What you need to bring to the Georgia DMV

Georgia's Department of Driver Services (DDS) requires you to bring specific documents in person. You cannot complete a driver's license process online or by mail — you must visit a DDS office.

Bring proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or consulate ID), proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your Georgia address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your name has changed, bring the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must come with you and bring their own ID. If you are renewing and your license is still valid, you can renew by mail or online instead of visiting an office, but first-time applicants and people with suspended or expired licenses must appear in person.

Key Takeaways

  • Georgia requires you to visit a DDS office in person to explore for a new driver's license; you cannot start the process online.
  • Bring proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current Georgia address — all original documents or certified copies.
  • You must pass a written knowledge test, a vision test, and a road test before DDS issues your license.
  • A Georgia driver's license costs $32 and is valid for eight years, or until age 21 if you are under 18 when you receive it.
  • If you have an out-of-state license, you can transfer it, but you still must pass Georgia's road test unless you meet specific exemptions.

The three tests you must pass

After you submit your documents, DDS staff will administer a vision screening on the spot. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. You must see at least 20/40 in each eye, or 20/40 in one eye and 20/70 in the other, with or without correction.

Next is the written knowledge test. You answer 40 multiple-choice questions about Georgia traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must score at least 28 correct (70 percent). DDS offers the test in English and several other languages. You can study using the Georgia Driver's Manual, which DDS publishes free online.

The third test is the road test. A DDS examiner rides with you in your own vehicle (or a vehicle you arrange) while you drive on public roads. The test lasts about 20 minutes and covers basic skills: starting, stopping, turning, lane changes, and parking. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. If you fail any test, you can retake it, but you may have to wait and pay a retest fee.

How long the process takes and what it costs

The total cost for a new Georgia driver's license is $32. This covers the process, the tests, and the license itself. You pay at the DDS office when you explore.

How long you wait depends on which DDS office you visit and how busy it is. Some offices have same-day appointments; others have wait times of several weeks. You can check wait times and book an appointment online through the DDS website. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointments are faster.

After you pass all three tests, DDS issues a temporary paper license on the spot. Your plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license sooner, some DDS offices offer expedited printing for an extra fee, but this is not available at all locations.

If you are moving to Georgia from another state

You have 30 days after you move to Georgia to get a Georgia license. If you still have a valid out-of-state license, you can use it during this window, but after 30 days you must have a Georgia license to drive legally in the state.

When you explore, bring your current out-of-state license along with your other documents. DDS will not accept an expired out-of-state license as proof of identity, so if yours has expired, bring a passport or birth certificate instead.

You must still pass Georgia's written and road tests, even if your out-of-state license is valid. The only exception is if you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL) from another state — in that case, you may be able to transfer it without a road test, but you must ask DDS about your specific situation when you explore.

What happens if you fail a test

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or come back another time. There is no waiting period between attempts. Each retake costs $7.

If you fail the road test, you must wait at least one day before you can retake it. The second attempt also costs $7. If you fail a second time, you must wait at least seven days before a third attempt. After three failures, DDS may require you to take a driver improvement course before you can test again, depending on why you failed.

Keep in mind that if you fail the road test, your temporary paper license is still valid while you wait to retake it. You can continue to drive legally in Georgia during this time.

Teen drivers and the Graduated Driver Licensing system

Georgia's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system has two stages for drivers under 18: a learner's permit and a Class D license.

To get a learner's permit, you must be at least 15 years old, pass the written test, and pass the vision test. With a learner's permit, you can drive only with a licensed adult (21 or older) in the front passenger seat. You must hold the permit for at least 12 months and one day before you can take the road test for a full license.

Once you turn 16 and have held your permit for the required time, you can take the road test. If you pass, you receive a Class D license. A Class D license for someone under 18 has restrictions: no driving between midnight and 5 a.m., no more than three passengers under 21, and no use of a cell phone while driving. These restrictions lift when you turn 18.

Renewing or replacing your Georgia license

A Georgia driver's license is valid for eight years. If you are under 18 when you receive your license, it expires on your 21st birthday instead.

You can renew your license online or by mail if your license is still valid and you have not had any suspensions or revocations. Go to the DDS website to renew online; the fee is $32 and your new license arrives by mail. If you prefer to renew by mail, read the renewal form from the DDS website, print it, and mail it with a check or money order.

If your license has been lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it at a DDS office. Bring your ID and proof of address. A replacement license costs $20. You can also order a replacement online if your license is not suspended or revoked.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Georgia driver's license if I do not have a Social Security number?

No. Georgia law requires proof of a Social Security number to issue a driver's license. If you do not have a number, you may be able to get an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS, but you should contact DDS directly to ask whether an ITIN is accepted in your situation.

What if I fail the vision test?

If you do not meet Georgia's vision standard, you can retake the test after you have seen an eye doctor and obtained corrective lenses (glasses or contacts). Bring your new glasses or contacts to your next DDS visit. If you still cannot meet the standard even with correction, DDS may issue a license with restrictions — for example, daylight driving only.

Do I need to take the road test if I already have a valid driver's license from another country?

Yes. Georgia requires all new applicants to pass the road test, regardless of where you learned to drive. The only exception is for people transferring a valid CDL from another U.S. state. Contact DDS before your appointment if you have questions about your specific license type.

How do I schedule a DDS appointment?

Visit the Georgia DDS website and use the online appointment scheduler. You can choose your preferred office location and time. If you cannot find an appointment that works, you can walk into any DDS office, but wait times are usually longer than for scheduled appointments.

What should I do if I move to a different address in Georgia?

You must update your address with DDS within 30 days of moving. You can do this online through the DDS website, by mail, or in person at a DDS office. Updating your address online is free and the fastest option.