Georgia driver's licenses are issued by the Department of Driver Services, and you can start the process online or in person at a DDS office

Georgia's Department of Driver Services (DDS) handles all driver's license issuance. You have two paths: you can begin your process online through the DDS website to skip some in-person wait time, or walk into a DDS office and start there. Either way, you will need to visit a DDS location in person at least once to verify your identity and take your photo and vision test.

The process differs slightly depending on whether you are a new driver, renewing an expired license, or moving to Georgia from another state. A new Georgia driver's license costs $32 for an eight-year license (or $20 for a four-year license if you prefer). If you are under 18, the rules are stricter — you will need a learner's permit first, which requires a parent or guardian signature.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DDS office in person to complete your license process, even if you start online, because Georgia requires identity verification and a photo taken on the spot.
  • Bring a valid proof of identity (passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate), proof of Social Security number, and proof of Georgia residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).
  • New drivers under 18 must first obtain a learner's permit and hold it for at least one month before taking a road test for a full license.
  • DDS offices operate by appointment in most locations, and you can book online at the DDS website; walk-ins are accepted but wait times are longer.
  • If you are moving to Georgia from another state, you have 30 days to exchange your out-of-state license for a Georgia license.

Documents you need to bring to the DDS office

Georgia requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of residency. You cannot complete your process without all three.

Proof of identity can be a valid U.S. passport, military ID, certified birth certificate, or a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa. A Social Security card alone does not count as identity proof. Proof of Social Security number can be your actual Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a Social Security Administration letter. Proof of residency must be dated within 60 days of your visit and can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and Georgia address. A post office change-of-address form does not count.

If you are under 18, bring your parent or guardian with you, along with their ID. If you are renewing after your license expired more than two years ago, you may need to retake the written test and vision test, so ask DDS when you book your appointment.

Starting your process online versus in person

The DDS website allows you to fill out your process and schedule an appointment before you go to the office. This step saves time because the DDS staff will not have to enter your information by hand. You will still need to bring all your documents and complete the vision and photo portions in person.

If you start online, you will create an account, answer questions about your driving history, and choose a DDS office and appointment time. You can also pay the $32 fee online, which means you will not have to pay again at the office. If you prefer to skip the online step, you can walk into any DDS office during business hours, but you will wait longer and may not be seen the same day.

Either way, the in-person visit is where the actual license is issued. The DDS staff will verify your documents, take your photo, test your vision, and confirm your signature. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot, and your plastic card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Taking the written test and road test

If you are a new driver or your license has been expired for more than two years, you must pass a written test before you can get a full license. The test covers Georgia traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Georgia Driver's Manual, which is free on the DDS website. The test has 40 questions, and you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass.

After you pass the written test, you will need to pass a road test with a DDS examiner. The road test checks your ability to start the car, turn, stop, park, and follow traffic laws. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will sit in the passenger seat and direct you through a set route. If you fail, you can retake the test, but you must wait at least one day before your next attempt.

If you are under 18, you must first hold a learner's permit for at least one month before you can take the road test. The learner's permit allows you to drive with a licensed adult 21 or older in the car. You get the learner's permit by passing the written test at a DDS office.

DDS office locations and appointment booking

Georgia has DDS offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the DDS website. Most offices now require appointments, which you can book online. The website shows available times, and you can choose the date and time that works for you.

Appointment slots fill up quickly in urban areas like Atlanta, so book as far in advance as you can. If you cannot make your appointment, cancel it online so someone else can use that slot. Walk-ins are still accepted at some offices, but you may wait several hours or be turned away if the office is full.

DDS offices are typically open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours or Saturday appointments. Call ahead or check the website if you are unsure about a specific office's schedule.

Moving to Georgia from another state

If you hold a valid driver's license from another state, you have 30 days from the date you establish residency in Georgia to exchange it for a Georgia license. After 30 days, you are driving on an out-of-state license illegally, even if your license is still valid in its home state.

To exchange your out-of-state license, bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number to a DDS office. You will not have to retake the written or road test if your out-of-state license is valid and you have no disqualifying violations. The DDS staff will take a new photo and issue a Georgia license. The fee is the same: $32 for an eight-year license.

If your out-of-state license is expired, you will need to retake the written test and road test before Georgia will issue you a license. If you have an out-of-state suspension or revocation on your record, Georgia may refuse to issue a license until that suspension is lifted in your home state.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Georgia driver's license after my appointment?

You will receive a temporary paper license at the DDS office on the day of your appointment. Your plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before the card arrives, the paper license is valid.

Can I renew my license online instead of going to the DDS office?

You can renew online only if your license is not expired and you have no address changes. Most renewals can be done through the DDS website without a visit. If your license is expired or you need to update your address, you must visit an office in person.

What happens if I fail the road test?

You can retake the road test after waiting at least one day. You will pay the test fee again. Most people pass on their second or third attempt. The examiner will tell you which skills need work so you can practice before your next test.

Do I need a learner's permit if I am over 18?

No. If you are 18 or older and have never held a license, you can take the written test and road test without a learner's permit. The learner's permit requirement applies only to drivers under 18.

What if my documents are from a different name than the one I use now?

Bring the documents under your old name plus a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. The DDS staff will verify the name change and issue your license under your current legal name.