Do Georgians need to carry an ID on them at all times?

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV)- You’re running out of the house, late to work or school and you forget your ID. Do you really need it in Georgia?

If you’re driving, the answer is yes. The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) website says that if you are stopped by law enforcement, you must have your physical license.

You can now use the DDS program to hold your digital driver’s license and ID, but it’s only allowed for use at certain Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security checkpoints and not for law enforcement.

If you’re not driving, you technically don’t have to have an ID or license on you, but it’s probably a good idea to carry it anyways.

Physical IDs can be requested by stores for returns, alcohol and tobacco purchases or certain cold medicines. A physical ID is also necessary to vote.

Even though you don’t technically have to carry a physical ID or license if you’re not driving, in Georgia a police officer can stop you and lawfully order someone to identify themselves.

Georgia doesn’t have an official “stop and identify” statue, but if an officer finds that someone is suspicious or warrants concern for the public’s safety then they are required to give you the opportunity to identify yourself. You cannot be arrested for not identifying yourself in Georgia, unless being investigated in connection to prowling and loitering.