation until
- Still being issued
- Checked
- 15 Nov 2026
The current card, phased in from May to July 2019.
What to check on the front of the 2019 design
Press a letter or a row to see its source and what the check does not prove.
A card that passes every check is consistent with a genuine Georgia document. No visual check proves it is genuine or still valid. The agency does not publish all of its security features.
Checking a card against state records
- Record check through AAMVA
- Takes partAAMVA lists Georgia as taking part in its Driver's License Data Verification service with no restrictions. The service is open to approved businesses and agencies, not the public.
- Public status check
- Own record onlyThe agency offers an online license status check, worded as a check of your own license. The tool could not be opened, so what it asks for is not confirmed.
- Scanning a card
- With consentScanning another person's license or ID without their prior knowledge and consent is a misdemeanor. With consent, the data may be stored and used for any legitimate purpose.
- Delivery records
- Kept 3 yearsFor alcohol, tobacco and vapor deliveries the seller records the recipient's name and date of birth and keeps it for at least three years.
- Paper interim license
- Not proof of ageA paper receipt from the agency lets the holder drive. By law it is not proof of identity or of age for buying alcohol.
- Digital ID keys
- On AAMVA's trust listGeorgia's key is in AAMVA's Digital Trust Service, and the agency also publishes its certificate for verifiers.
Sources: Georgia DDS, Sample licenses prior to June 2019 (opens in a new tab) · Georgia DDS, REAL ID (opens in a new tab) · DDS presentation on the new card (2019) (opens in a new tab) · DDS barcode guide, cards from June 2019 (opens in a new tab) · DDS annual report, fiscal year 2019 (opens in a new tab) · DDS release, gold or black star (18 Mar 2025) (opens in a new tab) · Governor's release on Secure ID (8 May 2012) (opens in a new tab) · DDS brochure, Fall 2009 (Digital Library of Georgia) (opens in a new tab) · DDS flyer, 2013 (Digital Library of Georgia) (opens in a new tab) · Georgia DDS, limited-term licenses and IDs (opens in a new tab) · Georgia DDS, license barcode and interim documents (opens in a new tab) · AAMVA, participation map (opens in a new tab)
How to read a Georgia card
- Star in a black circle, upper rightSecure IDGeorgia's name for REAL ID. On cards issued since mid 2019.
- Gold star, upper rightSecure ID, older cardOn cards issued from 1 Jul 2012 to mid 2019. It means the same as the black star.
- No starOften a second cardA person with both a license and an ID card has the star on only one.
- Upright cardIssued to someone under 21With UNDER 21 above the number. No date is printed after it.
- LIMITED-TERMNot a US citizenValid for the approved stay, five years at most. No sample is published.
- Paper sheetInterim license or IDValid up to 120 days. Not proof of age for alcohol.
Georgia digital ID
- Digital license issued by Georgia
- AvailableSince 18 May 2023. Free and optional. A Secure ID card is needed to add it.
- In Apple, Google or Samsung Wallet
- All threeApple from May 2023, Google from Oct 2023, Samsung from Oct 2024.
- Replaces the physical card
- NoThe agency says it is not yet a replacement and the card must still be carried.
- Alcohol, tobacco and vapor sales
- Accepted, optionalSince 7 Nov 2025, when read with a compliant reader. Not a screenshot.
- Airport security
- Participating airportsIncluding Atlanta. TSA says to carry the physical ID too.
- Police at a traffic stop
- State Patrol so farSince 30 Oct 2026. Every agency must have readers by 1 Jul 2027. The driver need not hand over the phone.
Sources: Georgia DDS, digital license FAQ (opens in a new tab) · Department of Revenue, retailers may accept digital licenses (opens in a new tab) · Georgia DDS, digital license and law enforcement (opens in a new tab) · HB 296 (2025) (opens in a new tab) · TSA, digital ID (opens in a new tab)
Georgia digital license by wallet
The same Georgia digital license, held in three phone wallets.
