Where the Norcross driver license office is located

The Georgia Department of Driver Services office in Norcross is at 5440 Spalding Drive, Norcross, GA 30092. This is one of several locations in the Atlanta metro area where you can handle driver license transactions in person.

The office is in a commercial area off I-285, accessible from multiple directions. If you are using GPS or a map app, search for the full address above — it will show you parking and nearby landmarks. The building is shared with other services, so look for the Department of Driver Services signage when you arrive.

Key Takeaways

  • The Norcross office is located at 5440 Spalding Drive and handles new licenses, renewals, replacements, and address changes.
  • You will need to bring a valid form of identification and proof of residency, which vary depending on what transaction you are doing.
  • Hours and wait times change by season and day of week, so calling ahead or checking the Georgia DDS website before you go saves time.
  • You can renew your license online or by mail for many situations, which avoids a trip to the office entirely.
  • If you need a commercial driver license or a hazmat endorsement, some transactions must be done in person at a full-service office like Norcross.

What documents you need to bring

The documents required depend on what you are doing. For a new license, you need proof of identity (such as a passport, birth certificate, or previous license), proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of Georgia residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone are not accepted.

For a renewal, you typically need only your current license and proof of residency if your address has changed. For a replacement (if your license is lost or stolen), bring your identity documents and proof of residency. If you are changing your name, bring your current license plus a certified copy of the document that changed your name — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

The Georgia DDS website lists the full document requirements by transaction type. Bringing the wrong documents means a wasted trip, so check before you go or call the Norcross office at the number listed on the DDS website.

When the office is open and how long you might wait

The Norcross office is typically open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though hours vary by season and may change. The Georgia DDS website shows the current hours for this location. Saturday and Sunday hours are not available at this office.

Wait times depend heavily on the day and time. Early mornings on weekdays tend to be shorter; afternoons and Fridays are usually busier. There is no way to reserve a time slot at this office, so arriving early in the day increases your chances of a shorter wait. Some transactions, like a straightforward renewal, move faster than others like a new license with a road test.

If you are doing a transaction that can be handled online or by mail, that route often has no wait at all. Check the Georgia DDS website to see which transactions you can complete without visiting the office.

Transactions you can do online or by mail instead

Georgia allows you to renew your driver license online if your license is not expired and you have not had any violations or suspensions. You can also renew by mail. Both routes take longer than an in-person visit — mail renewal can take two to three weeks — but they save you a trip to the office.

You cannot renew online if you need to change your address, update your photo, or correct your name. Those require an in-person visit. If your license is expired by more than five years, you also must go in person.

Address changes can sometimes be done online through your account on the Georgia DDS website, depending on your situation. Check there first before making the trip to Norcross.

What to expect during your visit

When you arrive, you will check in at the front desk and receive a number. You will wait until your number is called, then go to a window where a staff member will review your documents and ask you questions about your process. They will take your photo and signature at that time. For a new license, you may also take a vision test and written exam at the office.

The entire process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour once you reach the window, though the wait before that can be much longer. Bring all your documents in one place so you do not have to search through your bag when it is your turn. If you are taking a written test, you can study the Georgia Driver's Manual online beforehand.

Your temporary license is printed on the spot. Your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license sooner, ask the staff whether expedited processing is available and what it costs.

If you need a commercial driver license or special endorsement

Commercial driver licenses (CDLs) and hazmat endorsements must be obtained in person at a full-service office. The Norcross location handles these transactions. You will need to bring additional documents, including your medical certification form (MCSA-5876) for a CDL, and you will take a written test and a skills test.

CDL testing is more involved than a standard license and takes longer. Call the Norcross office ahead of time to ask about their CDL testing schedule and any documents specific to your situation. Some offices have limited CDL testing slots, so you may need to schedule in advance or be directed to another location.

Other nearby Georgia DDS locations

If the Norcross office is too far or has a long wait, several other offices serve the Atlanta area. Marietta, Decatur, and Duluth all have Department of Driver Services locations. Each office handles the same transactions, though hours and wait times differ. You can visit any Georgia DDS office for your transaction — you do not have to go to the one closest to your home.

Check the Georgia DDS website for the full list of offices, their hours, and directions. Some smaller offices have shorter waits than larger ones, so it may be worth the extra drive if you are in a hurry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment to go to the Norcross office?

No, the Norcross office operates on a walk-in basis. You check in when you arrive and wait for your number to be called. There is no way to reserve a time slot ahead of time, though calling the office to ask about current wait times can help you choose the best time to visit.

What if I do not have proof of residency?

You cannot complete your transaction without it. Proof of residency must be dated within the last 60 days and show your name and current address. If you do not have a utility bill or lease, ask the staff what other documents they accept — options vary. Go home and gather the right document, then return.

Can I renew my license if it is already expired?

Yes, but you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit the office in person. Bring your expired license along with your other documents. There is usually no penalty for renewing a license that is expired, but you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives.

How much does a driver license cost?

Fees vary depending on the type of license and how long it is valid for. Check the Georgia DDS website for current fees, as they change. You can pay by cash, check, or card at the office.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake it the same day or come back another day. There is usually a small fee for each retake. The staff will tell you how many questions you missed and can point you to study materials before you try again.