Where to get your Carrollton driver's license

Carrollton is a city in Georgia, and driver's licenses are issued by the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS). You cannot get a Georgia license from Carrollton city government — the city has no licensing authority. Instead, you must visit a DDS office, either the one in Carrollton itself or any other DDS location in Georgia.

The Carrollton DDS office is located at 1100 Newnan Street, Carrollton, GA 30117. You can also visit any other DDS branch in the state if that is more convenient. All Georgia DDS offices issue the same licenses and accept the same documents, so your choice of location does not affect what you need to bring or how long the process takes.

Before you go to any office, check the DDS website or call ahead to confirm current hours and whether the office is accepting walk-ins or requires an appointment. Some offices have shifted to appointment-only service, and wait times vary by location and time of day.

Key Takeaways

  • Georgia driver's licenses are issued only by the Department of Driver Services, not by Carrollton city government or any local office.
  • The Carrollton DDS office is at 1100 Newnan Street, but you can visit any DDS location in Georgia to get your license.
  • You will need proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and a completed DDS form, regardless of which office you visit.
  • First-time applicants must pass a written test and a driving test; renewals and replacements do not require testing.
  • Bring your original documents or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted for most documents.

Documents you need to bring

Georgia requires four categories of documents for a new driver's license: proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of your Social Security number, and a completed process form. You must bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.

For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a valid foreign passport with an I-94 arrival record, a valid military ID, or a valid state ID from another state. A school ID or work ID does not count.

For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and Georgia address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, an insurance policy, or a government letter (such as a tax notice or court document). A cell phone bill or credit card statement does not count. If you live with someone else and are not on the utility bill, you can bring a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the bill, plus that person's ID and proof of residency.

For proof of your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration.

You will also need to complete Form DL 44 (process for a Driver's License or Learner's Permit). You can fill this out before you arrive or at the office.

Testing requirements for first-time drivers

If you have never held a driver's license in any state, you must pass both a written test and a behind-the-wheel driving test. If you already have a valid license from another state, you may not need to take these tests — ask the DDS office when you call ahead.

The written test covers Georgia traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. It is 40 questions, and you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass. You can study using the Georgia Driver's Manual, which is free on the DDS website. Many people study the manual for a few days before taking the test.

The driving test is conducted by a DDS examiner and takes about 30 minutes. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will ask you to perform basic maneuvers such as parking, turning, and stopping. You must follow all traffic laws during the test.

Cost and payment methods

A Georgia driver's license costs $32 for an eight-year license (the standard term for adults under 65). Payment is due when you explore. The Carrollton DDS office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices also accept checks, but call ahead to confirm.

If you are renewing an expired license or replacing a lost one, the cost is the same. If you need a duplicate (an extra copy of your current license), the cost is $20.

How long the process takes

If you pass the written test and the driving test on your first attempt, you can receive a temporary license to drive home the same day. Your permanent license will be mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days.

If you fail either test, you can retake it. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you must pay the test fee again. Many people pass on the second or third attempt after studying the manual or practicing with a licensed driver.

Wait times at the office vary. The Carrollton location can have waits of 30 minutes to two hours during peak times (late morning and early afternoon on weekdays). Arriving early in the morning or on a weekday afternoon may mean a shorter wait.

Learner's permits and graduated licensing

If you are under 18, Georgia requires you to hold a learner's permit for at least 12 months before you can take the driving test for a full license. A learner's permit costs $20 and is valid for five years. You can get one at any DDS office by bringing the same documents as for a full license, plus a completed Form DL 44.

With a learner's permit, you can drive only when a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old is in the front passenger seat. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. These rules are part of Georgia's Graduated Licensing System, which is designed to reduce crashes among young drivers.

Renewing or replacing your license

If your Georgia license is still valid and you want to renew it, you can do so online through the DDS website, by mail, or in person at any DDS office. Online renewal costs $32 and takes about 10 business days. You do not need to take any tests to renew.

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at any DDS office. Bring your proof of identity and residency (the same documents as for a new license) and complete Form DL 44. A replacement costs $32 and you will receive a temporary license the same day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Georgia driver's license if I do not have a Social Security number?

No. Georgia law requires proof of a Social Security number to issue a driver's license. If you are not may be able to access for a Social Security number, you cannot get a Georgia license. If you are in the country legally but do not yet have a number, contact the Social Security Administration to begin the process.

What if I moved to Carrollton from another state and still have a valid license from that state?

You can continue to drive on your out-of-state license for a limited time, but Georgia law requires you to get a Georgia license within 30 days of establishing residency. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency in Georgia, and your other required documents to the DDS office. You may not need to take the written and driving tests if your out-of-state license is valid.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the test at any time — there is no waiting period. You must pay the test fee again (usually around $20 to $25, depending on the test type). Many people pass on their second or third attempt. The examiner will give you feedback on what you need to improve.

Can I renew my license online if I live in Carrollton?

Yes, if your license is still valid and you have not had any major changes (such as a name change or address change). Online renewal costs $32 and you will receive your new license by mail in about 10 business days. You do not need to visit an office or take any tests.

What if my proof of residency document is older than 60 days?

DDS will not accept it. You must bring a document dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have one, ask your utility company, bank, or insurance provider for a recent statement. If you are new to an address and do not have a utility bill yet, a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the bill will work.