What Documents You Need to Get a Georgia Learner's Permit

Bring these documents to the DDS office

Georgia's Department of Driver Services requires six categories of documents before you can get a learner's permit. You must bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of Georgia residency, a completed process form, parental consent if you are under 18, and payment for the permit fee. The fee is $20 and does not change based on age or circumstance.

You cannot explore online or by mail. You must go in person to a DDS office with all documents in hand. If you show up missing even one required item, the office will turn you away and you will have to return another day. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work for most documents.

Key Takeaways

You need a valid photo ID, your Social Security card or a document showing your number, proof you live in Georgia, a completed Form DL 44, and $20 cash or card.
If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign the process in person at the DDS office — a signature on a form at home does not count.
Acceptable residency proof includes a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and a Georgia address dated within the last 60 days.
A passport, military ID, or state ID from another state all work as proof of identity, but a school ID or work ID does not.
You must visit a DDS office in person; there is no online or mail-in option for learner's permits.

Proof of identity documents that DDS will accept

A valid photo ID is your first requirement. DDS accepts a U.S. passport, a military ID card, a passport card, a tribal ID card, or a state ID from another state. The ID must not be expired. A school ID, work ID, library card, or any ID issued by a private company will not work, even if it has your photo on it.

If you do not have any of these, you can bring a combination of documents instead. Two documents from the "secondary ID" list — such as a birth certificate plus a high school diploma, or a baptism record plus a Social Security card — can substitute for a photo ID. The secondary documents must show your name and date of birth.

Proof of Social Security number

Bring your original Social Security card or a document that shows your number. DDS will accept a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, a paystub, or a benefit statement from Social Security, unemployment, or workers' compensation. The document must show your full name and your complete nine-digit Social Security number.

If you have lost your Social Security card, do not delay the permit process waiting for a replacement. A paystub or tax return from the current or previous year will get you through the DDS office visit. You can replace your Social Security card later.

Proof of Georgia residency

You must show that you live in Georgia. DDS accepts a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, an insurance policy, a property tax bill, or a vehicle registration. The document must show your name and a Georgia address, and it must be dated within the last 60 days.

If you are under 18 and live with a parent or guardian, the document can be in their name as long as it shows your address. If you live in a dorm, an apartment, or a house where you are not on the lease or utility bill, ask the person whose name is on the bill to bring a notarized letter stating that you live there. Some DDS offices will also accept a school enrollment letter on school letterhead showing your address.

The process form and parental consent

Fill out Form DL 44 before you go to the DDS office. You can read it from the Georgia DDS website or pick up a copy at the office. The form asks for your name, date of birth, address, Social Security number, and whether you have any medical conditions that affect your driving. Answer honestly — lying on the form can result in your permit being denied or revoked.

If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign the form in person at the DDS office. They cannot sign it at home and mail it in. Both you and the parent must be present when the DDS staff member witnesses the signature. If your parents are divorced or separated, the parent with legal custody must sign. If custody is shared, either parent can sign.

What happens at the DDS office

Arrive with all documents and the completed Form DL 44. The DDS staff will check that your documents are in order, take your photo, and administer a written test on Georgia traffic laws and road signs. The test has 40 questions and you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass. You can study the Georgia Driver's Manual online or pick up a printed copy at the office.

If you pass the test, you will pay the $20 fee and receive your learner's permit on the spot. The permit is valid for five years. If you fail the test, you can retake it the same day at most offices, though some offices may ask you to come back another day. There is no extra fee to retake the test.

Documents you do not need to bring

You do not need a birth certificate, even though many states require one. Georgia does not ask for it. You do not need proof of insurance, a vehicle registration, or a vehicle inspection. You do not need to bring a vehicle to the DDS office. You do not need a medical exam or a doctor's note unless you disclosed a medical condition on the form and DDS asks for one.

You do not need to bring a notarized document unless you are using a notarized letter to prove residency. Most other documents — utility bills, leases, bank statements — do not need to be notarized.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a passport that expired more than a year ago?

No. DDS requires a valid, unexpired photo ID. An expired passport will not work. If your passport is expired, bring a different form of photo ID or use the secondary ID combination method instead.

What if I do not have a Social Security number yet?

You cannot get a learner's permit without a Social Security number. If you are a non-citizen or have not yet applied for a number, you will need to obtain one first. Contact the Social Security Administration office in your area to begin the process.

Can my school ID count as proof of residency?

No. A school ID does not show your home address, only your school affiliation. Use a utility bill, lease, bank statement, or other document that shows your name and Georgia home address dated within the last 60 days.

Do I need to bring the original Social Security card or can I bring a copy?

You can bring either the original card or a certified copy. You can also bring a paystub, tax return, or benefit statement instead — you do not have to have the card itself.

What if my parent cannot go to the DDS office with me?

If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present to sign the form in front of the DDS staff. If neither parent can attend, you will have to wait until one can. There is no way around this requirement for minors.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.