What Georgia requires for a driver license
Georgia issues a standard driver license to residents age 16 and older who pass a written test, vision screening, and road test. You must be a Georgia resident — meaning you live in the state and intend to stay — and you must provide proof of identity, Social Security number, and Georgia residency. Georgia does not issue licenses to non-residents, even temporarily.
The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) handles all license issuance and renewal. You cannot renew by mail or online; you must visit a DDS office in person for your first license, renewal after expiration, or any major change to your license (name, address, or restrictions). Some offices offer express service for renewals only, which can reduce wait time.
Your Georgia license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. If you move to Georgia from another state, you have 30 days to exchange your out-of-state license for a Georgia license. Driving on an expired out-of-state license after that 30-day window is a violation.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DDS office in person for your first Georgia license; there is no online or mail option for initial issuance.
- Bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of Social Security number, and two documents showing your Georgia address.
- Georgia licenses are valid for eight years, and you must renew in person at a DDS office.
- If you move to Georgia from another state, you have 30 days to exchange your out-of-state license or you will be driving illegally.
- The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving; the road test is conducted by a DDS examiner at a local office.
Documents you need to bring to the DDS office
Georgia requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. You cannot substitute one for another, and expired documents are generally not accepted.
Proof of identity: Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid U.S. passport, a passport card, a military ID, or a state ID from another state. A photocopy is not acceptable. If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued, bring the original or certified copy of the document that changed your name (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
Proof of Social Security number: Bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, or a benefit statement from Social Security. The document must show your full name and full nine-digit Social Security number.
Proof of residency: Bring two documents that show your name and current Georgia address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease or mortgage statement, property tax bill, bank statement, insurance policy, or a letter from your employer or school on official letterhead. Documents must be dated within the last 60 days. A post office change-of-address form is not acceptable as proof of residency.
Steps to get your first Georgia driver license
The process has three stages: written test, road test, and issuance. You cannot skip the written test or take it online; it must be completed at a DDS office.
- Schedule or walk in to a DDS office. Some offices accept appointments through the Georgia DDS website; others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Call ahead to confirm hours and whether your local office takes appointments. Bring all required documents listed above.
- Pass the written test. The test has 40 questions covering road signs, traffic laws, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 32 questions correctly (80 percent). You may take the test in English or Spanish. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at most offices, but you may be charged a retest fee.
- Schedule your road test. After passing the written test, the DDS office will schedule your road test. Most offices schedule tests within two to four weeks, though wait times vary by location and season. You will receive a permit that allows you to drive with a licensed adult while you wait for your test.
- Pass the road test. Return to the DDS office on your scheduled date with your permit, proof of insurance, and a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will test your ability to start the vehicle, control steering, brake smoothly, turn, park, and follow traffic laws. The test takes about 20 minutes. If you fail, you can retake it, but you must wait at least one day and may be charged a retest fee.
- Receive your license. If you pass the road test, the DDS office will issue your Georgia driver license on the spot. Your license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days if you are under 21; if you are 21 or older, you may receive it when ready at some offices.
Renewing your Georgia driver license
You must renew your license before it expires. Georgia does not issue grace periods; an expired license is not valid for driving, even if it expired yesterday. Renewal requires an in-person visit to a DDS office.
If your license is still valid (not yet expired), you can renew it at any time. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must retake the written test and road test as if you were a new driver. If your license has been expired for less than two years, you may renew without retesting, but you must visit a DDS office in person.
Bring your current Georgia license, proof of residency (one document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and address), and proof of your Social Security number if your license does not display it. If your address has changed, bring two documents showing your new address. The renewal fee is $32 for an eight-year license. Some DDS offices offer express renewal service for people who are renewing without changes; this service may have a shorter wait time but may cost slightly more.
Fees and payment methods
Georgia charges a flat fee for driver licenses regardless of age or license type. A standard eight-year driver license costs $32. A duplicate license (if yours is lost or stolen) costs $20. A replacement license (if you need a new one due to name change or other updates) costs $32. A road test retest costs $20 to $25, depending on the office. A written test retest costs $5 to $10.
DDS offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices may not accept checks. Call your local office to confirm payment methods before you visit. If you cannot pay the full fee on the day of your visit, you cannot complete your transaction; there is no payment plan or deferral option.
What happens if you fail the written or road test
If you fail the written test, you can retake it when ready at most DDS offices on the same day. You will be charged a retest fee of $5 to $10. You have unlimited attempts to pass the written test, but you must pass it before you can schedule a road test.
If you fail the road test, you must wait at least one day before retaking it. You can schedule your retest at the same office or a different office. The retest fee is $20 to $25. There is no limit to the number of times you can retake the road test, but each attempt costs a fee. If you have failed the road test three or more times, some DDS offices may require you to take a behind-the-wheel training course before scheduling another test; ask your local office about this policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Georgia license if I moved out of state?
No. Georgia only renews licenses for residents. If you move out of state, your Georgia license remains valid until it expires, but you cannot renew it. You must obtain a license from your new state of residence. If you move back to Georgia later, you can exchange your out-of-state license for a Georgia license at any DDS office.
What if I lost my Social Security card and don't have another document with my Social Security number?
You must obtain a replacement Social Security card from the Social Security Administration before you can get a Georgia driver license. You can request a replacement card online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. Bring your birth certificate and photo ID. A replacement card typically arrives within two weeks.
Can I take the written test in a language other than English or Spanish?
No. Georgia offers the written test in English and Spanish only. If you need language support, you may bring a certified interpreter to the DDS office, but the interpreter cannot answer questions for you or help you during the test.
How long does it take to get my Georgia license after I pass the road test?
If you are 21 or older, some DDS offices issue your license when ready on the day you pass the road test. If you are under 21, your license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. Call your local DDS office to ask whether they issue licenses on-site or by mail.
What do I do if my address changes after I get my license?
You must update your address at a DDS office in person. Bring your current license and two documents showing your new address dated within the last 60 days. You will receive a replacement license with your new address. The fee is $32. You cannot update your address online or by mail.