Where to go for your driver's license in DeKalb County

DeKalb County driver's licenses are issued by the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS), not by the county itself. You will need to visit a DDS office in person to get a new license, renew an expiring one, or replace a lost or damaged card. The main DeKalb County DDS location is at 1959 Montreal Road in Decatur, though there are smaller satellite offices in other parts of the county.

You cannot renew your Georgia driver's license online or by mail, even if your license is not yet expired. You must appear in person at a DDS office, bring the documents listed below, and pay the renewal fee. The office will take a new photo and process your process on the spot.

Key Takeaways

  • Georgia driver's licenses are issued by the Department of Driver Services (DDS), and you must visit a DDS office in person in DeKalb County to get or renew one.
  • You will need a valid form of identification, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address before you go.
  • Renewal fees vary depending on the type of license and how long you want it to be valid — typically between $32 and $70.
  • DDS offices in DeKalb County have varying hours, and wait times can be long during peak hours, so arriving early or checking online for current wait times is worth your time.
  • If you have unpaid traffic tickets or other holds on your license, DDS will not renew it until those are resolved.

Documents you need to bring

Before you go to the DDS office, gather these documents. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted for most items.

You need one form of valid identification. A passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license all work. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a combination of documents like a birth certificate plus a Social Security card, or a school or work ID plus a utility bill.

You also need proof of your Social Security number. A Social Security card itself is the easiest option, but a W-2 form, tax return, or 1099 will work if you do not have the card. You need proof of your current address in DeKalb County — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works.

If you are renewing a license that is still valid, bring the license itself. If you are getting a license for the first time or replacing a lost one, you will need to bring a birth certificate or passport instead.

The renewal process and fees

Walk into the DDS office with your documents and take a number. You will wait to be called to a window, where a staff member will check your documents, ask you questions about your address and any medical conditions, and take a new photo. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes at the window, though the wait before that can be much longer.

The fee for a standard four-year driver's license renewal is $32. A six-year license costs $48, and an eight-year license costs $70. You can choose which length you want when you are at the window. DDS accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards.

You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed to you. Your new license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. If it does not arrive after four weeks, contact DDS to report it.

DDS office locations and hours in DeKalb County

The main DeKalb County DDS office is at 1959 Montreal Road in Decatur. This office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. It is closed on Sundays and state holidays.

There is also a satellite office in Lithonia at 2961 Stonecrest Parkway, open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hours can change, so check the Georgia DDS website before you go. Many offices now show live wait times online, which can help you decide whether to go now or come back later.

What to do if your license is suspended or has a hold

If you have unpaid traffic tickets, unpaid child support, or other court-ordered debts, DDS may have placed a hold on your license. You will not be able to renew it until that hold is lifted. The DDS staff at the window will tell you if there is a hold and what you need to do to clear it.

For unpaid traffic tickets, you usually need to pay the ticket or contact the court to set up a payment plan. For child support, you will need to contact the Georgia Division of Child Support Services. Once the underlying debt is resolved, the hold is lifted, and you can renew your license at your next visit to DDS.

Getting a license for the first time as an adult

If you have never had a Georgia driver's license, the process is the same as renewal, but you will also need to pass a written test and a driving test. You can study for the written test using the Georgia Driver's Manual, which is free on the DDS website. The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices.

After you pass the written test at the DDS office, you will schedule a separate appointment for the driving test. You must bring a vehicle that is registered and insured, and the person administering the test will ride with you on a set route. If you fail the driving test, you can retake it, though you may have to wait a few days or weeks depending on how busy the office is.

Replacing a lost or stolen license

If your license is lost or stolen, go to the DDS office with your documents just as you would for a renewal. Tell the staff member that you need a replacement. You will pay a replacement fee of $20 in addition to the renewal fee if your license is expiring soon, or just the $20 replacement fee if your license is not yet due for renewal. You will get a temporary paper license and your new card will arrive by mail within two to three weeks.

If your license was stolen and you are concerned about identity theft, you can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) and monitor your credit report for suspicious activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew your Georgia license up to one year before it expires. This is useful if you are planning a trip and want a fresh license, or if you want to change your address or photo before the expiration date.

What if I moved to DeKalb County from another state?

You will need to get a Georgia license. Bring your out-of-state license as your form of ID, along with proof of your Social Security number and proof of your current DeKalb County address. You will not need to take the written or driving test again — your out-of-state license counts as proof that you can drive.

How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?

Your permanent license is mailed to you within two to three weeks of your visit to the DDS office. You receive a temporary paper license at the window that is valid for 30 days while you wait. If your license does not arrive after four weeks, contact DDS to report it missing.

What if I need my license before the permanent one arrives?

The temporary paper license you receive at the DDS office is valid for 30 days and can be used for driving, voting, and most other purposes. If you need a permanent license sooner, you can visit the DDS office again and request an expedited replacement, though this may cost extra and is not always available.

Do I need an appointment to renew my license at the DDS office?

No appointment is required. You can walk in during business hours and take a number. However, some DDS offices now offer online scheduling, which can reduce your wait time. Check the Georgia DDS website to see if your local office offers this option.