Documents Georgia requires before you can test
Georgia's Department of Driver Services requires six categories of documents before you sit for your written or road test. You cannot test without them, and you cannot get a license without passing both tests. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work.
The six categories are: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of Georgia residency, proof of lawful presence in the United States, a completed process form, and payment. Each category has multiple ways to satisfy it, so you likely already own something that works.
Key Takeaways
- You need documents from six categories: identity, Social Security, Georgia address, lawful presence, a signed process (Form DL 44), and a fee — usually $32 for an eight-year license.
- A passport or military ID counts as identity proof; a birth certificate does not, even though many states accept it.
- You prove residency with a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days — a piece of mail with your name and address works.
- Proof of lawful presence means a passport, visa, I-94 card, or employment authorization document; a Social Security card alone is not enough.
- Bring originals or certified copies; photocopies and digital images will be rejected at the counter.
Proof of identity: what Georgia accepts
Georgia accepts a U.S. passport, military ID, passport card, or Enhanced Driver's License from another state. If you do not have any of these, you can use a combination of two documents from a secondary list: a birth certificate, high school diploma, college transcript, or marriage certificate.
A birth certificate alone does not count as primary identity in Georgia, even though it does in many other states. If you only have a birth certificate, you must bring a second document from the secondary list — for example, a birth certificate plus a high school diploma. Both must be originals or certified copies.
Proof of Social Security number
Bring your Social Security card, or a document issued by the Social Security Administration that shows your number. A W-2 form, tax return, or 1099 form also works. You do not need to bring the original — a copy is acceptable for this category only.
If you have lost your Social Security card and do not have a tax document, you can request a replacement from the Social Security Administration before your appointment. This usually takes one to two weeks by mail.
Proof of Georgia residency
You need a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and a Georgia address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. A piece of mail from a government agency, insurance company, or financial institution also counts.
A postdated lease or utility bill does not work — the document must show a date within the past 60 days. If you just moved to Georgia and have not yet received a utility bill in your name, ask your landlord or utility company for a letter on company letterhead confirming your address and move-in date.
Proof of lawful presence in the United States
If you are a U.S. citizen, your passport or passport card serves this purpose. If you are not a citizen, you need a visa, I-94 arrival/departure card, employment authorization document (EAD), or permanent resident card (green card). A Social Security card does not prove lawful presence, even though you need it for another category.
If your visa or work authorization is expiring soon, bring it anyway — Georgia does not require it to be valid for the full eight-year license term. However, you may want to renew it first to avoid complications if you travel or need to show your license to federal authorities.
process form and payment
Complete Form DL 44 (process for a Georgia Driver's License) before you arrive at the Department of Driver Services office. You can print it from the Georgia DDS website or fill it out on a computer and bring it signed, or you can arrive early and fill it out by hand at the office. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, and signature.
Bring a check or money order for the license fee, or be prepared to pay by debit card at the counter. As of 2024, an eight-year license costs $32 for most applicants. A four-year license costs $20. Fees can change, so check the Georgia DDS website before you go.
What to bring on test day: a checklist
| Category | Examples that work | What does not work |
|---|---|---|
| Identity | U.S. passport, military ID, or two secondary documents (birth certificate + diploma) | Birth certificate alone, driver's license from another state, school ID |
| Social Security | Social Security card, W-2, tax return, 1099 | Verbal confirmation, bank statement with partial number |
| Georgia residency | Utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement (dated within 60 days) | Mail older than 60 days, postdated documents, verbal confirmation |
| Lawful presence | Passport, visa, I-94, employment authorization document, green card | Social Security card, birth certificate, state ID |
| process | Completed Form DL 44, signed | Blank form, unsigned form, handwritten notes |
| Payment | Check, money order, or debit card at counter | Credit card (not accepted), cash (not accepted at most offices) |
What happens if you show up without all six categories
The Department of Driver Services will not let you test. You will be turned away and asked to return with the missing documents. You do not lose your place in line or your appointment — you straightforward reschedule and come back.
If you are unsure whether a document you own will work, call the Georgia DDS at 678-413-8400 before your appointment. They can tell you whether a specific document satisfies a category. Bringing one extra document that you think might work is better than making a second trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a digital copy or photo of my documents on my phone?
No. Georgia requires originals or certified copies printed on paper. A photo of your passport or utility bill on your phone will not be accepted. If you have a certified copy from a government office or notary, that works.
What if my residency document has my old address on it?
It will not work. Georgia requires the document to show your current Georgia address and be dated within the last 60 days. If you just moved, ask your utility company or landlord for a new statement or letter on company letterhead with your new address.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card if I have a W-2?
No. A W-2, tax return, or 1099 is enough to prove your Social Security number. You do not need to bring the card itself. A copy of any of these documents is acceptable.
Can I use a passport card instead of a full passport?
Yes. A U.S. passport card works for both identity and proof of lawful presence. It counts as a primary identity document and satisfies the lawful presence requirement in one document.
What if I do not have a utility bill or lease in my name yet?
Ask your landlord, property manager, or utility company for a letter on company letterhead confirming your address and move-in date. It must be dated within the last 60 days. Some offices also accept a notarized statement from someone who lives with you, though calling ahead to confirm is wise.