ATD-2025-02 - Acceptance of Mobile Driver’s Licenses by Alcohol, Tobacco, Vapor & Alternative Nicotine Retailers

Department of Revenue Seal

Policy Bulletin: ATD-2025-02

Publication Date: November 7, 2025

Recent updates to Georgia law clarify that Mobile Driver’s Licenses (mDL) constitute valid and acceptable forms of identification in Georgia. These mDLs, also referred to as digital driver’s licenses, are issued by the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) and stored securely on the license holder’s smartphone. An mDL is a verified digital version of a physical driver’s license or ID card. The mDL includes verified personal information such as the holder’s age. This means that a DDS issued mDL is an acceptable form of identification for purposes of age-restricted purchases where the Retailer, as a relying party, verifies the validity of the mDL.

Key Points for Retailers and Relying Parties

Retailers licensed to sell alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, vapor products, or alternative nicotine products may accept either a physical driver’s license/ID card or a properly verified mDL as proof of age.

Retailers must still follow all age verification procedures as required by law, including:

  1. Verify the Georgia mDL using approved technology. The mDL must be presented to a compliant mDL reader. Screenshots or photos of the mDL are not acceptable.
  2. Confirm the identity of the customer. Ensure the mDL belongs to the person presenting it.
  3. Check the age requirement. Confirm that the individual is at least 21 years ol

Retailers and other relying parties may find guidance on verifying Georgia mDLs by visiting DDS at dds.georgia.gov/digital-license-relying-parties or by email at [email protected].

Additional Resources

For questions about age-restricted sales, please contact the Department’s Alcohol and Tobacco Division at 1-877-423-6711 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding state holidays.