SAVE

History

  • SAVE is an acronym for Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements. It is a Department of Homeland Security/United States Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) program. It retrieves data from multiple databases to verify a non-citizen's lawful status in the U.S.
  • Georgia state law requires DDS to verify all immigration documents presented by non-citizens via SAVE prior to issuing a driver's license/permit/ID card (O.C.G.A. §40-5-21.1). In most cases, the verification can be completed immediately during the applicant's driver's license/permit/ID card transaction. In some cases, verification can take several days. Until the documentation is verified by USCIS, DDS cannot issue a driver's license/permit/ID card.
  • SAVE Awareness

SAVE Process

  • SAVE electronically verifies immigration status using a three-step process:
    • Initial verification. DHS returns a response to DDS within seconds.
    • If you are not verified on the initial verification:
      • The inquiry goes to 2nd level verification. You should expect a call from a DDS Representative within 30 business days. 
    • If you are not confirmed through 2nd level verification:
      • The inquiry goes to 3rd level verification.
      • DDS submits a written request for confirmation along with copies of the customer's immigration documents to DHS. The response time varies based on USCIS.  DDS will notify you as soon as a response is received. 
  • Once immigration documentation is verified with USCIS:
    • A Georgia driver's license/permit/ID card can be issued.
    • The expiration date on the license/permit/id will match the immigration documentation expiration date.
    • The expiration date can be valid for up to 5 years.
  • If the immigration document does not have an expiration date:
    • A driver's license/permit/ID card can be issued for 5 years if the customer is verified through SAVE as a
      • lawful permanent resident (LPR),
      • asylee,
      • or refugee.
    • If the status is not LPR, asylee, or refugee, the maximum term available is five years. 

Updates and Corrections to Documents

  • If you believe that the SAVE Program’s response to the benefit-granting agency did not provide accurate information about your actual immigration status, please contact USCIS.
  • If you need to make corrections to your immigration record, please contact USCIS.

  • Schedule an appointment for an in-person interview at a local USCIS office at the InfoPass Web site or call the National Customer Service Center, 1-800-375-5283.

Tips for SAVE

Below are a few suggestions for a faster SAVE confirmation/response:

  • Ensure that the date of birth and the spelling of names is consistent on all immigration documents.
  • Start the process to renew documents with USCIS at least 6 months prior to the expiration of immigration documents.
  • Start the process of renewal with DDS at least 45 days prior to the expiration of a Georgia driver's license or ID card.
  • Bring every original document each time you visit DDS.
  • Provide DDS with valid telephone numbers and current addresses to expedite processing.

Related FAQs: