Where to go for a Cobb County driver's license
The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) handles all driver's licenses in Cobb County. You cannot get one from Cobb County government itself — you go to a DDS office. Cobb County has multiple DDS locations, and you can walk in without an appointment at most of them, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
The main DDS office in Cobb County is located in Marietta. There are also satellite offices in other parts of the county. Before you go, check the DDS website or call ahead to confirm the office is open and to get a sense of current wait times, since some locations get busier than others depending on the day and hour.
Key Takeaways
- Georgia's Department of Driver Services (DDS), not Cobb County, issues driver's licenses, and you must visit a DDS office in person.
- You will need proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to get or renew a license.
- A standard Georgia driver's license costs a specific fee that varies depending on whether you are getting a new license, renewing, or replacing one — check the DDS website for current pricing.
- Most DDS offices accept walk-ins, but you can also schedule an appointment online through the DDS website to reduce wait time.
- If you are renewing by mail or online, you must meet certain requirements — not all renewals can be done remotely.
What documents you need to bring
You will need three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN. For proof of identity, bring a document like a passport, birth certificate, or previous driver's license. The document must show your name and date of birth.
For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement that shows your name and a Cobb County address. The document usually needs to be dated within the last 60 days, though this can vary. If you do not have a recent document in your name, some offices will accept a letter from a landlord or utility company on official letterhead.
Bring your Social Security card if you have it, or know your Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead. You will also need to bring any previous Georgia driver's license or ID card if you have one.
Getting a license for the first time
If you have never had a Georgia driver's license, you will take a written test and a driving test at the DDS office. The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Georgia Driver's Manual, which is free on the DDS website.
After you pass the written test, you will schedule a driving test. Some offices do the driving test the same day; others schedule it for a later appointment. Bring a vehicle that is registered and insured, and have someone with a valid license accompany you if you do not yet have a learner's permit.
Once you pass both tests, you will receive a temporary license on the spot. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within one to two weeks.
Renewing your current license
If your Georgia license is still valid or expired less than two years ago, you may be able to renew by mail or online without visiting an office. Check the DDS website to see if your license is may be able to access for remote renewal. If it is, you can renew online or request a mail renewal form.
If you must renew in person — for example, if your license has been expired for more than two years, or if you need to update your address or name — go to a DDS office with your documents. In-person renewal is faster than mail renewal and you will receive your temporary license when ready.
Replacing a lost or stolen license
If your license is lost or stolen, go to a DDS office and bring your proof of identity and proof of residency. Tell the staff that you need a replacement. You will pay a replacement fee, which is lower than the cost of a new license. You will receive a temporary license on the spot and your permanent replacement by mail within one to two weeks.
If your license was stolen, you do not need a police report to get a replacement, though you may want one for your own records if the theft involved other crimes.
Changing your name or address
If you got married, divorced, or legally changed your name, you will need to update your license. Bring your proof of identity (which should show your new name), proof of residency, and any legal documents that show the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. Go to a DDS office and the staff will update your record and issue a new license.
If you moved within Cobb County or to Cobb County from another state, you must update your address on your license. You can do this online through the DDS website if you are only changing your address and your license is not expired. If you need to do it in person, bring proof of your new address and go to a DDS office.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a license at a Cobb County DDS office?
Wait times range from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on the office, the day of the week, and the time of day. Weekday mornings are usually less busy than afternoons or weekends. You can check current wait times on the DDS website before you go, or call the office directly.
Can I renew my license online if I live in Cobb County?
You can renew online only if your license is still valid or expired less than two years ago, and you have not had any major changes like a name change or address change outside Georgia. Check the DDS website to see if your specific license is may be able to access for online renewal.
What if I moved to Cobb County from another state?
You must get a Georgia license within 30 days of moving to the state. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of identity, proof of Cobb County residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN to a DDS office. You will not need to take the written or driving test if your out-of-state license is still valid.
Do I need an appointment to go to a DDS office in Cobb County?
Most DDS offices accept walk-ins, but you can schedule an appointment online through the DDS website to skip the line. Appointments fill up quickly, especially at popular times, so book as far in advance as you can.
What is the cost of a Georgia driver's license?
The fee depends on the type of license and how long it is valid for. A standard license costs one amount, and a REAL ID-compliant license costs more. Check the DDS website for current fees, as they can change. Replacement licenses cost less than new licenses.