Governor Perdue Signs Bill Removing Driver's License Burden for Foreign Nationals

Also announces international tourism up 12 percent in 2007

ATLANTA – Today Governor Sonny Perdue 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.

“This legislation encourages foreign investment as well as international tourism and furthers Georgia’s status as a global destination,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “Fostering an environment that is internationally friendly is vital for Georgia’s future as the gateway to the Southeast.”

SB 488, sponsored by Senator Chip Rogers, enables internationals that provide verification of lawful presence to receive Georgia driver’s licenses. The maximum term for these licenses will be three years.

"SB 488 reaffirms Georgia's commitment to international business, refugees, and legal immigrants who want to be a part of Georgia and our economy,” said Sen. Chip Rogers. “This new law will make day-to-day life easier for them whether they are here for a short time or become a permanent part of the Georgia family."

Rep. Rich Golick joined Governor Perdue and Sen. Rogers at this morning’s bill signing ceremony at the offices of the Georgia Department of Economic Development.

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.

“As Georgia continues to gain strength in the global marketplace, the signing of this bill is another positive outcome as we work to bring more jobs and investment to the state,” said Ken Stewart, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development. “This law adds to our already strong reputation as a friendly environment for international businesses and visitors from around the globe.”

In 2007, Georgia’s tax revenues from international travel increased 12 percent to more than $117 million. This is more than double the percentage growth in tax revenues created by domestic tourists. These figures are in addition to the 1,600 international companies operating in Georgia representing $19 billion worth of investment. Georgia is also home to consulates, trade offices and honorary consulates from 60 different countries.

This exemption will not apply to those seeking commercial driver’s license or to those individuals required to terminate their driver’s license pursuant to federal law.

Governor Perdue and Sen. Rogers were joined at the bill signing event today by the following members of the Consular Corps in Georgia:

The Honorable Carlos Layus, Consul General of Argentina and Dean of Consular Corps in Georgia

The Honorable Brian Oak, Consul General of Canada

The Honorable Martin Rickerd OBE MVO, Consul General of the United Kingdom

The Honorable Philippe Ardanaz, Consul General and Trade Commissioner of France

The Honorable Lutz Görgens, Consul General of Germany

The Honorable Lambros Kakissis, Consul of Greece

The Honorable Masanobu Yoshii, Deputy Consul General of Japan

The Honorable Bayo Hambolu, Consul of Nigeria

The Honorable Ulrich Hunn, Consul General of Switzerland

For more information on the bill, go to www.legis.state.ga.us.

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