What a Georgia learner's permit costs

A Georgia learner's permit costs $20 and is valid for five years from the date you receive it. This is the only fee the Georgia Department of Driver Services charges for the permit itself. You do not pay extra to take the knowledge test, and you do not pay a separate fee to get the physical card.

The $20 covers the permit document and the right to practice driving under supervision for those five years. If your permit expires and you want to renew it, you will pay $20 again. If you lose the card and need a replacement, Georgia charges $5 for a duplicate.

Some people also pay for a knowledge test study guide or practice test software before they go to the testing location, but those are optional and come from private companies, not from Georgia. The state's own test is free to take.

Key Takeaways

  • Georgia charges $20 for a learner's permit that lasts five years, with no additional testing fees.
  • A replacement permit card costs $5 if yours is lost or damaged.
  • You can take the knowledge test as many times as you need at no cost until you pass.
  • Study materials and practice tests are optional and sold by private vendors, not by Georgia.
  • You must be at least 15 years old and bring proof of identity, Social Security number, and Georgia residency to get a permit.

What documents you need to bring

When you go to a Georgia Department of Driver Services office to pay for and receive your learner's permit, bring a valid form of identification, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of Georgia residency. A passport, military ID, or state ID counts as identification. A Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return works for your Social Security number. A utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address shows residency.

You also need to be at least 15 years old. Georgia does not charge a fee to verify these documents, but you cannot get the permit without them. If any document is missing or expired, the office will turn you away and you will have to return another day.

Where to pay and how long it takes

You pay the $20 fee at any Georgia Department of Driver Services office when you submit your documents and take the knowledge test. There are offices in most counties, and you can find the one nearest you on the DDS website. You do not pay online or by mail — payment happens in person at the office.

The process usually takes 30 to 45 minutes from the time you arrive. You will fill out an process form, have your documents checked, take the knowledge test (which has 40 questions and you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass), and then receive your permit card on the same day if you pass the test. If you fail the test, you can take it again at no extra charge, but you will need to return to the office another day.

Renewal and replacement costs

If your five-year permit expires and you still need to practice before taking your road test, you will pay $20 to renew it. You can renew in person at a DDS office or by mail, though renewing by mail takes longer. The renewal process is simpler than the first permit — you do not take another knowledge test.

If you lose your permit card or it is damaged, a replacement costs $5. You order a replacement at a DDS office or online through the Georgia DDS website. A replacement card usually arrives by mail within one to two weeks.

What the $20 does and does not cover

The $20 permit fee covers the right to drive with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old in the front passenger seat. It covers the five-year validity period and the physical card you carry. It does not cover the road test you take later to earn your full driver's license — that is a separate fee (currently $20 for the test itself, plus $32 for the license if you pass).

The permit fee also does not include insurance. You will need to buy auto insurance before you drive, even with a learner's permit, because Georgia law requires it. Insurance costs vary widely based on your age, driving record, and the vehicle you drive, so get quotes from multiple insurers before you choose one.

How to pay if you cannot visit an office in person

Georgia does not allow you to pay for a learner's permit online or by phone. You must go to a DDS office in person to submit your documents, take the knowledge test, and pay the $20 fee. There is no way around this requirement.

If you live far from an office or have difficulty traveling, some counties offer mobile DDS services that visit smaller towns on a schedule. Check your county's DDS website to see if a mobile office comes to your area. You still pay $20 and take the test in person, but you do not have to drive to a main office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the knowledge test more than once if I fail?

Yes. Georgia charges no fee to retake the test. You can take it as many times as you need until you pass. Each time you go to the office, you pay only if you are getting a new permit — retesting costs nothing.

Do I have to pay the $20 fee before I take the test, or after I pass?

You pay the $20 when you submit your process and documents at the office, before you take the test. If you fail the test, you keep the permit card and can return to retake the test at no charge. The $20 is for the permit itself, not for passing the test.

What if I move to another state while my Georgia permit is still valid?

Your Georgia permit remains valid in Georgia for its full five years. If you move to another state, that state will not honor it — you will need to get a learner's permit from your new state and pay their fee. Georgia does not refund the $20 if you leave the state.

Is there a fee to add restrictions to my permit or change them?

No. Georgia does not charge to add or modify permit restrictions. If your permit needs to be reissued with new restrictions, you pay $5 for a replacement card, the same as if it were lost.

Can I get a Georgia learner's permit if I have a suspended license from another state?

No. Georgia will not issue a learner's permit if you have an active suspension or revocation in any state. You must clear the suspension in the state that issued it before Georgia will issue you a permit.