Documents and information you'll bring to the DDS office

To get a Georgia driver's license, you will need to bring proof of your identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Georgia residency. Georgia's Department of Driver Services (DDS) requires originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work. The specific documents you bring depend on whether you are getting your first license, renewing an expired one, or moving to Georgia from another state.

For identity, bring a passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a state ID from another state. For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. For Georgia residency, bring a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government check — the document must show your name and current Georgia address and be dated within the last 60 days.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring original documents proving your identity, Social Security number, and Georgia residency to a DDS office in person.
  • The DDS will take your photograph, have you sign the license, and administer a written test on road rules and a practical driving test.
  • You will pay a fee at the time of your visit; the amount depends on the type of license and how long you want it to last.
  • If you fail the written or driving test, you can retake it the same day or return later, depending on the DDS office's schedule.
  • Your license will be mailed to you within one to two weeks after you pass both tests.

The written test and what it covers

The written test has 40 questions about Georgia traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 32 questions correctly to pass. The test covers speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking rules, what different road signs mean, and how to handle emergencies like brake failure or a skid.

You can study for the test using the Georgia Driver's Manual, which the DDS provides free at every office and online at the DDS website. Many people study the manual for a few days before their test. The test is given on a computer at the DDS office, and you will see your score when ready after you finish.

The driving test and what the examiner watches for

After you pass the written test, you will take a practical driving test with a DDS examiner. The examiner will watch you start the car, use your mirrors and signals, turn, stop, park, and handle other basic driving tasks. The test usually lasts 10 to 15 minutes and takes place on public roads near the DDS office.

The examiner is looking for safe habits: checking your mirrors, signaling before you turn, stopping completely at stop signs, and staying in your lane. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle's registration and proof of insurance must be current and in the car with you.

Fees and how long the license lasts

Georgia charges different fees depending on the type of license and the term. A standard driver's license costs less than a REAL ID-compliant license, which has a gold star and can be used for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. You can choose a license that lasts four years or eight years; the longer term costs more upfront but spreads the cost over time.

You pay the fee when you visit the DDS office. Bring cash, a debit card, or a credit card — the office will tell you which payment methods it accepts. If you fail the driving test, you do not pay again when you retake it; you only pay once, at your first visit.

How to find a DDS office and make an appointment

Georgia has DDS offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the DDS website. Some offices take walk-ins, but many now require an appointment. You can book an appointment online through the DDS website or by calling the office directly.

Appointment slots fill up quickly in busy areas, so book as far ahead as you can. If you cannot get an appointment in your county, you may be able to book one in a nearby county. Bring all your documents to your appointment; if you are missing even one required document, the office will not test you that day.

What happens after you pass both tests

Once you pass the written and driving tests, the DDS will take your photograph and have you sign the license. Your physical license will be mailed to you within one to two weeks. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use to drive legally while you wait for the card to arrive.

Keep the temporary license with you when you drive. It is valid for the same period as your permanent license. Once your card arrives, the temporary license is no longer valid, but you do not need to return it.

If you are moving to Georgia from another state

If you already have a valid driver's license from another state, you do not have to take the written and driving tests again. You can exchange your out-of-state license for a Georgia license by bringing your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of Georgia residency to a DDS office. You will still need to pay the fee and have your photograph taken.

Your out-of-state license must be valid and not suspended or revoked. If your license is expired, you will need to take the written and driving tests as if you were getting your first license. Some states have reciprocal agreements with Georgia that speed up the exchange process, but the DDS office can tell you whether yours does.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test in a language other than English?

Yes. The DDS offers the written test in several languages, including Spanish, Vietnamese, Korean, and Chinese. Call the DDS office where you plan to test to confirm which languages are available there, because not all offices offer all languages.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test the same day if the office has time and an examiner available, or you can book another appointment. You do not pay the fee again. Most people who fail retake the test within a few days or weeks after more practice.

Do I need to bring my own car for the driving test?

Yes, you must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle's registration and proof of insurance must be current. You cannot use a DDS vehicle or borrow one just for the test.

How long is a Georgia driver's license valid?

You can choose a license that lasts four years or eight years when you get it. The longer term costs more but means you renew less often. You can renew your license before it expires, and some renewals can be done by mail or online if your license is not suspended.

What if I lost my documents and cannot find them?

You can request certified copies from the agency that issued them. For a birth certificate, contact the county or state vital records office where you were born. For a Social Security card, visit your local Social Security office. For residency documents, you may be able to use a different document from the approved list, or contact the DDS office to ask what alternatives they accept.