What you need to do to transfer your license to Georgia
Georgia will issue you a new Georgia driver's license based on your current out-of-state license — you do not have to take the written test or road test again. You will need to visit a Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) office in person, bring your current license and proof of residency, and pay a fee. The whole process usually takes one visit, though your new license arrives by mail a few days later.
The key difference between a transfer and a new license is that Georgia recognizes your out-of-state driving record and does not require you to prove you can drive. You still have to prove you live in Georgia now, and you still have to follow Georgia's rules about vision tests and document requirements.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Georgia DDS office in person with your current out-of-state license and one proof of Georgia residency to transfer your license.
- Georgia does not require you to retake the written or road test when you transfer, but you will need to pass a vision screening at the DDS office.
- You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your permanent Georgia license by mail within one to two weeks.
- The transfer fee varies depending on how long your new license will be valid, but is typically between $20 and $35.
Documents you must bring to the DDS office
Bring your current, valid out-of-state driver's license. This is the document that proves you already hold a license and have a driving record elsewhere. Georgia will not transfer an expired license, so if yours has expired, you will need to renew it in your current state first or follow Georgia's rules for a new license instead.
You also need one document that proves you live in Georgia now. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease or mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and current Georgia address. The document must be recent — usually dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a Georgia government agency, such as a tax notice or vehicle registration, also works.
Bring your Social Security number or a document with it on it, such as a Social Security card or tax return. You will also need to provide your date of birth and current address when you fill out the process at the DDS office.
How to find a Georgia DDS office and schedule your visit
Georgia DDS offices are located throughout the state. You can find the office nearest you on the Georgia DDS website by entering your city or zip code. Some offices accept walk-ins, but many require you to schedule an appointment ahead of time. Scheduling an appointment usually takes a few minutes online and can significantly reduce your wait time.
If you schedule an appointment, you will receive a confirmation with the date, time, and office location. Arrive a few minutes early with all your documents. If you walk in without an appointment, you may wait longer, especially during busy times like lunch hours or late afternoons on weekdays.
What happens during your visit to the DDS office
When you arrive, you will check in and fill out the process form for a Georgia driver's license. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and information about your current license. A DDS staff member will review your documents to confirm you are who you say you are and that you live in Georgia.
You will then take a vision screening test. This is a quick test to make sure you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the test. If you fail the vision screening, you may be asked to see an eye doctor and return with a vision certificate, or you may be issued a license with restrictions that require you to wear corrective lenses while driving.
After you pass the vision screening, you will have your photo taken for your new license. You will pay the transfer fee at this time. The DDS office will issue you a temporary paper license that is valid when ready while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail.
Your temporary and permanent Georgia license
The temporary paper license you receive at the DDS office is valid right away and works just like a regular driver's license for driving, identification, and age verification. You can use it to drive in Georgia and other states when ready. Keep it with you while you drive, because it is your proof of a valid license.
Your permanent Georgia driver's license will arrive by mail within one to two weeks. When it arrives, the temporary paper license is no longer valid — destroy it or discard it. Your new permanent license is valid for eight years if you are under 65, or five years if you are 65 or older. Georgia will mail you a renewal notice before your license expires.
How your out-of-state driving record transfers to Georgia
Georgia automatically receives your driving record from your previous state through the National Driver Register, a system that tracks licenses and violations across all states. You do not have to request this — it happens automatically when you transfer your license. If you have traffic violations, accidents, or suspensions in your previous state, Georgia will see them.
If you have an active suspension or revocation in your previous state, Georgia will not issue you a license until that suspension is lifted. Contact the DDS office in your previous state to find out the status of your license there before you visit a Georgia DDS office.
Your Georgia license will show your driving history from the moment you transfer. If you were a safe driver in your previous state, this works in your favor — you start with a clean record in Georgia. If you had violations, they follow you, and Georgia may impose higher insurance rates or other consequences based on your history.
Fees and how long the process takes
The fee for transferring your license to Georgia depends on how long your new license will be valid. If you are under 65, your license is valid for eight years, and the fee is typically around $32. If you are 65 or older, your license is valid for five years, and the fee is typically around $20. Fees can change, so confirm the current fee when you schedule your appointment or call the DDS office.
The entire process — from walking into the DDS office to receiving your temporary license — usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is. Your permanent license arrives by mail within one to two weeks. If you need your license sooner, some DDS offices offer expedited mail service for an additional fee.
What to do if your out-of-state license is suspended or expired
If your out-of-state license is currently suspended or revoked, you cannot transfer it to Georgia. You will need to resolve the suspension in your previous state first. Contact the DDS office in that state to find out why your license is suspended and what you need to do to lift the suspension. Once it is lifted, you can then transfer to Georgia.
If your out-of-state license has expired, you have two choices. You can renew it in your previous state and then transfer it to Georgia, or you can take Georgia's written test and road test to obtain a new Georgia license. Most people find it faster to renew their current license first and then transfer, especially if the renewal can be done online or by mail in your previous state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to take Georgia's written test and road test to transfer my license?
No. Georgia recognizes your out-of-state license and does not require you to retake either test. You only need to pass a vision screening at the DDS office. If you fail the vision screening, you may need a vision certificate from an eye doctor before you can receive your license.
Can I transfer my license if I have an out-of-state suspension?
No. You must resolve the suspension in your previous state before Georgia will issue you a license. Contact that state's DDS office to find out what you need to do. Once the suspension is lifted, you can transfer to Georgia.
How long does it take to get my permanent Georgia license after my visit?
Your permanent license arrives by mail within one to two weeks. You can drive when ready with your temporary paper license while you wait. If you need your license faster, ask about expedited mail service when you visit the DDS office.
What if I do not have a utility bill or lease to prove I live in Georgia?
You have several options. A bank statement, mortgage statement, government tax notice, or vehicle registration with your Georgia address all work as proof of residency. The document must be recent, usually dated within the last 60 days, and must have your name and current Georgia address on it.
Will my traffic violations from my previous state follow me to Georgia?
Yes. Georgia receives your driving record from your previous state automatically through the National Driver Register. Any violations, accidents, or suspensions will be visible to Georgia and may affect your insurance rates or other consequences in Georgia.