Where to go for your Chatham County driver's license
The Chatham County Driver Services office is located in Savannah and handles all driver's license transactions for the county. You'll visit the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS), not a separate county office — Georgia runs its licensing system statewide through DDS, and Chatham County's office is the local branch that serves your area.
The main Chatham County location is at 7400 Abercorn Street, Savannah, GA 31406. This is where you'll go for a new license, renewal, replacement, or any changes to your existing license. Hours and wait times vary by day and season, so calling ahead or checking the Georgia DDS website before you go saves time.
If you cannot reach the Abercorn Street location, Georgia DDS also operates a satellite office, though locations and hours change. The state website lists all active offices and their current hours, which is more reliable than calling.
Key Takeaways
- The Chatham County Driver Services office is at 7400 Abercorn Street in Savannah and handles all Georgia driver's license work for the county.
- You need a valid form of ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN to get a new license or renew an existing one.
- Georgia offers online renewal for some drivers, which you can check on the DDS website before going in person.
- Bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted for proof of identity or residency.
- Wait times are longest on Fridays and during lunch hours, so visiting early in the week or in the morning typically means shorter lines.
What documents you need to bring
Georgia requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN. For identity, bring an original document like a passport, birth certificate, or previous Georgia driver's license. Photocopies do not work — the office needs to see the original.
For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current Savannah address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A driver's license from another state counts as identity but not residency, so you still need a separate residency document.
If you're renewing a license you already have, bring that license plus your identity and residency documents. If you're getting a license for the first time or replacing a lost one, the process is the same — identity, residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN.
New license versus renewal versus replacement
A new license is for someone who has never held a Georgia driver's license. You'll take a written test on road rules, a vision test, and a driving test (unless you have a valid license from another state, which may waive the driving test). Bring all three document categories and be prepared to spend 1 to 3 hours at the office.
A renewal is for someone whose license is about to expire or has recently expired. Georgia licenses are valid for eight years. You can renew online through the DDS website if you meet certain conditions — your license must not be suspended, you must not have changed your name, and you must not need a new photo. If you cannot renew online, you renew in person at the office, which is faster than a new license because you skip the tests.
A replacement is for a lost, stolen, or damaged license. You'll need to report it and pay a replacement fee. Bring your identity and residency documents. You do not retake tests for a replacement.
Fees and payment methods
Fees vary depending on what you're doing. A new license costs one amount, a renewal costs less, and a replacement costs another. Georgia DDS updates these fees periodically, so the exact amount changes. The office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards — call ahead or check the website to confirm current payment methods, as some locations have restrictions.
If you're getting a REAL ID-compliant license (which you need for federal air travel and some federal buildings), the fee is higher than a standard license. Ask at the counter whether you want a REAL ID license or a standard one, since the difference affects cost and processing time.
How long it takes and what to expect
Wait times at the Chatham County office range from 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the day and time. Fridays are busiest. Early mornings on Tuesday through Thursday typically have shorter waits. You can check real-time wait times on the Georgia DDS website before you go.
When you arrive, you'll check in at the front desk and receive a number. You'll wait for your number to be called, then go to a window where a staff member verifies your documents, takes your photo, and collects your fee. If you're taking a test, you'll do that in a separate area. The entire process from check-in to leaving usually takes 1 to 3 hours for a new license and 30 minutes to 1 hour for a renewal or replacement.
Your new license is printed on-site. You receive it before you leave the office, though it takes a few days to arrive by mail if there's a printing delay. Ask the staff member whether your license will be ready that day or mailed to you.
Testing requirements for a new license
If you're getting a new Georgia driver's license, you must pass a written test on road rules and a vision test. Most people also take a driving test, though you may be waived from the driving test if you hold a valid driver's license from another state.
The written test covers Georgia traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Georgia Driver's Manual, which is free on the DDS website. The test is multiple choice and you must pass with a score of at least 75 percent. You get one attempt per visit, so if you fail, you return another day to retake it.
The vision test checks that you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. The driving test is conducted by a DDS examiner in your own vehicle or a state vehicle, depending on the location. You'll drive on local roads and demonstrate basic skills like parking, turning, and following traffic laws.
What to do if you have an out-of-state license
If you have a valid driver's license from another state and you're moving to Georgia, you can exchange it for a Georgia license. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency in Chatham County, and your Social Security number or ITIN. You do not retake the written or driving tests — your out-of-state license counts as proof that you can drive.
If your out-of-state license is expired, you cannot exchange it. You'll need to get a new Georgia license instead, which means taking the tests. Bring your expired license plus your identity and residency documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online instead of going to the office?
You can renew online if your license is not suspended, you have not changed your name, and you do not need a new photo. Check the Georgia DDS website to see if you're may be able to access. If you are, you can renew online and your new license will be mailed to you. If you're not may be able to access, you must go to the office in person.
What if I lost my Social Security card and don't have my number memorized?
You can bring other documents that show your Social Security number, such as a tax return, W-2, or bank statement. If you have none of these, contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card or a letter showing your number. The DDS office cannot issue you a license without a Social Security number or ITIN.
Do I need an appointment or can I just walk in?
The Chatham County office operates on a first-come, first-served basis — you do not need an appointment. Walk in during business hours, check in at the front desk, and wait for your number to be called. Some Georgia DDS locations offer online appointment scheduling, so check the website to see if the Abercorn Street location offers this option.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
Bring your current license, a document showing your name change (such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), your identity and residency documents, and your Social Security number. You'll update your name in the system and receive a new license with the correct name. You do not retake tests for a name change.
How do I know if my license is suspended or revoked?
Check the Georgia DDS website, which has a tool to look up your license status. You can also call the Chatham County office directly. If your license is suspended, you must resolve the reason for the suspension (such as unpaid fines or traffic violations) before you can renew or get a new license.