Georgia motorists now have the option of showing a digital driver’s license or state identification card during traffic stops and other interactions with the Georgia State Patrol.

The Georgia Department of Public Safety announced Friday that State Troopers, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement officers and Capitol Police officers are now equipped to accept digital identification during traffic stops, crash investigations and other law enforcement encounters.

Drivers who want to use a digital license should first tell the officer they would like to present their identification electronically. They can then hold their smartphone near the officer’s identification reader without handing over the phone.

Before any information is shared, the driver can review what the officer is requesting and authorize the transfer using facial recognition or another form of biometric authentication.

State officials say officers receive the same information they would obtain from a traditional driver’s license and cannot access other information stored on the driver’s phone.

The change follows passage of Georgia House Bill 296, which allows drivers to present their licenses in an approved electronic format. Under the law, law enforcement agencies across Georgia must have equipment capable of verifying digital licenses by July 1, 2027.

However, drivers are still encouraged to carry their physical driver’s licenses. Not all law enforcement agencies currently have the equipment necessary to accept digital identification.

The Georgia Department of Public Safety emphasizes that using a digital license is entirely optional. Motorists can continue presenting their traditional driver’s licenses if they prefer.

Information about obtaining a Georgia digital driver’s license is available through the Georgia Department of Driver Services at dds.georgia.gov.