Where to get your Decatur driver's license

In Decatur, you obtain your driver's license through the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS). There is one DDS office located in Decatur at 215 Sycamore Street, Decatur, GA 30030. This office handles new licenses, renewals, replacements, and testing for both regular and commercial driver's licenses.

You do not need an appointment to visit, but wait times vary by time of day and day of week. The office is typically less crowded on weekday mornings. You can check current wait times on the Georgia DDS website before you go, which helps you plan when to visit.

If you cannot reach the Decatur office or need to know their exact hours, call the Georgia DDS customer service line at 678-413-8400. They can also tell you whether the office is experiencing delays or temporary closures.

Key Takeaways

  • The Decatur DDS office is at 215 Sycamore Street and handles all driver's license transactions without requiring an appointment.
  • You will need proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or tax identification number to explore.
  • A new driver's license costs $32 in Georgia, and a renewal costs $32; replacement of a lost or damaged license costs $20.
  • If you are renewing by mail or online, you must have held your current license for at least one year and have no medical or legal restrictions.
  • Bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted for proof of identity or residency.

Documents you need to bring

Georgia requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or tax identification number. Proof of identity means an original document or certified copy — photocopies do not work. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, birth certificate, military ID, or a previous Georgia driver's license.

Proof of residency must show your current address in Decatur. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work. If you have recently moved and your documents do not yet show your new address, bring a letter from your landlord or mortgage company on their letterhead confirming your residency.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you do not have either, bring documentation explaining why — for example, a letter from your employer or immigration attorney. Bring the original Social Security card if you have it, though DDS can verify the number through the Social Security Administration.

New license versus renewal: what is different

If you are getting your first Georgia driver's license or your license has been expired for more than two years, you must explore in person at the Decatur office. You will take a written test on Georgia traffic laws, a vision test, and a driving test. The written test has 40 questions and you must answer at least 32 correctly. You can study using the Georgia Driver's Manual, which is free on the DDS website.

If your license is still valid or expired less than two years ago, you may be able to renew without retesting. Renewals are valid for eight years. You can renew in person at the office, by mail, or online through the Georgia DDS website — but only if you have no medical restrictions, no pending traffic violations, and no license suspensions. If you renew online or by mail, the new license arrives in about two weeks.

The cost for a new license is $32. A renewal also costs $32. Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license costs $20. All fees are paid at the time of your transaction.

What happens during your visit

When you arrive at the Decatur office, take a number from the ticket machine near the entrance. You will wait until your number is called. Have all your documents ready and organized — staff move faster when you are prepared.

A DDS representative will review your documents, verify your information, and take your photograph and fingerprints. If you are getting a new license, you will be directed to a testing area where you take the written exam on a computer. You receive your score when ready. If you pass, you schedule your road test, which is typically available within one to three weeks.

Your temporary license is printed on paper and is valid for 45 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. The permanent license arrives within 10 to 14 business days. If you do not receive it within that time, contact DDS to request a replacement.

Road testing and what to bring

If you are taking the road test, you must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working headlights, brake lights, turn signals, windshield wipers, and mirrors. The examiner will inspect the vehicle before the test begins and will fail you if safety equipment is missing or broken.

You must also bring your temporary license and a valid form of identification. The test takes about 20 minutes and covers basic driving skills: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws. You do not need to parallel park in Georgia, though you may be asked to back up or make a three-point turn.

If you fail the road test, you can retake it. There is no additional fee for retesting, but you must schedule another appointment. Most people pass on their second or third attempt.

Renewing by mail or online

If you are renewing an unexpired or recently expired license and have no restrictions, you can avoid the office entirely. Online renewal through the Georgia DDS website takes about 10 minutes and costs $32. Your new license arrives in about two weeks.

Mail renewal is also an option. You can request a renewal form by calling 678-413-8400 or by visiting the DDS website. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for $32, and mail it to the address on the form. Processing takes about three weeks from the time DDS receives your envelope.

Online renewal requires a valid email address and access to your previous license number. You cannot renew online if your license has been suspended, if you have unpaid traffic violations, or if you have medical conditions that affect your ability to drive. In those cases, you must visit the Decatur office in person.

If your license is suspended or revoked

A suspended or revoked license means you cannot legally drive in Georgia or any other state. Suspensions are temporary — they end on a specific date. Revocations are permanent unless you go through a formal reinstatement process.

Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic tickets, failure to pay child support, or accumulating too many points from traffic violations. You can check the status of your license on the Georgia DDS website using your driver's license number and date of birth.

To reinstate a suspended license, you must resolve the underlying issue — pay the ticket, resolve the child support matter, or complete a defensive driving course if that is required. Once the issue is resolved, you can visit the Decatur office to have your license reinstated. Bring proof that the issue has been resolved, such as a receipt showing payment or a letter from the court.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a new driver's license in Decatur?

If you pass the written and road tests, your temporary license is issued the same day and your permanent license arrives by mail within 10 to 14 business days. The road test is usually scheduled within one to three weeks of passing the written test, so the entire process typically takes four to six weeks from your first visit to the office.

Can I renew my license if I moved to Decatur from another state?

No. If your driver's license is from another state, you must explore for a new Georgia license in person at the Decatur office. You will need to pass the written test and road test. Bring your out-of-state license as proof of identity, along with proof of residency in Decatur and your Social Security number.

What if I lost my license and need to drive before I get a replacement?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 45 days and can be used for driving. If you need to drive before your appointment, visit the Decatur office and request a replacement. The fee is $20 and you receive your temporary license the same day. Your permanent replacement arrives within 10 to 14 business days.

Do I need to take the road test again if I already have a valid license from another state?

Yes. Georgia requires all new residents to take both the written and road tests, even if you have a valid license from another state. Your out-of-state license counts as proof of identity, but you still must pass Georgia's tests before you receive a Georgia license.

What happens if I fail the written test?

You can retake the written test the same day at no additional cost. You have three attempts per visit. If you fail all three times, you must return on another day to try again. Most people pass on their second attempt after studying the Georgia Driver's Manual.