Where to go for a driver's license in Brunswick

The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) office in Brunswick is located at 1701 Newcastle Street, Brunswick, GA 31520. This is the only place in Brunswick where you can get a new driver's license, renew an existing one, or take the written and road tests. You do not need an appointment — the office operates on a walk-in basis, though wait times vary by time of day and day of week.

The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on weekends and state holidays. If you cannot reach the Brunswick location, you can also visit DDS offices in nearby Savannah or other Georgia counties, though you will need to travel. The Brunswick office handles all driver's license services for Glynn County residents.

Key Takeaways

  • The Georgia DDS office in Brunswick is at 1701 Newcastle Street and is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with no appointment needed.
  • You will need to bring a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or tax ID to explore for a new license.
  • A new driver's license costs $32 and is valid for eight years; renewal costs $32 and can be done in person or by mail if you have no violations.
  • If you are under 18, you must first hold a learner's permit for at least one year and one day before you can take the road test for a full license.
  • The written test covers Georgia traffic laws and safe driving practices; the road test checks your ability to operate a vehicle safely on public roads.

Documents you need to bring

Before you go to the Brunswick DDS office, gather the documents listed below. Bringing everything the first time means you will not have to make a second trip. The office staff can tell you if a document is acceptable, but you cannot get a license without meeting all requirements.

You need one form of valid identification — a passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license all work. You also need proof that you live in Georgia, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement with your name and current address dated within the last 60 days. Finally, bring your Social Security card or a tax return showing your Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.

The cost and how long a license lasts

A new Georgia driver's license costs $32 and is valid for eight years from the date it is issued. If you are renewing a license that has expired or is about to expire, the cost is also $32 for an eight-year renewal. Payment is made at the DDS office by cash, debit card, or credit card — personal checks are not accepted.

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it; you must first resolve the suspension or revocation through the court or DDS. The office staff can tell you the status of your license and what steps you need to take if there is a hold on it.

Getting a learner's permit if you are under 18

If you are under 18 and have never had a driver's license, you must first get a learner's permit. The permit allows you to drive with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old sitting in the front passenger seat. A learner's permit costs $20 and is valid for five years.

To get a learner's permit, bring the same documents you would need for a full license, plus a completed form DL 44 (process for a Driver's License or Learner's Permit). You will take a written test on Georgia traffic laws. Once you pass, you receive the permit when ready. You must hold the permit for at least one year and one day before you can take the road test for a full license. During that time, you cannot drive alone, and you must follow all restrictions listed on the permit.

Taking the written and road tests

The written test covers Georgia traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You have 30 minutes to answer 40 questions; you must answer at least 24 correctly to pass. The test is given on a computer at the DDS office. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day — there is no waiting period between attempts.

The road test checks whether you can safely operate a vehicle on public roads. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The test takes about 20 minutes and includes starting the car, basic maneuvers, turns, stopping, and driving on city streets or highways. An examiner sits in the passenger seat and watches your driving. If you fail, you can retake the test after three business days have passed. There is no limit to how many times you can retake either test.

Renewing your license by mail

If your license is not suspended or revoked, and you have no violations on your record, you can renew by mail instead of going to the office in person. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes a form and instructions for mailing it back with payment.

Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks from the time DDS receives your form. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you need your license sooner, or if you have had violations or suspensions, you must renew in person at the Brunswick DDS office.

What to do if your license is lost, stolen, or damaged

If your license is lost, stolen, or too damaged to use, you can get a replacement at the Brunswick DDS office. Bring your identification and proof of residency, just as you would for a new license. A replacement costs $20 and takes a few minutes to process. You will receive it when ready if it is a standard replacement; if you want a new photo, the cost is $32 and processing takes longer.

If your license was stolen, you can also file a report with the Brunswick Police Department or Glynn County Sheriff's Office. Having a police report on file protects you if someone tries to use your stolen license for fraud.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for a Social Security number, along with your other required documents. The DDS office will process your process with an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) or another form of identification instead.

What happens if I fail the road test?

You can retake the road test after three business days have passed. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. Each attempt costs the same as the first test. The examiner will tell you what you did wrong so you can practice before trying again.

Can I renew my license online?

No. Georgia does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail if you have no violations, or in person at the Brunswick DDS office. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks; in-person renewal is faster if you need your license right away.

Do I need an appointment at the Brunswick DDS office?

No. The office operates on a walk-in basis and does not take appointments. Wait times are usually shorter in the morning or early afternoon on weekdays. Avoid Fridays and the end of the month when lines are longer.

What if I move out of Georgia after I get my license?

Your Georgia driver's license remains valid until it expires, even if you move to another state. If you move to a new state and want a license there, you will need to explore through that state's DMV or equivalent office.