Location and Hours for the Norcross Driver License Office

The Norcross Driver License Office is located at 5570 Jimmy Carter Boulevard, Norcross, GA 30071. This office is operated by the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) and handles standard driver license and identification card transactions for residents in the Norcross area and surrounding DeKalb County.

The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on weekends and state holidays. Hours can change seasonally or due to staffing, so calling ahead at (678) 413-8400 before you visit is a practical step, especially if you are making a trip from outside the when ready area.

The office does not take appointments. You arrive, take a number, and wait your turn. Wait times vary by time of day and day of week; mornings and early in the week are typically shorter than late afternoons or Fridays.

Key Takeaways

  • The Norcross office is at 5570 Jimmy Carter Boulevard and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with no appointments available.
  • You will need a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to renew or replace a driver license.
  • New driver licenses and renewals require a vision test and a new photo taken at the office, so plan for the full process even if you are only renewing.
  • If you need a replacement license due to loss or damage, bring a police report if the license was stolen, or a signed statement if it was lost.
  • Call (678) 413-8400 to confirm hours before visiting, as closures or schedule changes can occur without notice on the website.

What Documents to Bring for a Driver License Renewal

A standard driver license renewal requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. For proof of identity, bring your current Georgia driver license, passport, military ID, or birth certificate. If your current license is expired, it still counts as proof of identity for renewal purposes.

Proof of residency means a document showing your current Georgia address issued within the last 60 days. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts. If you have recently moved, bring the document that shows your new address.

You do not need to bring a printed Social Security card, but you must know your number. The office will verify it through the Social Security Administration's database during your transaction.

Getting a Replacement License at This Office

If your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at the Norcross office. The process is faster than a full renewal because you do not need a new vision test or photo if your current license photo is less than five years old and you have not changed your appearance significantly.

If your license was stolen, bring a police report or case number. If it was lost, bring a signed statement describing the loss. Bring the same proof of identity and residency documents you would for a renewal. The replacement fee is separate from renewal fees and varies; call the office to confirm the current cost.

If your license was damaged but still readable, you may be able to renew it in person at the office rather than ordering a replacement by mail. Ask the staff when you arrive whether your specific damage qualifies.

Getting a New Driver License if You Are a First-Time Applicant

If you are explore for your first Georgia driver license as an adult, you will need to pass a written knowledge test, a vision test, and a driving skills test. The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Georgia Driver's Manual, which is free on the DDS website.

The vision test is performed at the office during your visit. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. If you fail the vision test, you will not be able to proceed that day; you will need to see an eye care professional and return with a vision correction certificate.

The driving skills test is scheduled separately after you pass the written and vision tests. You will drive with a DDS examiner in your own vehicle or a vehicle provided by the office. Bring proof of vehicle insurance if you use your own car.

Getting a Real ID Compliant License at Norcross

Georgia driver licenses issued after 2017 are Real ID compliant by default. Real ID compliance means your license meets federal security standards and can be used for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. You do not need to request it separately or pay extra.

If you have an older license issued before Real ID standards were adopted, you can renew it to a compliant version at the Norcross office. The documents you bring are the same as for any renewal. Your new license will display a gold star in the upper right corner, indicating Real ID compliance.

If you do not want a Real ID compliant license, you can request a standard license instead, though this is uncommon. Tell the staff at the office if you prefer the non-compliant version.

Handling a Suspended or Revoked License

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it at the Norcross office until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Suspensions in Georgia are usually due to unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or accumulation of points from traffic violations. Revocations are more serious and typically result from DUI convictions or habitual traffic offender status.

Before visiting the office, contact the Georgia DDS at (678) 413-8400 or check your status online through the DDS website to learn the reason for the suspension and what steps are required to clear it. You may need to pay fines, complete a defensive driving course, or satisfy court requirements before your license can be reinstated.

Once the suspension or revocation is cleared, you can visit the Norcross office to renew or reinstate your license. Bring proof that the issue has been resolved, such as a court document or payment receipt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online instead of going to the office?

Georgia allows online renewal for some driver licenses, but only if your license is not expired and you meet other conditions. Check the DDS website to see if your license is may be able to access. If it is not, you must visit the Norcross office in person.

What if I do not have proof of residency?

You must bring a document showing your current address issued within the last 60 days. If you cannot obtain one, call the Norcross office at (678) 413-8400 to ask what alternative documents they will accept. Some offices make exceptions for people experiencing homelessness or other hardship.

How long does a license renewal take at the office?

The transaction itself usually takes 15 to 30 minutes once you reach the counter, but wait time depends on how busy the office is. Arrive early in the day or mid-week if you want a shorter wait. Your new license is issued the same day.

Do I need to take the vision test again if I just renewed my license last year?

Yes. Every driver license transaction, including renewal, requires a new vision test at the office. This is a Georgia requirement and cannot be waived, even if you recently passed a vision test elsewhere.

What if the office is closed when I need to visit?

If you need a license urgently and cannot wait until the office reopens, you can visit a different DDS office in the Atlanta area, such as the one in Decatur or Marietta. Hours and locations vary, so call (678) 413-8400 to find the nearest office with current hours.