Georgia requires you to visit a Department of Driver Services office in person, pass a written test and vision screening, and provide proof of identity and residency
You cannot get a Georgia driver's license by mail or online. The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) requires you to appear at one of their locations to take the written knowledge test and vision test, then have your photo taken. The entire process typically takes 30 to 45 minutes on the day you test, though you may wait depending on how busy the office is.
The license itself arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you pass. You will receive a temporary paper permit on the day you test that is valid until your plastic card arrives. If you are under 18, the process has additional steps and restrictions that differ from adult licensing.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DDS office in person with your original documents — a copy or photo will not work.
- Bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of residency (utility bill or lease dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
- You will take a written test on Georgia traffic laws and road signs, a vision test, and have your photo taken the same day.
- The fee is $32 for a standard driver's license valid for eight years, or $20 for a four-year license if you are 65 or older.
- Your temporary permit is valid when ready and works as proof of passing until your plastic license arrives by mail.
What documents you need to bring
Georgia requires one document proving your identity and one proving you live in Georgia. Your identity document must be an original — not a photocopy or photo on your phone. Acceptable identity documents include a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, valid state ID from another state, military ID, or a permanent resident card (green card). A driver's license from another state counts as identity proof.
For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and Georgia address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts. You cannot use a post office box as your address.
You will also need to provide your Social Security number or, if you do not have one, your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you cannot provide either, DDS will issue you a license but will assign you a state ID number instead. Bring the actual card or document — telling the examiner your number from memory is not enough.
How to schedule your DDS office visit
Georgia DDS offices operate on a walk-in basis, meaning you can arrive without an appointment. However, you can also schedule an appointment online through the DDS website (dds.georgia.gov) to reduce wait time. During busy periods, walk-in wait times can exceed two hours, while appointment holders typically wait 15 to 30 minutes.
To schedule online, you will need to select your preferred office location and time slot. Appointments fill up quickly in urban areas like Atlanta, so booking several days in advance is common. If you walk in without an appointment, arrive early in the day — most offices see longer lines after 11 a.m.
DDS offices are typically open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some locations offering Saturday hours. Check the DDS website for your local office's exact hours, as they vary by location.
The written test and vision screening on test day
The written test covers Georgia traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You will answer 40 multiple-choice questions on a computer or paper form, depending on the office. You must score at least 32 correct (80 percent) to pass. The test is offered in English and several other languages; ask the examiner when you arrive if you need an interpreter.
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day at no additional cost. Most people who study the Georgia Driver's Manual pass on their first attempt. The manual is free and available on the DDS website.
The vision screening checks whether you can see 20/40 or better in each eye, with or without glasses or contacts. If you wear corrective lenses, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you will be asked to see an eye doctor and return with a vision correction form signed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
Fees and what your license covers
A standard Georgia driver's license costs $32 and is valid for eight years. If you are 65 or older, you can choose a four-year license for $20. The fee is paid at the DDS office on the day you test — cash, debit card, and credit card are all accepted.
Your Georgia license allows you to drive a standard passenger vehicle (Class D). If you want to drive a motorcycle, you need a separate motorcycle endorsement, which requires an additional test and fee. Commercial driver's licenses (CDL) and other endorsements have their own requirements and costs.
Your temporary permit, issued on test day, is valid for 30 days and serves as proof that you passed. Your plastic license will arrive by mail and is valid for the full eight years (or four years if you chose that option).
If you are under 18: the graduated licensing system
Georgia's Graduated Licensing System (GLS) has three stages: learner's permit, instructional permit, and full license. You cannot jump directly to a full license if you are under 18.
First, you obtain a learner's permit by passing the written test and vision screening at a DDS office. With a learner's permit, you can drive only with a licensed adult 21 or older in the front passenger seat. You must hold the learner's permit for at least 12 months and one day before moving to the next stage.
After 12 months, you can test for an instructional permit, which allows you to drive unsupervised during daylight hours (5 a.m. to 10 p.m.) but requires an adult in the car after 10 p.m. You must hold the instructional permit for at least six months before testing for a full license.
At 18, or after holding the instructional permit for six months (whichever comes later), you can test for a full Class D license with no restrictions. The written test is the same, but you will also take a road skills test showing you can operate the vehicle safely.
What happens if you fail or need to retake the test
If you fail the written test, you can retake it when ready at the same office at no extra cost. Most DDS offices allow you to test again the same day if time permits, or you can return another day.
If you fail the vision test, you cannot retake it that day. You must see an eye care professional (optometrist or ophthalmologist) and bring back a vision correction form signed by that professional. The form is free — your eye doctor will provide it.
If you fail the road skills test (required for under-18 applicants and some other cases), you can schedule a retest. There is no additional fee for the retest itself, but you will need to schedule another appointment or walk in again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a photo of my documents instead of bringing the originals?
No. DDS requires original documents. A photo on your phone, a photocopy, or a screenshot will not be accepted. You must bring the actual document to the office.
What if my proof of residency is older than 60 days?
DDS will not accept it. You will need a different document dated within the last 60 days, such as a recent utility bill or lease agreement. If you just moved and do not have a recent document, ask your landlord or utility company for one.
Do I need to take a road test to get a regular driver's license?
No, not if you are 18 or older. You only take the written test and vision screening. Road tests are required for applicants under 18 and for certain commercial licenses.
How long does my temporary permit last?
Your temporary permit is valid for 30 days from the date you pass the test. Your plastic license should arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days, so the temporary permit is usually just a backup while you wait.
Can I renew my license online or by mail?
Renewals can be done online or by mail if your license is not suspended and you do not need a new photo. New licenses and licenses with changes require an in-person visit to a DDS office.