Where to go for your Augusta driver's license

In Augusta, Georgia, you get your driver's license through the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS). There is one main office in Augusta located at 3165 Perimeter Parkway, Augusta, GA 30909. This is the office that handles new licenses, renewals, and replacements for the Augusta area.

You can also renew your license online or by mail if you meet certain conditions — your license must not be expired by more than two years, you must be between 18 and 64 years old, and you cannot have any medical restrictions. If you do not meet these conditions, you must visit the office in person.

The DDS office is open Monday through Friday. Hours change seasonally, so call ahead at the office or check the Georgia DDS website before you go. Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days works), and proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or previous license).

Key Takeaways

  • The Augusta DDS office is at 3165 Perimeter Parkway and is open weekdays only; call ahead to confirm hours.
  • You need proof of identity, proof of residency dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number to get or renew a license.
  • If your license expired less than two years ago and you are between 18 and 64 with no medical restrictions, you can renew online or by mail instead of visiting in person.
  • A new license costs money, and the fee varies depending on whether you are getting a regular license or a REAL ID-compliant license.
  • Bring your current license or another form of ID to your appointment, and plan to spend 30 minutes to an hour at the office.

What documents you need to bring

The Georgia DDS requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid passport, a certified birth certificate, a previous driver's license, a military ID, or a state ID card. The document must show your full legal name and date of birth.

For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your current Augusta address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts. Do not bring a PO box address — DDS needs a physical street address.

If you are renewing and your name has changed since your last license (through marriage, divorce, or legal name change), bring the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You will also need to pay a fee for the name change processing.

Getting a new license versus renewing

A new license means you have never had a Georgia driver's license before, or your license has been expired for more than two years. You must take a written test, a vision test, and a driving test at the DDS office. You will also have your photo taken. The entire process takes longer than a renewal — usually two to three hours — so plan accordingly.

A renewal means your current Georgia license is still valid or expired less than two years ago. If you are under 65 and have no medical restrictions, you can renew online, by mail, or in person. In-person renewals are faster and do not require a new photo or test. You straightforward verify your information, pay the fee, and receive your new license on the spot or by mail within a few days.

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew — you must explore for a new license and take the tests again. This is true even if you have held a Georgia license before.

REAL ID versus standard license

Georgia offers two types of driver's licenses: a standard license and a REAL ID-compliant license. The difference matters if you fly domestically or enter a federal building. Starting in May 2025, a standard Georgia driver's license will not be accepted as ID for domestic flights — you will need a REAL ID license, a passport, or another federal ID.

A REAL ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and costs slightly more than a standard license. To get one, you must bring the same documents as a standard license, plus one additional document that proves your Social Security number: a Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form. You do not need to bring this extra document for a standard license.

Most people in Augusta now get the REAL ID version because the cost difference is small and the federal requirement is coming. If you are not sure which one you have, check your current license for the gold star.

What happens at your appointment

When you arrive at the Augusta DDS office, check in at the front desk and give them your documents. You will receive a number and wait to be called. A DDS employee will review your paperwork, verify your information in the system, and ask you to sign the process.

Next, you will go to the vision station, where an employee will test your eyesight using a machine. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them to your appointment. If you fail the vision test, you cannot get a license until you correct the problem and return.

If you are getting a new license (not a renewal), you will then take a written test on Georgia traffic laws and road signs. The test has 40 questions, and you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass. After that, you will take a driving test with a DDS examiner. If you pass, you will have your photo taken and pay the fee. If you are renewing, you skip the tests and go straight to the photo and payment.

Fees and payment methods

The cost of a Georgia driver's license depends on the type and how long it is valid. A standard 8-year license costs less than a REAL ID 8-year license. A 5-year license costs less than an 8-year license. The DDS office will tell you the exact fee when you arrive, based on what you are getting.

The Augusta DDS office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices also accept checks, but call ahead to confirm. If you are renewing by mail, you can pay by check or money order. If you are renewing online, you pay by debit or credit card.

If you cannot pay the fee at the time of your appointment, you cannot receive your license that day. You will need to reschedule or pay online before you return to pick it up.

When you will receive your license

If you are renewing in person at the Augusta office, you will receive your new license when ready after you pay the fee. You can drive home with it the same day. If you renewed by mail or online, your license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If you are getting a new license (taking the tests), you will also receive it when ready after you pass and pay. The photo is taken and printed on the spot. If you fail the driving test, you can schedule another test appointment, but you will not receive a license until you pass.

Your old license becomes invalid once you receive your new one. You do not need to return it to the DDS office — you can keep it or destroy it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make an appointment at the Augusta DDS office?

Yes. The Georgia DDS website allows you to schedule an appointment online. You can also call the Augusta office directly to book a time. Making an appointment usually reduces your wait time, but walk-ins are also accepted. During busy times, walk-ins may wait longer or be turned away if the office reaches capacity.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can schedule another driving test appointment and try again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, but you must pay a fee each time. Most people pass on the second or third attempt. You do not need to retake the written test or vision test unless your vision has changed.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card?

No. You need to provide your Social Security number, but you do not have to bring the card itself. You can write the number on the process form. However, if you are getting a REAL ID license, you must bring a document that proves your Social Security number, such as the card, a W-2, or a 1099.

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. This is useful if you are planning a trip and want a fresh license, or if you want to change to a REAL ID license. The new expiration date will be calculated from your current expiration date, not from the day you renew.

What if I lost my license or it was stolen?

You can get a replacement at the Augusta DDS office. Bring your proof of identity and residency, just as you would for a renewal. You will have a new photo taken and pay a replacement fee. The process is faster than a new license because you do not take tests, but it takes longer than a straightforward renewal because the office must verify that your license was lost or stolen.