What you need to do to get a Georgia driver's license
To get a Georgia driver's license, you visit your local Department of Driver Services office in person, pass a written test and a driving test, and pay a fee. Georgia does not issue licenses by mail or online. You must show up with specific documents, take both tests on the same day or different days depending on the office, and the whole process usually takes a few weeks from start to finish.
The state issues three types of licenses: a regular Class D license for standard driving, a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) if you drive trucks or buses for work, and an Instruction Permit if you are learning to drive. Most people start with an Instruction Permit, practice for a set number of hours, then return to take the driving test for a full license.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Department of Driver Services office in person with a valid ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
- Georgia requires you to pass a written knowledge test and a road test before you receive a license, unless you are renewing or transferring from another state.
- An Instruction Permit lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car and costs less than a full license, but you cannot drive alone.
- A Georgia driver's license is valid for eight years for people under 65 and five years for people 65 and older.
- You can find your nearest Department of Driver Services office and check wait times on the Georgia DDS website before you go.
Documents you must bring to the office
Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or other document that proves your identity and date of birth. A photocopy is not enough — the document itself must be there. If you do not have your birth certificate, you can order one from the vital records office in the state where you were born.
You also need proof that you live in Georgia. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address works. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you just moved and do not have a recent bill in your name, a letter from your landlord or a lease agreement counts.
Bring your Social Security card or a letter from the Social Security Administration if you have one. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) card or a letter from the IRS. You will also need to fill out an process form (Form DL 44) at the office — you do not need to bring it with you, but arriving early gives you time to complete it without rushing.
The written knowledge test and what it covers
The written test has 40 questions about Georgia traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 32 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and several other languages. You can take the test on a computer at the office, and you get your results when ready.
The test covers road signs and what they mean, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking rules, and what to do in emergencies. You can study using the Georgia Driver's Manual, which is free on the Department of Driver Services website. Many people read through the manual once or twice and take practice tests online before going to the office.
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you do pay a fee each time you take the test.
The road test and how it is scored
The road test lasts about 20 minutes. An examiner sits in the car with you and watches you drive on regular streets and sometimes highways. You must show that you can start the car, use the turn signals, merge safely, park, and follow traffic laws. The examiner is looking for safe driving habits, not perfect driving — minor mistakes like hesitating at a stop sign do not fail you, but unsafe moves like running a red light do.
You must bring a vehicle that is registered in Georgia, has current insurance, and passes a safety inspection. The car must have working brakes, lights, wipers, and mirrors. If you bring a car that does not meet these requirements, you cannot take the test that day.
You can take the road test after you pass the written test, sometimes on the same day if the office has availability. Many offices book road tests weeks in advance, so ask about scheduling when you pass the written test. If you fail the road test, you can retake it after waiting a set number of days — ask the examiner how long you must wait.
Starting with an Instruction Permit if you are a new driver
If you are under 18 or have never held a driver's license, Georgia requires you to get an Instruction Permit first. This permit lets you practice driving with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old sitting next to you. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m.
To get an Instruction Permit, you pass the written test and pay a fee at a Department of Driver Services office. You do not take a road test for the permit. The permit is valid for two years, giving you time to practice before you take the road test for a full license.
Georgia law requires you to hold an Instruction Permit for at least one month before you can take the road test for a full license. During that month, you must log at least 40 hours of supervised driving, with at least 10 hours at night. Keep a record of your practice hours in case the examiner asks about it.
Fees and how long the process takes
An Instruction Permit costs around $20 and is valid for two years. A Class D driver's license costs around $32 for an eight-year license or $20 for a five-year license if you are 65 or older. The written test and road test each have separate fees of a few dollars. Prices change occasionally, so check the Georgia Department of Driver Services website for current amounts before you go to the office.
The written test results come back when ready. If you pass, you can schedule a road test on the spot or online. Road test appointments often book out two to four weeks in advance, depending on how busy your local office is. Once you pass the road test, you receive your license the same day or within a few days by mail.
If you are transferring a license from another state, the timeline is shorter — you may not need to take a written test, and you can sometimes skip the road test if your out-of-state license is current. Bring your out-of-state license to the office and ask what tests you need.
What to do if you lose your license or need to renew it
If your license is lost or stolen, go to a Department of Driver Services office with your ID and proof of residency. You can get a replacement the same day. If your license is expiring, you can renew it in person at an office, or you may be able to renew by mail if your license is not suspended and you meet other requirements — the office can tell you whether mail renewal is an option for you.
If you move to a different address in Georgia, you must update your address at a Department of Driver Services office or online through the Georgia DDS website. Bring proof of your new address. You do not need to take new tests unless your license is expiring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test and road test on the same day?
Some offices allow it if they have examiner availability, but most book road tests weeks in advance. Ask when you pass the written test whether same-day testing is possible. If not, you can schedule the road test for a later date.
What happens if I fail the road test?
You can retake it after waiting a set number of days — the examiner will tell you the exact wait period. You do not need to retake the written test. You pay the road test fee again each time you take it.
Do I need a Social Security number to get a Georgia license?
You need either a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Bring your card or a letter from the Social Security Administration or IRS proving your number.
Can I renew my license online or by mail?
Mail renewal is available for some people, but not everyone. Your license cannot be suspended, and you must meet other requirements. Contact your local Department of Driver Services office or check the Georgia DDS website to see whether you are may be able to access.
How long does a Georgia driver's license last?
A license is valid for eight years if you are under 65, and five years if you are 65 or older. Your expiration date is printed on the front of the license.