Governor Sonny Perdue has signed SB 488 allowing international citizens that are here in Georgia legally to retain their foreign driver's license when obtaining a Georgia license and also changes verification requirements for internationals to obtain a license. SB 488, sponsored by Sen. Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock), enables internationals that provide verification of lawful presence to receive Georgia driver's licenses. The maximum term for these licenses will be three years. Previously, when foreigners wished to obtain a Georgia driver's license or identification card, they were forced to forfeit those credentials from their native jurisdictions. In many countries, driver's licenses are very expensive and require a lengthy process to obtain. In addition, this bill allows the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) to use various communications tools to contact the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to verify a license before it is issued. This legislation also requires DDS to note on the driver's record that he or she holds both a Georgia and foreign license. This legislation allows tourists, students, businessmen, diplomats and others to contribute to Georgia's growth unburdened by superfluous paperwork.
