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Driver Services touts technology gains, Real ID compliance and asks for operations funding
Summary
Department of Driver Services Commissioner Angelique McClendon told the committee DDS shortened wait times, has more than 600,000 digital license holders, is about 99% Real ID compliant, and requested several one-time and ongoing FY26 line items including armed guards, increased card production, system support, and personal‑services funding tied to reduced turnover.
Angelique McClendon, commissioner of the Department of Driver Services, told the Appropriations subcommittee the agency has shortened average wait times, expanded digital license uptake beyond 600,000 users, and now operates 68 locations with 12 commercial testing sites. She said the agency’s efforts have improved retention and reduced turnover.
McClendon outlined amended FY26 requests (section 21) across three programs (administration, license issuance, regulatory compliance), including one-time $2,000 salary supplements for staff (administration request ≈ $114,000; license issuance ≈ $1,700,000; regulatory compliance smaller), $150,000 for armed guard services at high-volume locations, $1,300,000 for increased card production tied to higher volume, $428,000 for backend system support (DRIVES), and $2,400,000 to address personal-services cost changes associated with decreased turnover.
When asked which sites would receive armed guard services, McClendon said they are at Atlanta, Decatur, Norcross, Lithonia and Savannah, and that the guards are provided by private security vendors; the $150,000 covers hourly contracts that are higher than in the past and currently provide one person at each of those five locations.
On Real ID, McClendon said Georgia is about 99% compliant and encouraged use of the state's digital license credential. Committee members praised the agency’s improvements and asked follow-ups about kiosk access, staffed investigators, and the effect of turnover reductions.
No appropriation votes were taken during this hearing; the requests will be considered in the appropriations process.
