What you need to do to get a Georgia driver's license

To get a Georgia driver's license, you visit a Department of Driver Services (DDS) office in person, pass a written test and a driving test, and provide documents that prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number. The whole process takes about four to six weeks from your first visit to receiving your license in the mail, though you can drive when ready after passing the road test if you need to.

Georgia does not allow you to start the process online or by mail. You must appear at a DDS office to take the written exam and schedule your road test. The office will check your documents on the spot and tell you what you're missing before you leave.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DDS office in person to take the written test and pass a road test; there is no online or mail-in option.
  • Bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or military ID), proof of Georgia residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security card or a document showing your number.
  • The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving; you can study using the Georgia Driver's Manual available free on the DDS website.
  • After you pass the written test, DDS schedules your road test, which usually happens within two to four weeks depending on office location and demand.
  • Your temporary license is valid for driving when ready after you pass the road test; your permanent card arrives by mail within two to three weeks.

Documents you must bring to the DDS office

Bring originals or certified copies—photocopies alone will not work. You need one document from each of these three categories: proof of identity, proof of Georgia residency, and proof of your Social Security number.

For identity, bring a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, military ID, or a valid out-of-state driver's license. For residency, bring a current utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and address. For Social Security, bring your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a license but must bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) document instead.

If your name has changed since your identity document was issued—through marriage, divorce, or court order—bring the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree.

The written test and what it covers

The written test has 40 questions and you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass. The test covers road signs, traffic laws, right-of-way rules, parking, speed limits, and safe driving practices. You take it on a computer at the DDS office, and you get your score when ready.

The Georgia Driver's Manual is free and available as a PDF on the DDS website at dds.georgia.gov. You can also pick up a printed copy at any DDS office. Most people study the manual for a few days before taking the test. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day at no extra cost.

You can request the test in languages other than English, including Spanish, Vietnamese, and Korean. Call your local DDS office ahead of time to confirm they offer your language.

Scheduling and taking your road test

After you pass the written test, the DDS office schedules your road test. In most cases, you get a date within two to four weeks. Some offices are busier than others; offices in Atlanta and other large cities may have longer waits than rural offices.

For the road test, you drive a DDS examiner's vehicle or your own vehicle if it is registered and insured in Georgia. The test lasts about 15 to 20 minutes and covers basic driving skills: starting and stopping, turning, parking, merging, and following traffic laws. You must wear a seatbelt and follow all traffic signs. If you fail, you can retake it, usually within a few days.

Bring your temporary permit (issued after you pass the written test), proof of insurance, and your vehicle's registration. If you use your own car, make sure the headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and wipers all work.

Fees and payment methods

A Georgia driver's license costs $32 and is valid for eight years. If you are under 21, the license costs $20 and is valid for four years. You pay the fee at the DDS office when you take the written test.

DDS offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices also accept checks, but call ahead to confirm. There are no additional fees for retaking the written or road test if you fail.

Finding a DDS office near you and what to expect

Georgia has DDS offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the DDS website at dds.georgia.gov. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only; others have Saturday hours. Wait times vary widely—some offices have walk-in service, while others require you to schedule an appointment online or by phone.

Check the website or call before you go. Many offices now use an online appointment system where you pick a date and time. If you walk in without an appointment, you may wait several hours or be turned away if the office is at capacity.

Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost or damaged. The process at the office usually takes 30 to 60 minutes if you have all your documents and pass the written test on your first try.

What happens after you pass the road test

Once you pass the road test, the examiner gives you a temporary license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for driving in Georgia and nationwide. Your permanent plastic card is mailed to the address you provided at the DDS office within two to three weeks.

If your permanent card does not arrive within four weeks, contact the DDS office where you tested. You can also check the status of your card on the DDS website if you have your driver's license number and date of birth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test without scheduling an appointment?

It depends on the office. Some DDS offices accept walk-ins for the written test, while others require an online appointment. Check the DDS website or call your local office before you go. Even if walk-ins are allowed, you may wait several hours during busy times.

What if I fail the road test?

You can retake the road test, usually within a few days. There is no extra fee. The examiner will tell you what you did wrong so you can practice those skills before your next attempt. Your temporary permit stays valid while you wait for your next test date.

Do I need to take the written test again if I already have a license from another state?

No. If you have a valid out-of-state driver's license, you can skip the written test and go straight to the road test. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Georgia residency, and proof of your Social Security number to the DDS office.

How long is my temporary license good for?

Your temporary license is valid until your permanent card arrives, which is usually two to three weeks. If your permanent card is delayed, contact DDS to extend your temporary license.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can get a Georgia driver's license with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring your ITIN document, proof of identity, and proof of Georgia residency to the DDS office. The process is the same as for someone with a Social Security number.