Georgia Department of Driver Services is providing a new emergency preparedness initiative for customers obtaining a driver's license or state identification card.

Customers may request that their blood type be printed on the back of their permanent card. This addition is completely optional and may help medical personnel during an emergency.

"In an emergency situation, medical personnel need up-to-date health information to quickly and efficiently treat injuries," said Governor Deal in a press release. To better assist these first responders, the Department of Driver Services is now giving Georgians the option to include their blood type on their license or identification cards. "I am grateful for the support of Governor Deal and the partnership with Dr. Brenda Fitzgerald, Commissioner, Department of Public Health, to inform our customers of this new option," said Commissioner Mikell. "It is completely optional but may serve as an important medical alert for those that utilize it."

"Every second matters in an emergency," said Brenda Fitzgerald, M.D., Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Health. "If a person becomes incapacitated and cannot speak, it's our hope that this information could speak for them, alerting rescuers to the person’s blood type and saving precious time."

On the application for issuance or renewal of a driver’s license or ID card, customers will indicate if they would like their blood type printed on the back of their permanent card. A customer who indicates yes will then select their blood type. The customer’s permanent license or ID will have their blood type printed on the back of the card under Medical Information.

For complete driver education, licensing and testing information including many online services, please visit www.dds.ga.gov.