The documents Georgia requires before you can get a license

Georgia requires you to bring six categories of documents to the Department of Driver Services: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of Georgia residency, a completed process form, proof of lawful presence in the United States, and payment for the license fee. You cannot complete the process without all of them. The state does not accept digital copies or photos — you must bring the originals or certified copies to your local DDS office.

The specific documents that satisfy each requirement vary. For example, proof of identity can be a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a school ID issued by an accredited Georgia school. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, a lease, a mortgage statement, or a bank statement — it must show your name and current Georgia address and be dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring originals or certified copies of documents proving your identity, Social Security number, Georgia residency, and lawful presence in the U.S. — digital copies are not accepted.
  • Proof of residency must be dated within the last 60 days and show both your name and current address, such as a utility bill or lease.
  • You will fill out Form DL 44 at the DDS office; you cannot submit it in advance online.
  • The license fee in Georgia is $32 for a four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license, and you must pay in cash, debit card, or credit card at the office.
  • If you are under 18, you must also bring a parent or guardian and their ID, and you may need a certified school record showing your current enrollment.

Proof of identity documents Georgia accepts

Georgia recognizes a wide range of documents as proof of identity. A U.S. passport (valid or expired within five years) is the strongest option because it proves both identity and citizenship. A certified birth certificate issued by the state where you were born also works. Military ID cards, including dependent ID cards, are accepted. If you are a current student at an accredited Georgia school, a school ID with your photo is acceptable.

If you were born outside the United States, a Certificate of Naturalization or a Permanent Resident Card (green card) serves as proof of identity. A consular report of birth abroad or a passport from your country of origin also works. If none of these explore to you, bring two documents from a secondary list: a Social Security card, a W-2 form, a pay stub, a bank statement, or a utility bill. The secondary documents do not have to be current, but they must show your name clearly.

Proof of Social Security number and lawful presence

For proof of your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card itself, or a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub that displays your full number. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration explaining why you are not may be able to access — this is rare but applies to some visa holders and others in specific immigration categories.

Proof of lawful presence in the United States is separate from proof of citizenship. A U.S. passport, a Certificate of Naturalization, a Permanent Resident Card, an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), a Temporary Protected Status (TPS) document, a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) approval notice, or a valid visa all satisfy this requirement. If you are a citizen, your passport or birth certificate covers both identity and lawful presence at once.

Proof of Georgia residency and the process form

Your proof of residency must show your name, your current Georgia address, and be dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, a property tax bill, an insurance policy, or a government-issued document such as a voter registration card or tax return. A post office change-of-address form does not work. If you have recently moved and do not yet have a document in your new name and address, bring a lease or purchase agreement signed by both you and the landlord or seller, plus an older utility bill or bank statement showing your previous address.

At the DDS office, you will complete Form DL 44, the process for a Driver's License or Learner's Permit. You cannot fill this out online or in advance — you must complete it in person at the office. The form asks for your name, date of birth, address, Social Security number, and information about any medical conditions that might affect your driving. Bring a pen; the office will have forms available, but it is faster to arrive prepared.

License fees and payment methods in Georgia

A four-year Georgia driver's license costs $32. An eight-year license costs $64. These are the standard fees as of now, though fees can change. The DDS office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards — they do not accept checks or digital payment apps. If you are paying with a card, bring the physical card with you.

If you are renewing a license rather than getting your first one, the fee is the same. If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, you will pay a replacement fee of $20 in addition to the license fee. Military members on active duty may be may be able to access for a reduced fee; ask at your local DDS office.

Additional requirements if you are under 18

If you are a minor, you must bring a parent or legal guardian with you to the DDS office. They must bring a valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or military ID. Both you and your parent or guardian will sign the process form. If your parent or guardian cannot attend, you can bring a notarized consent form signed by them, though this is less common and you should call your local DDS office first to confirm they accept it.

Some DDS offices may ask for proof that you are currently enrolled in school, such as a report card or a letter from your school. This is not required statewide, but it is required in some counties. Call your local office before your visit to ask whether you need to bring school records. If you are homeschooled, bring documentation from your parent or guardian stating that you are enrolled in a homeschool program.

What to do before you go to the DDS office

Gather all your documents at home and check them against the list above. Make sure your proof of residency is dated within the last 60 days. If you are bringing a birth certificate, confirm it is certified (it will have a raised seal or an official stamp). If you are bringing a passport, check that it has not expired more than five years ago. Bring originals, not copies, unless the document is a certified copy.

Find your nearest DDS office on the Georgia Department of Driver Services website and check their hours. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only; others have Saturday hours. Call ahead if you can — some offices take walk-ins, but others require an appointment or operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Bring all documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost or damaged in transit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a digital copy of my birth certificate or passport?

No. Georgia requires original documents or certified copies. A photo or PDF on your phone will not be accepted. If you have a certified copy from your state vital records office or from the passport agency, that is acceptable. An original is always preferred.

What if my proof of residency is older than 60 days?

You will need a different document dated within the last 60 days. If you have just moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your new address, bring a signed lease or purchase agreement plus an older utility bill showing your previous address. The DDS office can use both documents together to verify your current residency.

Do I need to pass a written test or road test to get my license?

This article covers the documents you need to bring. Written and road tests are separate steps that happen after you submit your documents. You will take the written test at the DDS office on the same day you explore, and you will schedule your road test for a later date if you pass the written test.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

Bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for a number. This applies to some visa holders and others in specific immigration categories. You will still need to provide proof of lawful presence, such as a valid visa or work authorization document.

Can my parent sign the process form for me if I am under 18?

Your parent or guardian must be present in person to sign the form with you. If they cannot attend, you can ask your local DDS office whether they accept a notarized consent form, but this is not standard practice. It is best to call ahead and ask.