| Apple WalletAvailable | Google WalletAvailable | Samsung WalletAvailable | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Showing it | |||
| In person | YesHeld to a reader. The holder approves what is shared | ||
| Online, to a website or app | LimitedThe agency's own online address change, since 23 Apr 2026 | Not statedNot stated | Not statedNot stated |
| Age only, without other details | Not statedThe agency does not say | ||
| Acceptance | |||
| Airport security | YesTSA, at participating airports including Atlanta | ||
| Alcohol and tobacco sales | YesAlcohol, tobacco and vapor, if the retailer chooses and uses a reader | ||
| Police at a traffic stop | LimitedState Patrol since 30 Oct 2026. All agencies by 1 Jul 2027 | ||
| Replaces the physical card | NoThe card must still be carried | ||
| For verifiers | |||
| Follows the ISO mobile license standard | LimitedAAMVA's trust service requires it. The agency does not name the standard | ||
| On the issuers' trust list | YesAAMVA Digital Trust Service | ||
| How a business reads it | A compliant reader. The agency has no reader app of its own. A screenshot or photo is not acceptable. | ||
| Cost to the holder | Free. | ||
Apple WalletAvailable
Showing it
- In person
- YesHeld to a reader. The holder approves what is shared
- Online, to a website or app
- LimitedThe agency's own online address change, since 23 Apr 2026
- Age only, without other details
- Not statedThe agency does not say
Acceptance
- Airport security
- YesTSA, at participating airports including Atlanta
- Alcohol and tobacco sales
- YesAlcohol, tobacco and vapor, if the retailer chooses and uses a reader
- Police at a traffic stop
- LimitedState Patrol since 30 Oct 2026. All agencies by 1 Jul 2027
- Replaces the physical card
- NoThe card must still be carried
For verifiers
- Follows the ISO mobile license standard
- LimitedAAMVA's trust service requires it. The agency does not name the standard
- On the issuers' trust list
- YesAAMVA Digital Trust Service
- How a business reads it
- A compliant reader. The agency has no reader app of its own. A screenshot or photo is not acceptable.
- Cost to the holder
- Free.
Sources: Georgia DDS, digital license FAQ (opens in a new tab) · DDS release, Apple Wallet (18 May 2023) (opens in a new tab) · DDS release, Google Wallet (19 Oct 2023) (opens in a new tab) · DDS release, Samsung Wallet (31 Oct 2024) (opens in a new tab) · Department of Revenue, retailers may accept digital licenses (opens in a new tab) · Georgia DDS, digital license and law enforcement (opens in a new tab) · Georgia DDS, relying parties (opens in a new tab) · TSA, digital ID (opens in a new tab)
Age verification laws in Georgia
Checked 15 Nov 2026. Not legal advice.
- Laws tracked
- 12
- In effect
- 10
- Touched by a court case
- 1
Status keyIn effectIn effect, partly blockedBlocked by courtTakes effect later
| Law | Who must comply | Age | What you must do | Status | Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult content | |||||
| Adult website age verificationO.C.G.A. §39-5-5 · SB 351 (2024) (opens in a new tab) | Websites where more than a third of the material is harmful to minors | 18+ | Verify age with a reasonable method. Keep no identifying information | In effectSince 1 Jul 2025 | Up to $10,000 per violation · Attorney General or local prosecutor · private lawsuits |
| Social media | |||||
| Protecting Georgia's Children on Social Media ActO.C.G.A. §§39-6-1 to 39-6-5 · SB 351 (2024) (opens in a new tab) | Social media platforms | Under 16 | Verify account holders' ages. Parental consent before a minor opens an account | Blocked by courtBlocked since 26 Jun 2025. Appeals court lifted the block 15 Oct 2026; not yet finalCourt: Eleventh Circuit, 15 Oct 2026: block lifted, ruling not yet final as of 9 Nov 2026 | Up to $2,500 per violation · Attorney General only |
| AI companion chatbot lawO.C.G.A. §39-5-6 · SB 540 (2026) (opens in a new tab) | Operators of AI companion chatbots | Under 18 | Age assurance before any mode that can produce sexually explicit content | Takes effect laterTakes effect 1 Jul 2027 | Up to $10,000 per knowing violation · Attorney General |
| Alcohol | |||||
| Proof of age for alcoholO.C.G.A. §3-3-23 · DOR Bulletin ATD-2025-02 (opens in a new tab) | Anyone who sells or serves alcohol | 21+ | Ask for proper ID whenever the buyer's age could be doubted | In effectDigital license accepted since 7 Nov 2025 | Misdemeanor · license action by the Department of Revenue |
| Alcohol deliveryO.C.G.A. §3-3-10 · HB 879 (2020) (opens in a new tab) | Package retailers and the delivery services they use | 21+ | Check ID in person at the door, take a signature, keep name and date of birth for 3 years | In effectSince 3 Aug 2020 | Up to $500 per violation · delivery suspended up to 30 days |
| Tobacco and vapor | |||||
