Documents you'll bring to the DDS office

Georgia's Department of Driver Services (DDS) requires you to bring specific documents in person. You cannot complete this by mail or online — you must visit a DDS office with originals or certified copies of what they ask for.

Bring one document that proves your identity: a valid passport, a certified birth certificate, a consular report of birth abroad, or a valid foreign passport. Bring one document that proves your Social Security number: a Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub with your full SSN printed on it. Bring one document that proves your Georgia residency: a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government-issued mail piece with your current address. All documents must show your current legal name and address.

If you were born outside the United States, bring your original or certified birth certificate plus your passport or visa. If you have changed your name through marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the original or certified document that shows the change.

Key Takeaways

  • You need one identity document (passport or birth certificate), one SSN document (Social Security card or pay stub), and one Georgia address document (utility bill or lease) — all originals or certified copies.
  • You must visit a DDS office in person; there is no online or mail option for a first-time license.
  • You will take a written knowledge test, a vision test, and a driving test on the same day or across multiple visits, depending on the office.
  • A Georgia driver's license costs $32 for an eight-year license, and the fee is non-refundable even if you do not pass the tests.
  • Processing time is usually same-day for the written test and vision screening, but the road test may be scheduled weeks later depending on office demand.

The written knowledge test and what it covers

The written test has 40 questions about Georgia traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 32 correctly to pass. The test is on a computer at the DDS office, and you can take it the same day you bring your documents.

Study the Georgia Driver's Manual, which DDS publishes free online at dds.georgia.gov. The manual covers speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, seat belt laws, and what different road signs mean. Many people study for one to two weeks before taking the test. You can retake the written test the same day if you fail, but you will pay the $32 fee again.

The vision screening and road test

After you pass the written test, you will take a vision screening at the same DDS office. The screener will check that you can see 20/40 or better in each eye, with or without glasses. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you.

The road test is a separate appointment, usually scheduled weeks after you pass the written test. During the road test, a DDS examiner will sit in your car while you drive on public roads for about 15 minutes. You must demonstrate that you can start the car, turn, stop, park, and follow traffic laws. You need to bring a vehicle that is registered and insured in Georgia (or a vehicle registered in another state if you are a new resident). The examiner will check that the car has working brakes, lights, wipers, and mirrors.

If you fail the road test, you can retake it, but DDS offices often have a waiting list. Some offices schedule road tests weeks or months out, so plan accordingly.

Fees and what happens after you pass

A Georgia driver's license costs $32 for an eight-year license. You pay this fee when you take the written test, whether you pass or fail. If you fail the written test and retake it, you pay the $32 fee again. There is no refund if you do not pass any test.

Once you pass all three parts — the written test, the vision screening, and the road test — DDS will issue your license. You can usually pick it up at the office the same day, or it will be mailed to your Georgia address within 7 to 10 business days. Your license is valid for eight years from the date it is issued.

Finding a DDS office near you and scheduling

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 accept walk-ins for the written test and vision screening, but others require you to schedule an appointment online or by phone. Call ahead to confirm whether your local office takes walk-ins.

Road test appointments fill up quickly, especially in busy counties. When you pass the written test, ask the office staff how long the wait is for a road test appointment. In some areas, you may wait two to four weeks; in others, the wait can be longer. Schedule your road test as soon as you are may be able to access.

If you hold a license from another state

If you already have a valid driver's license from another state, you do not need to take the written test or road test. You can exchange it for a Georgia license by visiting a DDS office with your out-of-state license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of Georgia residency. The fee is still $32. Processing is usually same-day.

If your out-of-state license has expired, you will need to take the written test and road test as if you were a first-time driver. Bring the same documents listed above.

Common reasons DDS will reject your documents

DDS will turn you away if your documents do not match your name, if they are not originals or certified copies, or if your address documents are older than 90 days. Utility bills, bank statements, and lease agreements must show your current address and must be dated within the last three months.

If you bring a document that DDS does not recognize, staff will tell you what else they will accept. Bring a second backup document if you are unsure — for example, bring both a utility bill and a lease in case one is rejected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online or by mail?

No. You must visit a DDS office in person to take the written test, vision screening, and road test. There is no remote option.

What if I fail the road test?

You can retake it, but you will need to schedule another appointment. You do not pay the $32 fee again for retakes of the road test — you only pay it once, when you take the written test. The wait for a new road test appointment depends on your local office's schedule.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card?

You need to bring one document that shows your Social Security number — a Social Security card, a W-2, a 1099, or a pay stub. A Social Security card is the easiest, but any of these will work.

How long is a Georgia driver's license valid?

A Georgia driver's license is valid for eight years from the date it is issued. You will need to renew it after eight years.

What if I move to Georgia from another state and already have a license?

You can exchange your out-of-state license for a Georgia license without taking the written or road test. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of your SSN, and proof of Georgia residency to any DDS office. The fee is $32.