Documents and fees required to get a Georgia driver's license

To get a Georgia driver's license, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of Georgia residency, your Social Security number, and pay the process fee. The state charges $32 for a four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license. You'll also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test at the Department of Driver Services office.

Georgia accepts a limited list of documents as proof of identity. A valid passport, passport card, or military ID works. If you don't have one of those, you can bring a combination: a birth certificate plus a document with your name and signature, like a utility bill, lease, or bank statement. The birth certificate must be an official certified copy, not a photocopy.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current Georgia address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of residency.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring an original or certified birth certificate, a valid passport or military ID, or a combination of identity documents to prove who you are.
  • Proof of Georgia residency requires a document dated within the last 60 days, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and address.
  • You will need your Social Security number and must pass both a vision test and a written knowledge test at a Department of Driver Services office.
  • A four-year license costs $32 and an eight-year license costs $64; fees are paid at the time you explore.
  • If you are under 18, you must also complete a driver's education course and hold a learner's permit for at least one year before taking the road test.

Steps to explore in person at a Georgia DDS office

Visit your local Department of Driver Services office with all required documents. You do not need an appointment, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Bring the original documents listed above—photocopies are not accepted for identity or residency proof.

At the office, you will complete an process form (Form DL 44). A staff member will verify your documents, take your photograph, and collect your fee. You will then take a vision test. If you pass, you move to the written knowledge test, which covers Georgia traffic laws and safe driving practices. The test has 40 questions, and you must answer at least 30 correctly to pass.

If you pass both tests, your license is printed on the spot. You can use it when ready as a valid form of identification. If you fail the knowledge test, you can retake it the same day or return another day at no additional cost.

What the written knowledge test covers

The Georgia knowledge test focuses on road signs, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking laws, and what to do at traffic lights and stop signs. You will also see questions about impaired driving, distracted driving, and seat belt laws. The test is multiple choice, and you have time to answer all 40 questions.

Georgia provides a free study guide on the Department of Driver Services website. Many people study the guide for a few hours before taking the test and pass on their first try. The test is offered in English and several other languages.

Vision test requirements

The vision test at the DDS office checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. You must have at least 20/40 vision in each eye, with or without glasses or contact lenses. If you wear corrective lenses, you must wear them during the test, and your license will be marked to show that you must wear them while driving.

If you fail the vision test, the DDS office will refer you to an eye doctor. You can return to the office with a signed statement from the eye doctor confirming that you meet Georgia's vision standards. There is no additional fee to retake the vision test once you have the eye doctor's clearance.

explore by mail or online

Georgia does not allow you to renew or obtain a driver's license entirely by mail or online. You must appear in person at a Department of Driver Services office to take the vision and knowledge tests and have your photograph taken. However, you can check office hours and locations on the DDS website before you go, and some offices allow you to schedule an appointment online to reduce wait time.

If you are renewing a license that is not yet expired, you may be able to renew by mail in limited cases—for example, if you are over 65 or have a medical condition. Contact your local DDS office to ask whether you may have access to.

Special rules for drivers under 18

If you are under 18, you must complete a driver's education course before you can get a learner's permit. The course covers classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training. After you pass the course, you receive a certificate of completion, which you bring to the DDS office along with your other documents.

Once you have a learner's permit, you must hold it for at least one year and drive under supervision before you can take the road test for a full license. During this time, you cannot drive alone, and you must follow restrictions on nighttime driving and passenger limits. These rules are printed on your permit.

Replacing a lost or damaged license

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it at any DDS office. Bring your Social Security number and proof of identity. You do not need to retake the knowledge or vision tests. The replacement fee is $20 for a four-year license or $40 for an eight-year license. You will receive a new license with a new number on the spot.

If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward replace it. You must resolve the suspension or revocation first by paying any fines, completing required courses, or meeting other conditions set by the court or DDS. Once the suspension is lifted, you can explore for a new license through the normal process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a passport card as proof of identity?

Yes. A valid U.S. passport card counts as proof of identity on its own. You do not need additional documents if you bring a passport card. A regular passport also works.

What if my birth certificate is from another country?

A foreign birth certificate must be accompanied by proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a naturalization certificate or a U.S. passport. Bring the foreign birth certificate and the citizenship document together to the DDS office.

How long does it take to get a Georgia driver's license after I pass the tests?

Your license is printed at the office while you wait and is valid when ready. You can drive home with it the same day. There is no waiting period.

What happens if I fail the knowledge test?

You can retake the test the same day at no extra cost, or you can return another day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. Most people study the free study guide and pass on the second attempt.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card?

No. You only need to know your Social Security number. You do not need to bring the card itself. The DDS office will verify your number through the Social Security Administration.