Bring These Documents to Your Georgia DDS Office

When you walk into a Georgia Department of Driver Services office to get your learner's permit, you need to bring proof of who you are, where you live, and your Social Security number. Georgia requires specific documents — not just any ID will work. The state has a list of acceptable documents for each category, and you must bring at least one from the "primary" list and one from the "secondary" list to prove your identity and residency.

Bring originals, not copies. The DDS staff will examine them in person. If a document is in a language other than English, bring an official English translation along with the original. You do not need to have documents notarized unless the DDS specifically asks you to, but it does not hurt.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring one primary identity document (like a birth certificate or passport) and one secondary document (like a utility bill or lease) to prove where you live.
  • Your Social Security card or a document showing your SSN is required; if you do not have a card, bring a Social Security statement from ssa.gov.
  • If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian with you, along with their ID and proof they live with you or have custody.
  • Bring the completed DL 44 form (Georgia's learner's permit process) filled out before you arrive at the office.
  • Bring payment for the permit fee, which varies by age and permit type; Georgia accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card.

Primary Identity Documents

A primary document proves who you are. Georgia accepts a U.S. birth certificate, a valid U.S. passport, a valid passport card, a valid military ID, a valid tribal ID, or a Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship. If your birth certificate is from outside the United States, it must be an official certified copy with an English translation.

Your birth certificate should be an official certified copy — the kind with a raised seal or security features. A photocopy or a certified copy from a hospital does not count. If you were born in Georgia, you can order a certified copy from the Georgia Vital Records office online or by mail. If you were born in another state or country, contact that state's or country's vital records office.

A passport or passport card works if it is still valid. Military ID must be current. If you are a U.S. citizen but do not have a birth certificate, passport, or military ID, a Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will work.

Secondary Documents for Proof of Residency

A secondary document shows where you live. Georgia accepts a current utility bill (electric, gas, water, or phone), a current lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a homeowner's or renter's insurance policy, a bank or credit card statement, or a government-issued document showing your current address.

The document must show your name and current Georgia address, and it must be dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill is the easiest option because it is recent and clearly shows an address. If you live with a parent or guardian and are not on the utility bill, bring a notarized statement from the person whose name is on the bill, along with their ID and proof they live at that address.

If you live in a college dorm or military housing, bring a letter from the institution on official letterhead showing your name, the address, and the dates you live there. A dorm assignment letter or military housing assignment works.

Social Security Documentation

Bring your Social Security card if you have one. If you do not have a card, print a Social Security statement from ssa.gov (you can create a free account and read it when ready) or call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to request one by mail.

The statement must show your full name and Social Security number. If you are explore for a permit and do not have a Social Security number, tell the DDS staff when you arrive. Georgia can issue a permit without an SSN, but the process takes longer and you will need additional documentation.

Parent or Guardian Requirements (Under 18)

If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must come with you to the DDS office. They must bring their own valid ID (a driver's license, passport, military ID, or state ID) and proof that they live with you or have legal custody. If they are your biological parent and live with you, their ID showing the same address as yours is usually enough.

If your guardian is not your biological parent, bring a court order showing legal guardianship, adoption papers, or a custody agreement. If your parents are divorced and only one has custody, bring the custody order. If both parents share custody, either one can sign the process, but bring the custody paperwork to show the DDS staff.

Your parent or guardian will sign the process form in front of the DDS staff. They do not need to sign it beforehand.

The process Form and Payment

read and fill out the DL 44 form (Georgia's process for Learner's Permit or Driver's License) before you go to the DDS office. You can find it on the Georgia DDS website. Fill it out completely and legibly in black or blue ink. Bring the completed form with you; the DDS staff will review it and may ask you to make corrections.

Bring payment for the permit fee. As of 2024, a learner's permit costs $20 for applicants 16 and older and $10 for applicants under 16, but these fees can change. Georgia DDS offices accept cash, personal check, debit card, and credit card. If you pay by check, make it out to "Georgia DDS."

What Happens at the DDS Office

When you arrive, a staff member will review your documents and your completed DL 44 form. They will check that your primary and secondary documents are acceptable and that they show your name and address correctly. If anything is missing or unclear, they will tell you what you need to bring back.

If everything is in order, you will take a vision screening test and a written knowledge test (the permit test). You will also have your photo taken for the permit card. The entire visit usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. Your learner's permit is typically issued the same day, though some offices mail it to you within a few business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a school ID or work ID instead of a birth certificate?

No. School and work IDs are not on Georgia's primary document list. You must bring a birth certificate, passport, military ID, tribal ID, or Certificate of Naturalization. A school ID can sometimes help if you are having trouble proving residency, but it cannot replace your primary identity document.

What if my birth certificate has my maiden name and I have changed my name since?

Bring both your birth certificate and a document showing your legal name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DDS staff will review both documents and update your record with your current legal name.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card if I have a passport?

Yes. A passport proves who you are, but Georgia also requires proof of your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card or a Social Security statement along with your passport.

Can my grandparent sign for me if my parents are not available?

Only a parent or legal guardian can sign the process for a minor. If neither parent is available and your grandparent does not have legal guardianship, you cannot get a permit until a parent or legal guardian can come with you. If your grandparent has legal guardianship, bring the court order proving it.

What if I do not have a current utility bill or lease to prove where I live?

Bring any secondary document dated within the last 60 days with your name and address — a bank statement, insurance policy, or property tax bill will work. If none of those are available, ask the person whose name is on the utility bill to come with you and bring a notarized statement saying you live there, along with their ID.