What you need to bring to the Georgia DMV

Georgia's Department of Driver Services (DDS) requires you to bring specific documents in person — you cannot complete this entirely by mail or online. You will need proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. The documents must be originals or certified copies; photocopies are not accepted.

For proof of identity, bring a valid passport, a certified birth certificate, or a military ID. For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days that shows your Georgia address. For proof of your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.

You will also need to bring your current out-of-state driver's license if you have one, or your learner's permit if you are a new driver. Bring payment for the license fee — Georgia charges different amounts depending on whether you want a standard license, a REAL ID-compliant license, or a commercial license.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Department of Driver Services office in person with original documents proving your identity, residency, and Social Security number.
  • Georgia charges different fees for a standard driver's license, a REAL ID license, and a commercial license, so confirm the fee before you go.
  • You will take a written test on traffic laws, a vision test, and a driving test at the same visit or a scheduled follow-up appointment.
  • If you are under 18, you must have held a learner's permit for at least one year and one day before you can take the driving test.
  • You can find your nearest DDS office and check wait times on the Georgia DDS website before you visit.

The written test and vision screening

After you submit your documents, you will take a written test on Georgia traffic laws and road signs. The test has 40 questions, and you must answer at least 30 correctly to pass. You can study using the Georgia Driver's Manual, which is available free on the DDS website. Many people also study using practice tests on the same website.

You will also have your vision tested at the DDS office. The vision test checks whether you can see clearly enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you will not be able to take the driving test that day, and you may need to see an eye doctor before you return.

The driving test and road skills evaluation

After you pass the written test, you will schedule a driving test. The test takes about 20 minutes and covers basic skills like starting the car, steering, braking, parking, and following traffic signs. A DDS examiner will sit in the passenger seat and score your performance. You must use a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working brakes, lights, wipers, and mirrors.

If you fail the driving test, you can retake it. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you will need to pay the test fee again each time you take it. Most people pass on their second or third attempt.

Age requirements and the learner's permit stage

If you are 16 or 17 years old, you must first obtain a learner's permit and hold it for at least one year and one day before you can take the driving test. To get a learner's permit, you must pass the written test and vision screening. Once you have the permit, you can practice driving with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old sitting in the front passenger seat.

If you are 18 or older, you do not need a learner's permit. You can go directly to the written test, vision screening, and driving test at the same visit or on scheduled follow-up appointments. The process moves faster for adults because there is no waiting period.

REAL ID versus standard Georgia driver's license

Georgia offers two types of driver's licenses: a standard license and a REAL ID-compliant license. The REAL ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. A standard license does not have this star and cannot be used for those purposes after May 7, 2025.

If you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal building, you should get a REAL ID license. The fee is higher than a standard license, but the document lasts longer. Ask the DDS staff which option you need when you arrive, or check the Georgia DDS website before your visit.

Where to find a DDS office and what to expect

Georgia has Department of Driver Services offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and check current wait times on the official Georgia DDS website. Some offices are busier than others, and wait times change throughout the day and week. Visiting early in the morning or on a weekday usually means a shorter wait.

When you arrive, you will check in at the front desk and receive a number. You will wait until your number is called, then go to a window to submit your documents and pay your fee. After that, you will take the written test on a computer. If you pass, you will have your vision tested. If you pass the vision test, you will schedule your driving test for a later date, or you may be able to take it the same day if an examiner is available.

Fees and payment methods

The fee for a Georgia driver's license depends on the type of license and how long it is valid. A standard license costs one amount, and a REAL ID license costs more. The DDS office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices may have additional payment options, so call ahead if you want to confirm.

If you need to replace a lost or damaged license, the fee is lower than the cost of a new license. If you need to renew your license before it expires, you may be able to renew by mail or online if you meet certain conditions — check the Georgia DDS website to see if you are may be able to access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the driving test in a vehicle that is not registered in my name?

Yes. The vehicle must be registered and insured, but it does not have to be registered in your name. Many people use a family member's vehicle or a friend's vehicle for the driving test. The vehicle must have valid tags and proof of insurance inside.

What happens if I fail the written test?

You can retake the written test the same day or on another visit. There is no waiting period. You will pay the test fee again each time you take it. Most people pass on their second attempt after studying the Georgia Driver's Manual more carefully.

Do I need an appointment to visit the DDS office?

No appointment is required in most Georgia DDS offices. You can walk in during business hours and take a number. However, some offices offer appointment scheduling to reduce wait time. Check the Georgia DDS website for your local office to see if appointments are available.

How long does it take to get my license after I pass the driving test?

You will receive a temporary paper license at the DDS office on the day you pass the driving test. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within one to two weeks. The temporary license is valid for driving during that time.

Can I renew my Georgia license before it expires?

Yes, but you must renew in person at a DDS office if you want to renew more than one year before your expiration date. If your license expires soon, you may be able to renew by mail or online. Check the Georgia DDS website to see which renewal method you are may be able to access for.