What You Need to Do to Switch to a Georgia License

When you move to Georgia from another state, you do not have to wait for your out-of-state license to expire. You can exchange it for a Georgia license right away by visiting a Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) office in person. The process takes about 30 minutes, costs $32 for a standard license, and you will walk out with a temporary paper license the same day while your plastic card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Georgia requires you to get a new license within 30 days of establishing residency in the state. Establishing residency means you have moved here to live, not just visiting. You do not need to own a home or sign a lease for a specific length of time — proof of residency can be as straightforward as a utility bill, a lease agreement, or a bank statement showing your Georgia address.

The exchange process is simpler than a first-time license because you already have a valid license from another state. You will not retake the written test or the road test unless your current license is suspended, revoked, or expired. Georgia will straightforward issue you a new license with your existing driving record transferred over.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Georgia DDS office in person with your current out-of-state license and proof of Georgia residency to exchange for a Georgia license.
  • The fee is $32 for a standard five-year license, and you receive a temporary paper license when ready while your plastic card arrives by mail.
  • Georgia law requires you to obtain a new license within 30 days of moving to the state, though the exchange itself can happen anytime after you arrive.
  • You will not retake any tests if your out-of-state license is valid and not suspended or revoked — your driving record transfers automatically.
  • Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail showing your Georgia address dated within the last 60 days.

Documents You Need to Bring to the DDS Office

Bring your current out-of-state driver's license, even if it is expired. Georgia will not issue you a new license without seeing the one you currently hold. If your license was lost or stolen, you will need to report that to your previous state first and obtain a replacement or an official letter stating it was lost.

You must also bring proof of Georgia residency. This document must show your name and a Georgia address and be dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, a government check, or mail from a government agency. A piece of mail addressed to you at your Georgia address works if it comes from any official source.

Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. This can be a W-2, a 1099 form, a tax return, or a Social Security card itself. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a birth certificate, passport, or military discharge papers instead.

Bring proof of your legal name if it differs from what is on your out-of-state license. A birth certificate, passport, marriage certificate, or divorce decree will work. If your name has not changed, you do not need this.

How to Find and Visit a Georgia DDS Office

Georgia has DDS offices in most counties. The easiest way to find the one nearest you is to visit the Georgia DDS website and use their office locator tool. You can search by county or city and see the address, phone number, and hours for each location. Some offices are busier than others — offices in Atlanta and other large cities often have longer waits.

You can visit any DDS office in Georgia, not just the one in your county. If one office has a shorter wait or more convenient hours, you can go there instead. Many people find that visiting an office outside their when ready area during mid-week mornings results in a shorter wait.

You do not need an appointment at most DDS offices — you straightforward walk in and take a number. However, some offices now offer online scheduling through the Georgia DDS website. Check your local office's page to see if appointments are available. If your office offers them, booking ahead can save you 30 minutes to an hour of waiting.

What Happens at the DDS Office During Your Visit

When you arrive, you will check in and receive a number. A staff member will call you to a window and ask you to verify the information on your out-of-state license. They will scan your documents, take a new photo of you, and collect your $32 fee. The entire process usually takes 10 to 20 minutes once you reach the window, though the wait to reach the window can vary from 5 minutes to over an hour depending on the time of day and the office.

You will be asked to sign your new license process. The staff member will give you a temporary paper license that is valid when ready. This temporary license has the same legal weight as a plastic license — you can drive with it, use it as identification, and show it to police if stopped. Keep this paper license safe because you will need it if you are pulled over before your plastic card arrives.

Your new plastic Georgia license will be mailed to the address you provide at the DDS office. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license faster, some DDS offices offer expedited printing for an additional fee, though this is not available at all locations. Ask the staff member at your office whether expedited service is an option.

What to Do If Your Out-of-State License Is Expired or Suspended

If your out-of-state license expired more than two years ago, Georgia will not exchange it. You will instead have to take the written test and the road test as if you were a first-time driver. If your license expired less than two years ago, you can still exchange it without retesting.

If your out-of-state license is suspended or revoked, you cannot exchange it for a Georgia license. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with your previous state. Contact the DDS office in your former state to find out why your license was suspended and what steps you need to take to restore it. Once your license is valid again, you can exchange it for a Georgia license.

If you are unsure whether your license is suspended or revoked, call the Georgia DDS at 678-413-8400 before visiting an office. They can check your driving record and tell you whether you are may be able to access to exchange your license or whether you need to take the tests.

Fees and What Your New License Covers

A standard Georgia driver's license costs $32 and is valid for five years. This is the most common option for most drivers. If you want a REAL ID-compliant license — which is required for federal buildings and domestic air travel starting in 2025 — the cost is the same: $32 for five years. You do not pay extra for REAL ID compliance.

When you exchange your license, you are also getting a new license number. Your old out-of-state number will no longer be valid. Write down your new Georgia license number once you receive your plastic card, as you may need it for insurance, vehicle registration, or other purposes.

Your Georgia license is valid for driving in all 50 states and U.S. territories. You do not need an international driving permit unless you plan to rent a car outside the United States. If you do travel internationally and want an international permit, you can obtain one from the Georgia DDS for an additional $20.

Updating Your Vehicle Registration and Insurance

After you receive your new Georgia license, you should update your vehicle registration and insurance. Georgia requires you to register your vehicle within 30 days of moving to the state if you own a car. You can register your vehicle at any Georgia Department of Revenue office or online through the Georgia DDS website.

Contact your insurance company and provide them with your new Georgia license number and address. Your insurance rates may change when you move to Georgia because insurance is based partly on your location. Some companies will update your policy automatically once they see your new address, but it is safer to call and confirm.

If your vehicle has an out-of-state license plate, you will need to exchange it for a Georgia plate when you register your vehicle. You can do this at the same time you register, or you can visit a tag office. Most counties have tag offices separate from DDS offices, so plan accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with my out-of-state license while I wait for my Georgia license to arrive?

Yes. Your temporary paper license is valid for driving when ready, and you can use it until your plastic card arrives. Keep the paper license with you when you drive. Once your plastic card arrives, you can throw away the paper license.

What if I do not have proof of residency yet because I just moved?

You need a document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and Georgia address. If you have not received a utility bill or bank statement yet, ask your landlord for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your lease and move-in date, or bring a copy of your signed lease. Some DDS offices will accept a lease agreement as proof of residency even if it is not yet dated by 60 days.

Do I have to exchange my license right away, or can I wait?

Georgia law requires you to obtain a new license within 30 days of establishing residency. However, you can exchange your license anytime after you move — you do not have to wait for your out-of-state license to expire. It is usually easier to exchange sooner rather than later because you will have all your documents ready.

What if I moved to Georgia but still have a job or family in my old state?

If you have established residency in Georgia — meaning you moved here to live, not just temporarily — you must get a Georgia license within 30 days. Having a job or family in another state does not change this requirement. Your Georgia address is what matters for the 30-day rule.

Can I renew my out-of-state license by mail instead of going to a DDS office?

No. Georgia requires an in-person visit to exchange an out-of-state license for a Georgia license. You cannot do this by mail or online. However, once you have a Georgia license, you can renew it by mail or online if you choose to do so in the future.