Bring these documents to the DDS office

When you go to your local Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) office to get your learner's permit, you will need to bring proof of your identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Georgia residency. The DDS will not issue a permit without all three. Bring the originals — photocopies are not accepted.

You do not need to bring your Social Security card itself. A document that shows your number — like a W-2 form, a tax return, or a pay stub — works just as well. If you have none of these, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration confirming your number.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring original documents proving your identity, Social Security number, and Georgia address; photocopies will not be accepted.
  • A state ID, passport, or birth certificate satisfies the identity requirement, and you do not need to bring your actual Social Security card.
  • Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail — it must show your current Georgia address and your name.
  • Minors under 18 must also bring a parent or guardian and a completed Form DL 44, which you can read from the DDS website before you go.
  • Bring your completed vision screening form if you had your eyes tested outside the DDS office, or the DDS will test your vision on-site.

Proof of identity: what the DDS accepts

A valid Georgia driver's license or ID card counts, but if you are getting your first permit, you will not have one yet. Instead, bring one of these: a U.S. passport, a passport card, a certified birth certificate, a consular report of birth abroad, or a tribal ID card issued by a federally recognized tribe. The document must be original and unexpired (or expired no more than five years ago for a birth certificate).

If you were born outside the United States, a birth certificate from your country of origin is acceptable only if it is certified. A photocopy or an uncertified version will not work. If you do not have a certified birth certificate and cannot get one quickly, a U.S. passport is the fastest alternative.

Proof of Social Security number: documents that work

Bring an original document showing your nine-digit Social Security number. The DDS accepts a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, a pay stub, a bank statement, or a letter from the Social Security Administration. The document must be current — generally from the last year — and must show your full name and complete Social Security number.

If you have never worked and have no tax documents, contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office to request a letter confirming your number. The letter takes about two weeks to arrive by mail.

Proof of Georgia residency: what counts

You need a document showing your current Georgia address and your name. The DDS accepts a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a homeowner's or renter's insurance policy, or government mail from a state or federal agency. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.

If you live with a parent or guardian and are not on the utility bill, ask them to bring a document in their name showing the shared address, plus a signed statement confirming you live there. A notarized affidavit is not required — a handwritten note with a signature is acceptable.

What minors under 18 must bring

If you are under 18, you must bring a parent or legal guardian with you to the DDS office. They will need to show their own ID and sign your process. You will also need to bring a completed Form DL 44 (process for a Permit or License), which you can read from the Georgia DDS website before you go. Filling it out ahead of time speeds up your visit.

Some DDS offices have the form available on-site, but bringing a completed copy saves time. Make sure the parent or guardian signs where indicated — the DDS will not process the form without their signature.

Vision screening and medical forms

The DDS will test your vision at the office for free. If you had your vision tested by an eye doctor within the last 12 months, you can bring that screening form instead — it must show that you meet Georgia's vision standards. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you; you will be tested with the correction you actually use while driving.

If you have a medical condition that might affect your driving — such as epilepsy, diabetes, or a heart condition — the DDS may ask you to bring a letter from your doctor. You do not need to bring this proactively; the examiner will tell you if it is needed after you describe your medical history on the process form.

What to bring on test day: a checklist

Before you go to the DDS office, gather these items in one place: your original identity document, your original proof of Social Security number, your original proof of Georgia residency, your completed Form DL 44 (if you are under 18), and your parent or guardian (if you are under 18). If you have a recent vision screening form from an eye doctor, bring that too. Leave extra time to find documents — many people discover they need a certified birth certificate or a utility bill only when they arrive at the office.

Check the DDS website for your local office's hours and any current wait times. Some offices are busier than others, and a few require you to schedule an appointment online. Arriving early in the day usually means a shorter wait.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a school ID or work ID as proof of identity?

No. The DDS only accepts a state ID, passport, birth certificate, consular report of birth, or tribal ID. School and work IDs are not valid, even if they show your photo and address.

What if I do not have a utility bill in my name?

You can use a lease, mortgage statement, property tax bill, insurance policy, or government mail instead. If none of those are available, ask your parent or guardian to bring a document in their name showing your shared address, plus a signed note confirming you live there.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card?

No. Any document showing your nine-digit Social Security number works — a pay stub, tax return, W-2, or letter from the Social Security Administration. Your actual card is not required.

What happens if I forget a document?

The DDS will not issue your permit without all three types of proof (identity, Social Security number, and residency). You will need to go home, get the missing document, and return to the office. Bring everything on your first visit to avoid a second trip.

Can my parent sign the Form DL 44 at home, or do they have to sign it at the DDS office?

Your parent or guardian can sign it at home before you go to the office. The DDS does not require them to sign it in front of an examiner, but the signature must be present on the form when you arrive.