Summer is peak season for lost, stolen licenses

Nearly 800 Richmond County residents had to have their driver's licenses replaced last month after they were lost or stolen -- a figure that officials say is typical during the summer.

"It seems to pick up during holiday times and the summer for sure," said Susan Sports, the public information officer for the Georgia Department of Driver Services.

Sports said vacationers are at higher risk for losing their licenses, often in the course of routine transactions such as renting a jet ski, for example.

Last month, Augusta's Driver Services office processed 791 replacement licenses, Sports said. In comparison, 489 licenses were issued there in December. Statewide, there were 30,337 replacement licenses issued in December and 35,811 last month.

Sports said that for the 2009 fiscal year, centers statewide processed 509,006 replacement licenses compared with 877,693 renewals.

With motorists' having a greater chance of losing a license while on summer vacation, Sports said her office offers several tips on how to plan ahead or respond once the license is gone.

Sports first advises motorists to make copies of their licenses or at least make a note of their license numbers.

"It's a good idea to have a copy of everything in your wallet," she said.

Having your driver's license number handy will help if you're looking to replace your license via the driver services department's Web site. Sports said motorists can visit www.dds.ga.gov, provide their license number, Social Security number and pay with a credit card, and have the license mailed within 30 days.

Those without their license number and unable or unwilling to use the Internet option must visit a local driver services office and show some documentation.

"If you lose your license, you still have to bring in those identity documents," Sports said, referring to such forms as an original birth certificate or passport.

Copies of these documents won't be accepted, and if the original isn't available you must present two of the following: an original Social Security card; a certified copy of a marriage license; a previous year's income tax return; a current auto, home, life or health insurance policy; a current auto registration receipt; or a voter registration card.

If the license has been stolen, Sports' office advises you bring in a police report so your old license number can be changed.