What you need to do to switch your license to Georgia

To change your driver's license to Georgia, you'll need to surrender your current out-of-state license, pass Georgia's written test, and pass a road test — unless Georgia recognizes your current license as valid. Georgia does not automatically accept licenses from other states, so even if you have a valid license elsewhere, you must get a Georgia license within a set timeframe after you move. The process takes place at a Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) office, and you'll walk out with either a learner's permit or a full license depending on what you're ready for.

The timeline matters: Georgia law requires you to obtain a Georgia license within 30 days of establishing residency in the state. If you're moving for work, school, or family, that 30-day clock starts when you move, not when you register your car or sign a lease. Starting the process early — even before you move — can save you time and stress.

Key Takeaways

  • You have 30 days from the date you move to Georgia to get a Georgia driver's license, or you risk driving on an expired or invalid license.
  • Georgia does not waive the written test for out-of-state drivers, so you must study the Georgia Driver's Manual and pass the knowledge test at a DDS office.
  • You will need to bring your current out-of-state license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your date of birth.
  • If you pass the written test but fail the road test, you can retake the road test without retaking the written test, though you may need to schedule a new appointment.
  • Georgia offers a standard five-year license for most drivers and an eight-year license for drivers age 65 and older.

Documents you must bring to the DDS office

Georgia requires specific documents before you can take the written test or road test. Bring your current out-of-state driver's license — this is your primary form of identification and proof that you hold a valid license in another state. You'll also need proof of your Georgia residency, which can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail addressed to you at your Georgia address. The document must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days.

You must also bring proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form) and proof of your date of birth (your birth certificate, passport, or military ID). If your name has changed since your out-of-state license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — bring the court order or marriage certificate that documents the change. DDS staff will review all documents before you take the written test, so bring originals, not copies.

Taking the written test at a Georgia DDS office

The Georgia written test covers road signs, traffic laws, safe driving practices, and Georgia-specific rules. You cannot skip this test even if you hold a valid license from another state. The test has 40 questions, and you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass (80 percent). You have 30 minutes to complete it, and the test is offered in English and several other languages.

Before you go to the DDS office, study the Georgia Driver's Manual, which is free and available on the DDS website. Many people also use online practice tests to get familiar with the question format. The written test is computer-based at most DDS offices, so you'll see questions on a screen and enter your answers using a keyboard or touchscreen. You'll know your score when ready after you finish.

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day at most offices, though some locations may require you to schedule a new appointment. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you will pay the test fee again.

Scheduling and taking the road test

After you pass the written test, you can schedule a road test at the same DDS office or at a different location. Georgia road tests typically take 15 to 20 minutes and cover basic driving skills: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws. The examiner will ask you to perform specific maneuvers and will watch how you handle the vehicle in real traffic.

You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have valid license plates, working brakes, working headlights and taillights, and a functioning windshield wiper. You cannot use a vehicle with a "Dealer" or "Temporary" tag. If you don't own a vehicle, some DDS offices allow you to use a friend's or family member's car, but call ahead to confirm the office's policy.

Road test appointments fill up quickly, especially in urban areas like Atlanta, so schedule as soon as you pass the written test. You can book online through the DDS website or by phone. If you fail the road test, you can retake it without retaking the written test, though you'll need to schedule a new appointment and may wait several weeks for an opening.

What happens if your out-of-state license is suspended or expired

If your out-of-state license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot straightforward trade it for a Georgia license. Georgia will check the status of your current license through the National Driver Register, a database that tracks license status across all states. If your license is suspended or revoked, you will not be issued a Georgia license until the suspension or revocation is lifted in your home state.

If your license is expired but was valid when it expired, you can still explore for a Georgia license. Bring your expired license along with proof that it was valid at the time it expired. If you're unsure about the status of your license, contact the DDS office in your home state before you move, or ask the Georgia DDS staff when you arrive — they can look it up for you.

Getting your Georgia license after you pass both tests

Once you pass the written test and the road test, you'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally in Georgia while your permanent card is being made. Your permanent Georgia driver's license will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Keep the temporary license with you while you drive, as it is your proof of licensure.

Your Georgia license will be valid for five years from the date of issue if you are under age 65, or eight years if you are 65 or older. You can renew it by mail, online, or in person before it expires. Georgia also offers a REAL ID-compliant license, which you may need for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. Ask the DDS staff whether you need REAL ID compliance and what additional documents are required.

If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL)

If your out-of-state license is a commercial driver's license, the process is more involved. You must pass Georgia's CDL written test, which covers general knowledge, air brakes (if applicable), and any endorsements you hold (such as hazmat or passenger). You must also pass a CDL road test in a vehicle that matches your endorsement class. CDL testing takes longer than standard license testing, and appointments are often booked weeks in advance.

Bring your current CDL, proof of residency, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your date of birth, just as you would for a standard license. You may also need to provide medical certification if your CDL requires it. Contact the Georgia DDS CDL section before you move to understand the full timeline and any additional requirements for your specific endorsements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to take the road test if I've been driving for 20 years?

Yes. Georgia requires all drivers who are new to the state to pass both the written test and the road test, regardless of how long you've held a license elsewhere. There is no waiver based on driving experience or age.

What if I fail the road test — can I drive while I wait to retake it?

Yes, your temporary paper license remains valid for 30 days, so you can drive legally while you schedule and prepare for your next road test attempt. You do not need to retake the written test.

Can I get a Georgia license before I move if I know I'm relocating?

No. Georgia requires proof of residency, which means you must have a Georgia address before you explore. You can move to Georgia and explore when ready, but you cannot explore in advance from your current state.

What if my name on my out-of-state license doesn't match my current legal name?

Bring documentation of the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — along with your out-of-state license. DDS staff will review the documents and update your name on your Georgia license.

How much does a Georgia driver's license cost?

The fee varies depending on the type of license and how long it's valid. A standard five-year license costs less than an eight-year license. Contact your local DDS office or check the DDS website for the current fee, as prices may change.