Georgia driver's license fees depend on the type of license and how long you want it to last

A standard Georgia driver's license costs $32 for an eight-year license if you are 21 or older. If you are under 21, the cost is also $32, but the license expires when you turn 21. A five-year license costs $20 and is available if you prefer not to commit to the full eight years. These are the base fees you pay to the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) when you get your license.

If you need a Real ID-compliant license — the kind required for federal buildings and domestic flights — the cost is the same as a standard license. Real ID is now the default in Georgia, so you will receive it unless you specifically request a standard license instead. You pay the fee once, at the time you get your license or renew it.

Additional fees explore if you need a replacement card, a name change, or a duplicate. A replacement license (if yours is lost, stolen, or damaged) costs $20. These fees are current as of 2024, but Georgia DDS can change them, so confirm the exact amount on the official DDS website before you visit.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard eight-year Georgia driver's license costs $32 for adults 21 and older.
  • Drivers under 21 pay the same $32 but the license expires on their 21st birthday.
  • A five-year license costs $20 if you prefer a shorter validity period.
  • Real ID licenses cost the same as standard licenses and are now the default option in Georgia.
  • Replacement licenses cost $20 if your card is lost, stolen, or damaged.

What you pay at the DDS office

When you visit a Georgia DDS office to get your first license or renew an expired one, you pay the license fee at the counter. You cannot pay online in advance — payment happens in person when you complete your transaction. Bring cash, a debit card, or a credit card; most DDS offices accept all three.

If you are renewing by mail (available in some cases), you will include a check or money order with your process. The DDS website shows which renewal situations allow mail-in renewal and which require an in-person visit.

Fees for under-21 drivers

Georgia charges the same $32 fee for a driver's license whether you are 16 or 20 years old. The difference is the expiration date: your license will expire on your 21st birthday, not eight years from the issue date. When you turn 21, you will need to renew your license, and at that time you pay the $32 fee again for a full eight-year license.

This means a teenager who gets their license at 16 will renew it once before they are 25. Plan ahead so your license does not expire while you are waiting for a renewal appointment.

Fees for commercial driver's licenses

A commercial driver's license (CDL) costs more than a standard license. A CDL for eight years costs $60, and a five-year CDL costs $37.50. These fees are higher because a CDL requires additional testing and medical certification. You must also pay for a medical certificate from a certified medical examiner, which is a separate cost not included in the DDS fee — that typically ranges from $75 to $150 depending on the examiner.

If you already have a standard Georgia license and you want to add a CDL, you still pay the full CDL fee; you do not get a discount for already holding a license.

Fees for ID cards and special situations

If you do not drive but need a state ID card for identification purposes, Georgia offers a Georgia ID card for $20 for eight years. This is useful if you want a Real ID-compliant document but do not need driving privileges.

A duplicate license (an extra copy of your current valid license) costs $20. This is different from a replacement: a duplicate is issued while your original is still valid, whereas a replacement is issued when your original is lost, stolen, or damaged. Both cost the same amount.

If you change your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you will need a new license with your updated name. Georgia charges $20 for a name-change license, and you must bring court documents or a marriage certificate to prove the change.

What affects the total cost of getting your license

The DDS fee is only one part of the cost. If you are a new driver, you will also pay for a learner's permit before you get your license. A Georgia learner's permit costs $20 and lasts three years. You cannot skip this step if you are under 18; you must hold a permit for at least one year before you can take the road test for your license.

You may also need to pay for a road test if you take it at a private testing facility. Georgia DDS offices offer road tests for free, but wait times can be long. Private examiners charge between $50 and $100 for a road test, depending on the facility. If you use a DDS office, you pay nothing extra for the test itself.

Finally, if you need documents to prove your identity and residency (such as a birth certificate, proof of Social Security number, or utility bill), obtaining those documents may have their own fees. A certified birth certificate from your state's vital records office, for example, typically costs $10 to $25.

How to pay and what to bring

Visit a Georgia DDS office in person with your required documents and payment method. You do not need to bring exact change — the office will process your payment and give you a receipt. Keep your receipt until your license arrives in the mail, which usually takes 7 to 10 business days.

If you are renewing by mail, write a check or money order for the renewal fee and include it with your process. Do not send cash through the mail. The DDS will process your payment and send your new license to the address on file.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay the DDS fee online before I go to the office?

No. Georgia DDS requires you to pay in person at the office when you complete your transaction. You cannot prepay online or by phone. Bring a payment method with you when you visit.

What if I lose my license before it expires — do I pay the full fee again?

Yes. A replacement license costs $20, not the full $32 or $60. This is a reduced fee because you are not getting a new eight-year license; you are getting a replacement card for the remainder of your current license's validity period.

Do I have to pay for a Real ID license, or can I get a cheaper standard license instead?

Real ID licenses cost the same as standard licenses in Georgia ($32 for eight years). Real ID is now the default, so you will receive it unless you specifically ask for a standard license instead. There is no cost difference either way.

How much does a learner's permit cost, and is it separate from the license fee?

A Georgia learner's permit costs $20 and is a separate transaction from your driver's license. You pay $20 for the permit, then later pay $32 for your license when you pass the road test. The two fees are not combined.

What if I renew my license before it expires — do I get a refund for unused time?

No. Georgia does not refund unused time on an expired or expiring license. If you renew early, you pay the full fee for a new eight-year period starting from the renewal date.