| Tobacco and vapor products, age 21O.C.G.A. §§16-12-170, 16-12-171 · SB 375 (2020) (opens in a new tab) | Anyone selling cigarettes, tobacco, alternative nicotine or vapor products | 21+ | Ask for proper ID whenever the buyer's age could be doubted | In effectAge 21 since 22 Jul 2020 | Misdemeanor |
| Vapor products: ID from every buyerO.C.G.A. §§48-11-4.1, 48-11-4.2 · SB 375 (2020) (opens in a new tab) | Vapor product sellers and licensed delivery | 21+ | Face-to-face sale only. Ask every buyer for ID. Delivery: check ID, keep records 3 years | In effectSince 1 Jan 2021 | Misdemeanor · license probation, suspension or revocation |
| Cannabis | |||||
| Consumable hemp productsO.C.G.A. §§16-12-240 to 16-12-243 · SB 494 (2024) (opens in a new tab) | Anyone selling hemp products that are eaten, absorbed or inhaled | 21+ | Ask for proper ID whenever the buyer's age could be doubted. Post the required sign | In effectSince 1 Oct 2024 | Misdemeanor |
| Online gambling | |||||
| Lottery ticketsO.C.G.A. §50-27-26 (opens in a new tab) | Lottery retailers | 18+ | No sale to anyone under 18. The law lists no ID types | In effectIn effect | Misdemeanor · $100 to $500 first offense |
| Other products | |||||
| Kratom, age 21O.C.G.A. §16-13-121 · HB 181 (2024) (opens in a new tab) | Anyone selling kratom | 21+ | Ask for proper ID whenever the buyer's age could be doubted. Keep it behind the counter | In effectSince 1 Jan 2025 | $250 to $1,000 if negligent · criminal if knowing |
| Consumer fireworksO.C.G.A. §25-10-2 (opens in a new tab) | Anyone selling consumer fireworks | 18+ | In-person sale only. Every buyer must show proper ID | In effectIn effect | Not found |
| Scanning IDs | |||||
| Scanning a license or IDO.C.G.A. §40-5-120(5) (opens in a new tab) | Any person or business | Any age | Scan only with the holder's prior knowledge and consent | In effectIn effect | Misdemeanor · each unlawful use counts separately |
This page lists Georgia law only. Federal rules apply here too and are covered on the United States page. Georgia has no app store age verification law: the bill, SB 467, died without a vote on 2 Apr 2026. Sports betting is not legal in Georgia.
Timeline
- 1 Jul 2027Upcoming · Social mediaAI companion chatbot law takes effect. Every police agency must be able to read a digital license
- 15 Oct 2026Court · Social mediaEleventh Circuit lifts the block on the social media law; the ruling is not yet final
- 11 May 2026Effective · Social mediaAI companion chatbot law signed
- 2 Apr 2026Bill failed · App storesApp store age verification bill SB 467 dies without a vote
- 7 Nov 2025Effective · AlcoholDepartment of Revenue allows a verified digital license for alcohol, tobacco and vapor sales
- 1 Jul 2025Effective · Adult contentAdult website age verification takes effect
- 26 Jun 2025Court · Social mediaFederal judge blocks the social media law before it takes effect
- 1 Oct 2024Effective · CannabisConsumable hemp sales limited to 21 and over
- 18 May 2023New design · Digital IDGeorgia digital license launches in Apple Wallet
- Jun 2019New design · LicenseCurrent card design issued statewide
Questions
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Start by matching the card to its design. A card issued since mid 2019 is rigid, has a black-and-white photo, a large peach, raised print you can feel, and a small second photo with the date of birth across it.
Then scan the 2D barcode on the back and compare it with the front. A match does not prove the card is genuine, and the agency does not publish all of its security features.
It marks a Secure ID, Georgia's name for REAL ID. Cards from 2012 to mid 2019 have a gold star and newer cards have a white star in a black circle. The agency says they mean the same thing.
A card without a star is not necessarily invalid. A person who holds both a license and an ID card has the star on only one of them.
It means the card was issued before the holder turned 21. UNDER 21 comes off only when the card is renewed on or after the 21st birthday.
Read the date of birth. The card does not print a date after UNDER 21.
Yes, if you choose to. The Department of Revenue says a retailer may accept one when it is read with a compliant reader. A screenshot or a photo of the license is not acceptable.
The digital license does not replace the card, and the agency tells holders to keep carrying it.
Only with the holder's prior knowledge and consent. Scanning without it is a misdemeanor. With consent, the data may be stored and used for any legitimate purpose.
Some laws are stricter. An adult website may keep no identifying information once access is granted.
Yes. Georgia's alcohol, tobacco and hemp laws accept any document issued by a government agency that has a description or photo and a date of birth, and they name passports, military IDs and driver's licenses.
A birth certificate is not accepted, and neither is the paper receipt the driver agency issues while a card is in the mail.
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