Where to go for your driver's license in Augusta

The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) office in Augusta is located at 3267 Lakeside Drive, Augusta, GA 30909. This is where you will take your written test, road test, and pick up your license once it is issued. You can visit in person during business hours without an appointment, though wait times vary by time of day and day of week.

The Augusta office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on state holidays. If you need to check current hours or confirm they have not changed, call 706-667-2500 or visit the Georgia DDS website. Some services, like renewing a license by mail, do not require a visit to this office, but getting your first license or taking a road test does.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit the Augusta DDS office in person to take your written test, road test, and receive your new license.
  • Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID) to your appointment.
  • Georgia charges $32 for a Class D driver's license valid for eight years, and you must pass both a written test and a road test.
  • The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices; you can study using the Georgia Driver's Manual available free online.
  • Road tests are scheduled after you pass the written test, and you must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition.

Documents you need to bring

Georgia requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. You cannot get a driver's license without all three, so gather them before you go to the Augusta office.

For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid passport, a certified birth certificate, a state ID card, a military ID, or a tribal ID. For proof of your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub with your full Social Security number on it. For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government-issued document showing your current address. The residency document must be dated within the last 60 days.

If you are under 18, you will also need a signed parental consent form and proof that your parent or guardian is your legal guardian. If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document showing the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

The written test and what it covers

The Georgia written test has 40 questions and you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass. The test covers road signs, traffic laws, right-of-way rules, safe driving practices, and what to do in emergencies. You take the test on a computer at the DDS office, and you get your score when ready.

You can study using the Georgia Driver's Manual, which is free and available as a PDF on the Georgia DDS website. The manual covers everything on the test. Many people also study using online practice tests, which simulate the real test format. You are allowed to take the written test up to three times in a 12-month period before you have to wait and reapply.

The test is offered in English and several other languages. If you need the test in a language other than English, tell the staff when you arrive, and they will set it up for you.

Scheduling and taking your road test

After you pass the written test, you can schedule your road test at the same office. Road tests are typically scheduled within a few days to a few weeks, depending on how busy the Augusta office is. You will be given a date and time before you leave.

For your road test, you must bring a vehicle that is registered in Georgia, has valid insurance, and is in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working brakes, steering, lights, wipers, and mirrors. Bring your written test receipt and your proof of insurance. The examiner will check your vehicle before the test begins and will fail you if something is unsafe.

The road test lasts about 20 minutes and covers basic driving skills: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws. You must obey all traffic laws during the test. If you fail, you can retake it, but you will have to pay the road test fee again. Georgia allows you to take the road test up to three times in a 12-month period.

Fees and how long it takes to get your license

A Class D driver's license in Georgia costs $32 and is valid for eight years. You pay this fee when you pass your road test. If you fail the road test, you pay $20 to retake it. If you fail the written test, there is no fee to retake it.

Your physical license is printed at the DDS office and you receive it the same day you pass your road test. However, Georgia also issues a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed to you. Your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you move before your license arrives, contact the DDS to update your address so it is mailed to the right place.

If you already have a license from another state

If you have a valid driver's license from another state and you move to Georgia, you can exchange it for a Georgia license without taking the written or road test. You still need to visit the Augusta DDS office and bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency in Georgia, and proof of your Social Security number. The fee is $32, the same as a new license.

If your out-of-state license has expired, you will have to take both the written and road tests, just like a first-time driver. If your license is suspended or revoked in another state, Georgia will not issue you a license until that suspension or revocation is lifted.

Real ID and what you need to know

Georgia offers two types of driver's licenses: a standard license and a Real ID-compliant license. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. A standard license does not have this star and cannot be used for these purposes after May 7, 2025.

If you want a Real ID license, you need the same documents as a standard license, plus one additional document proving your current address (the same residency documents listed above work). The Real ID license costs $32, the same as a standard license, and is valid for eight years. Most people choose Real ID because it covers both state ID and federal ID needs in one card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online or at home?

No. You must take the written test in person at the DDS office in Augusta. You cannot take it online or by mail. However, you can study for it at home using the free Georgia Driver's Manual and practice tests before you go.

What happens if I fail the road test?

You can retake it, but you must pay the $20 road test fee again. You are allowed up to three attempts in a 12-month period. After three failures, you must wait 12 months before you can test again. Between attempts, practice the skills the examiner said you need to improve.

Do I need to make an appointment at the Augusta DDS office?

No appointment is required for the written test or to pick up your license. You can walk in during business hours. However, wait times vary. Going early in the morning or on a Tuesday or Wednesday usually means shorter waits than Friday afternoons.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

Georgia requires a Social Security number to issue a driver's license. If you do not have one, you must explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you can get a license. You can explore at your local Social Security office or online at ssa.gov.

Can someone else pick up my license for me?

No. You must pick up your license in person at the DDS office. Bring your written test receipt and a photo ID. Your permanent license will be mailed to you, so you do not need to return to the office after you pass your road test.