Documents and information you must bring to the Georgia DDS

To get a Georgia driver's license, you need to bring five things to your local Department of Driver Services office: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of Georgia residency, a completed process form, and payment for the license fee. The specific documents that satisfy each requirement vary depending on your citizenship status and age, but Georgia has a defined list for each category—you cannot substitute documents on your own.

Start by gathering documents before you go to the DDS office. Showing up without the right paperwork means a wasted trip and a delayed license. The DDS website lists acceptable documents by category, and you can call your local office to confirm what you have will work for your situation.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring proof of identity, Social Security number, Georgia residency, a completed Form DL 44, and payment to the DDS office in person.
  • Acceptable documents differ by citizenship status—U.S. citizens have different options than non-citizens, and Real ID documents have stricter requirements than standard licenses.
  • Georgia charges a fee for driver's licenses that varies by license type and validity period; the DDS office will tell you the exact amount when you arrive.
  • You must pass a vision test and written knowledge test at the DDS office; bring your glasses or contacts if you use them.
  • If you are under 18, you also need parental consent and proof of enrollment in school or a homeschool program.

Proof of identity documents Georgia accepts

Georgia accepts a limited list of identity documents. A U.S. passport, passport card, or enhanced driver's license from another state all work. If you do not have a passport, you can use a certified birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Naturalization if you are not a U.S. citizen.

Military ID cards and tribal enrollment cards also count as proof of identity. If you are explore for a Real ID-compliant license (the kind required for federal buildings and domestic flights after May 2025), your identity document must be an original or certified copy—photocopies do not work. Standard Georgia licenses have less strict document requirements, but Real ID documents must be verified against federal databases.

Proof of Social Security number and residency

You must show your actual Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a Social Security statement from the Social Security Administration. A photocopy of your card is acceptable. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you can get a Georgia driver's license.

For residency, Georgia requires a document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and current Georgia address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. A government-issued ID with your Georgia address also counts. If you recently moved and your documents do not yet show your new address, bring a lease or utility bill for your new place plus a document showing your old address to explain the gap.

The process form and what it asks

You must complete Form DL 44, the Georgia Driver's License process, before or when you arrive at the DDS office. You can read it from the Georgia DDS website or fill it out on a computer at the office. The form asks for your name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, phone number, and whether you have any medical conditions that affect your driving.

You also declare your citizenship status on the form. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must provide an unexpired visa, employment authorization document, or other federal immigration document. Georgia will not issue a standard driver's license to someone without lawful presence, but it will issue a limited-term license to certain visa holders and work permit holders. The form itself does not determine your status—the DDS officer will verify your documents against federal immigration databases.

Vision and knowledge testing at the DDS office

When you arrive at the DDS office, you will take a vision test and a written knowledge test. The vision test checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely; if you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. You do not need to pass the vision test before you arrive—the DDS administers it on-site.

The written test covers Georgia traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 16 out of 20 questions correctly to pass. The DDS provides a study guide on its website, and you can take practice tests online before your appointment. If you fail the knowledge test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another visit.

License fees and how long approval takes

Georgia charges a fee for driver's licenses that depends on the license type and how long it is valid. A standard four-year license costs less than an eight-year license. A Real ID license costs more than a standard license because of the additional federal verification required. The DDS office will tell you the exact fee when you arrive; you can pay by cash, check, or card.

Once you pass the knowledge and vision tests and submit your documents, the DDS issues your license the same day in most cases. You receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If the DDS needs to verify your documents with federal agencies (which happens with Real ID applications), the process may take longer.

Special requirements if you are under 18

If you are under 18, you must bring a parent or legal guardian to the DDS office. They must sign your process form in front of the DDS officer. You also need proof that you are enrolled in school or a homeschool program—a report card, school enrollment letter, or homeschool documentation all work.

Georgia issues a learner's permit to drivers under 18 before they can get a full license. The permit requires the same documents as a license, plus parental consent and proof of school enrollment. You must hold the permit for at least 12 months and one day before you can upgrade to a full license, and you must pass a road test administered by the DDS.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Georgia driver's license if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes, if you have lawful presence in the United States. You must provide an unexpired visa, employment authorization document, or other federal immigration document. Georgia issues standard licenses to some visa holders and work permit holders, and limited-term licenses to others. The DDS will verify your immigration status against federal databases.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can use a U.S. passport, passport card, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or Certificate of Naturalization instead. If you do not have any of these, you will need to obtain a birth certificate from the state where you were born before you can get a Georgia license. Contact the vital records office in that state.

Do I need an appointment to go to the DDS office?

Georgia DDS offices accept both walk-ins and appointments. Appointments are faster and reduce wait time, but you can show up without one. You can schedule an appointment on the Georgia DDS website or by calling your local office. Wait times vary by location and time of day.

What happens if I fail the knowledge test?

You can retake the test the same day or schedule another visit. There is no waiting period between attempts. Each time you retake the test, you pay the license fee again. Study the Georgia DDS study guide before your next attempt.

Can I use a digital copy of my documents instead of originals?

No. The DDS requires original documents or certified copies for most items. Photocopies and digital photos do not work. The only exception is your Social Security card, which can be a photocopy.