The Chattooga Chamber of Commerce is inviting all community members and businesses to a vital Lunch & Learn session on Tuesday, September 16th, focusing on Georgia’s new Digital Driver’s Licenses (mDLs) and essential fraud prevention strategies.

The event will take place at the Chattooga Civic Center and is deemed crucial for understanding the latest advancements in digital identification technology and protecting oneself from emerging fraudulent schemes. The Chattooga Chamber welcomes Josh Powell back to the community to speak about his work the past two years with the Georgia Department of Drivers Services. He will speak, especially, on the progress the state is making on digital drivers licenses and how to protect against fraud.  Powell was formerly employed by the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office.

This educational opportunity comes as Georgia navigates a significant shift in its identification system. On July 1, 2025, House Bill 296 was enacted, legally recognizing a mobile Driver’s License (mDL) as a valid form of identification across the state. This modernizes how Georgians can present their ID, moving towards a more convenient and secure digital future. However, the rollout includes a transitional period that residents need to understand.

While legally recognized, law enforcement officers are not yet required to accept digital IDs during traffic stops until a statewide mandate begins on July 1, 2027. Despite this, the adoption rate has been substantial, with more than 500,000 Georgians already adding their digital ID to smartphone wallet apps such as Apple Wallet and Google Wallet.

Attendees at the Lunch & Learn will receive comprehensive information on the new policies and phased rollout of mDLs, including:

• Legal Recognition: As of July 1, 2025, Georgians can present a digital version of their license during traffic stops. However, officers are not compelled to accept it until 2027.
• Privacy Protection: A key feature of HB 296 is the prohibition against law enforcement compelling a driver to hand over their phone during a traffic stop. Instead, a driver can securely share their information digitally via a tap.
• Continued Need for Physical ID: The digital ID is not yet a complete replacement for the physical card. Drivers must continue to carry their physical license until at least July 1, 2027, in case an officer lacks the necessary scanning equipment or for specific transactions like voting and purchasing hunting and fishing licenses.
• Expanded Acceptance: Georgians have already been able to use their mobile ID at select TSA checkpoints for air travel since 2023, with broader use cases expected to expand in the future.
  Upcoming Law Enforcement Requirements: Beginning July 1, 2027, all Georgia law enforcement agencies will be required to have the technology to accept and verify digital IDs.

Beyond understanding the technology, a significant portion of the session will be dedicated to fraud prevention. As digital identification becomes more prevalent, so does the potential for new forms of fraud. The event will equip participants with the knowledge and tools to safeguard their personal information and protect themselves from scams targeting digital identities.

“This is not just about a new piece of technology; it’s about understanding a fundamental shift in how we identify ourselves and protect our personal data,” said Cindy Rivers-McGraw, “We strongly encourage all Chattooga County residents, business owners, and employees to attend this Lunch & Learn with Josh Powell. Staying informed is the best defense against fraud and the key to smoothly navigating these important digital advancements.”

This event is crucial for anyone who uses a Georgia Driver’s License or interacts with businesses that require ID.

Event Details:

• What: Lunch & Learn: Digital Driver’s Licenses & Fraud Prevention
• When: Tuesday, September 16th
• Where: Chattooga Civic Center
• Admission: Reserve your spot now!

For more information and to reserve your spot, please contact the Chattooga Chamber of Commerce HERE