How to Get Your Driver's License in Chatham County, Savannah

Where to go for your Chatham County driver's license

The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) handles all driver's licenses in Chatham County, which includes Savannah. You cannot get a license from the county itself — you must visit a DDS office. Chatham County has two DDS locations: one on Victory Drive in Savannah and one in the Pooler area. Both offices handle new licenses, renewals, and replacements.

You do not need an appointment at either location, but wait times vary. The Victory Drive office tends to be busier during lunch hours and late afternoon. The Pooler location is often less crowded. Both offices are open Monday through Friday, with limited Saturday hours at some locations — check the DDS website for current hours before you go, as they change seasonally.

If you cannot visit in person, Georgia allows online renewal for some driver's licenses, but only if your license is not expired and you meet other conditions. New licenses and licenses suspended for traffic violations must be handled in person at a DDS office.

Key Takeaways

Georgia Department of Driver Services runs the two DDS offices in Chatham County — the county government does not issue licenses.
You must visit a DDS office in person for a new license, even if you have a valid license from another state.
Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and proof of identity (passport or birth certificate) to avoid delays.
Wait times are shortest on weekday mornings and at the Pooler location rather than the busier Victory Drive office.
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew online and must resolve the suspension with DDS before getting a new license.

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 license without all three, so bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.

For proof of identity, bring a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, or military ID. A school ID or work ID does not count. If your birth certificate is not certified (it has a raised seal), DDS will not accept it. If you were born outside the U.S., bring your passport or a Certificate of Naturalization.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form. A tax return showing your SSN also works. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a license, but you must bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you are not may be able to access.

For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days with your name and Chatham County address. A cell phone bill does not count. If you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, ask the DDS staff about alternative documentation — they have procedures for this situation.

Real ID versus standard driver's license

Georgia offers two types of driver's licenses: a standard license and a Real ID-compliant license. The difference matters if you fly domestically or enter a federal building. Starting May 7, 2025, a standard Georgia driver's license will not be accepted as ID for domestic flights — you will need a Real ID license, passport, or military ID instead.

A Real ID license costs the same as a standard license and lasts the same length of time. The only extra step is that you must bring one additional document proving your residency — DDS requires two proofs of address for Real ID, not one. Many people bring a utility bill plus a lease or mortgage statement to cover both requirements.

If you already have a standard Georgia driver's license and want to upgrade to Real ID, you can do so at any DDS office. You do not have to wait for your license to expire. Bring the same documents as you would for a new license, plus your current license.

Cost and how long it takes

A new Georgia driver's license costs between $32 and $35, depending on whether you choose a standard or Real ID license. Prices can change, so confirm the current fee on the DDS website before you go. Payment is cash or card — most offices accept both, but call ahead if you want to be certain.

Your license is usually ready the same day you explore. DDS prints it on-site at most Chatham County offices. You will receive a temporary paper license to use while your plastic card is mailed to your address — the card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within two weeks, contact DDS to report it.

If you need your license faster, some DDS offices offer expedited service for an extra fee, but this is not available at all locations. Ask when you arrive whether expedited printing is an option.

If your license is suspended or revoked

If your Georgia license is suspended or revoked, you cannot get a new one until the suspension is lifted. Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or a DUI conviction. You can check your suspension status on the DDS website or by calling the DDS customer service line.

To lift a suspension, you must resolve the underlying issue — pay the fine, satisfy the child support obligation, or complete a required DUI program. Once you have done that, contact the agency that suspended your license (the court, the Department of Human Services, or DDS itself) to request reinstatement. They will notify DDS, and your suspension will be cleared.

After your suspension is cleared, you can visit a DDS office to get a new license. Bring the same documents as you would for any new license. There is no extra fee to reinstate a suspended license — you pay only the standard license fee.

Changing your name or address on your license

If you have moved within Chatham County or changed your name, you can update your license at a DDS office. For a name change, bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. For an address change, bring proof of your new Chatham County address (utility bill or lease dated within 60 days).

You do not have to wait for your license to expire to make these changes. Visit any DDS office with your current license and the required documents. The fee for a replacement license with updated information is the same as a new license fee. Your updated license will be printed the same day and mailed to your new address.

What to do if you lose your license or it is damaged

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, visit a DDS office to request a replacement. Bring your Social Security card or other proof of your SSN, proof of residency, and proof of identity — the same documents as for a new license. You do not need to bring a police report if your license was stolen, though you may want to file one for your records.

The replacement fee is the same as a new license fee. Your replacement license will be printed the same day and mailed to your address. If you need to drive before it arrives, ask DDS for a temporary paper license — they issue these on the spot.

If your license was damaged by water or wear, bring it with you to the DDS office. The staff will assess whether it can be read by their scanner. If it cannot, they will issue a replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Georgia license online if I live in Chatham County?

Online renewal is available only if your license is not expired, you have no suspensions or violations, and your address has not changed. If any of these conditions do not explore, you must visit a DDS office in person. Check the DDS website to see if your license is may be able to access for online renewal before you go.

What if I moved to Chatham County from another state?

You must get a Georgia license within 30 days of establishing residency. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of your new Chatham County address, proof of identity, and proof of your Social Security number. Your out-of-state license will be surrendered, so you cannot keep it as a backup ID.

Do I need an appointment at the DDS office in Savannah?

No, both Chatham County DDS offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis. However, wait times vary by time of day and day of week. Weekday mornings are usually faster than afternoons. You can check current wait times on the DDS website before you go.

What happens if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can order a certified birth certificate from the Georgia Vital Records office or the state where you were born. This usually takes one to two weeks. If you need a license before your birth certificate arrives, ask DDS whether you can use a passport or military ID as your proof of identity instead — these are accepted alternatives.

Can I get a license if I do not have a permanent address?

Yes. If you are homeless or do not have a lease, bring a letter from a shelter, social services agency, or other organization confirming your residency in Chatham County. DDS has procedures for people without permanent addresses — ask the staff when you arrive, and they will tell you what documentation they need.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.