Where to go for your driver's license in Gwinnett County
The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) runs all driver's license transactions in Gwinnett County. You cannot get a license at the county courthouse or sheriff's office — you must visit a DDS office. Gwinnett County has two locations: one in Lawrenceville and one in Duluth. Both handle new licenses, renewals, replacements, and address changes.
You can find the current addresses and hours on the Georgia DDS website. Hours vary by location and change seasonally, so call ahead or check online before you go. Both offices accept walk-ins, but wait times are shorter if you arrive early in the morning or on weekdays.
Key Takeaways
- Georgia DDS operates two driver's license offices in Gwinnett County — one in Lawrenceville and one in Duluth — and you must visit one of these locations to get or renew a license.
- You will need a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or a document showing it to complete any transaction.
- New licenses cost $32 and are valid for eight years; renewals cost $32 and extend your license for another eight years from the expiration date.
- If you are renewing by mail or online, you must have a valid license already and cannot have any medical suspensions or restrictions that require a vision test.
- Bring your current license or another government-issued ID, a utility bill or lease showing your current address, and your Social Security card or a birth certificate.
What documents you need to bring
Georgia requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. For identity, bring your current Georgia driver's license, passport, military ID, or state ID card. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a certified birth certificate, naturalization papers, or a visa.
For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card itself, or a document that shows it — such as a W-2, tax return, or 1099 form. If you cannot find any of these, you can bring a birth certificate and a document from a government agency or financial institution that shows your name and address.
For residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current Gwinnett County address. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. If you live with someone else and are not on the utility bill, bring a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the bill, plus that person's ID.
Getting a new license if you are a first-time driver
First-time drivers in Georgia must pass a written test, a vision test, and a road test. You cannot take the road test until you have held a learner's permit for at least one month. The learner's permit itself requires passing the written and vision tests at a DDS office.
Start by visiting a DDS office with your documents to take the written test. The test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and Georgia traffic laws. You can study using the Georgia Driver's Manual, which is free online. Once you pass, you receive a learner's permit valid for five years. You can then practice driving with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old and sitting in the front passenger seat.
After one month with your learner's permit, return to the DDS office to schedule a road test. The test takes about 20 minutes and covers basic driving skills like parking, turning, and stopping. You must bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance, and the vehicle you will be tested in. Once you pass, you receive your driver's license on the spot.
Renewing your license before it expires
Georgia licenses are valid for eight years. You can renew in person at a DDS office, by mail, or online — but only if you meet certain conditions. You can renew by mail or online only if your license is not suspended, you do not have any medical restrictions, and you do not need a new photo (which Georgia requires every 16 years).
To renew by mail, request a renewal form from the Georgia DDS website or call the office. Mail the form with a check or money order for $32 to the address provided. Processing takes about two weeks. To renew online, visit the Georgia DDS website and follow the steps. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method. Online renewals are processed within a few days.
If you cannot renew by mail or online, or if you prefer to renew in person, visit a DDS office with your current license and payment. Bring your documents if your address has changed. In-person renewals are completed the same day.
Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it at a DDS office. Bring your documents and $32. The replacement is processed the same day. If your license was stolen, you do not need to report it to the police first — the DDS office will note the replacement in their system.
If you need a replacement urgently and cannot visit an office, you can request a temporary paper license at the DDS office. The paper license is valid for 30 days while you wait for your plastic card to arrive by mail. The plastic card is mailed to your address on file within one to two weeks.
Changing your address on your license
If you move within Georgia, you must update your address on your driver's license within 30 days. You can change your address by mail, online, or in person at a DDS office. Changing your address by mail or online costs nothing. Changing it in person also costs nothing if you do not need a new photo.
To change your address by mail, request a form from the Georgia DDS website, fill it out, and mail it with a copy of your proof of residency. To change it online, visit the Georgia DDS website and log in with your license number and date of birth. To change it in person, visit a DDS office with your current license and proof of your new address. Processing takes about two weeks by mail or online, and is when ready in person.
Fees and payment methods
A new driver's license costs $32 and is valid for eight years. A renewal costs $32 and extends your license for another eight years. A replacement for a lost or damaged license costs $32. Changing your address costs nothing. A learner's permit costs $16 and is valid for five years.
DDS offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card. If you are renewing by mail, you must send a check or money order — they do not accept credit cards by mail. If you are renewing online, you can use a debit or credit card.
What to expect on your visit
Arrive with all your documents and your payment. The office will verify your identity, check your Social Security number, and take your photo and fingerprints. You will take a vision test. If you are getting a new license or your license has expired, you may need to take a written test as well. The entire process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is.
Once everything is complete, you will receive your license on the spot if you are in person. If you renewed by mail or online, your license will be mailed to your address on file within one to two weeks. Keep an eye on your mailbox — if it does not arrive within three weeks, call the DDS office to check the status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if it has already expired?
No. You can only renew online or by mail if your license is still valid. If your license has expired, you must renew in person at a DDS office. Bring your expired license, your documents, and $32.
Do I need an appointment to visit a DDS office in Gwinnett County?
No appointment is required. Both offices accept walk-ins. However, you can check the Georgia DDS website to see current wait times before you go. Arriving early in the morning or on weekdays usually means shorter waits.
What if I fail the written test or road test?
You can retake the test the same day or return another day. There is no additional fee to retake a test. You have unlimited attempts, but you must pass both the written and road tests before you receive your license.
Can I get a Real ID compliant license in Gwinnett County?
Yes. Georgia issues Real ID compliant licenses at all DDS offices. Real ID licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner and cost the same as a standard license. You will need the same documents, plus proof of your Social Security number and current address. Real ID licenses are required for federal air travel starting in 2025.
What happens if I move out of Georgia?
Your Georgia license remains valid until it expires, even if you move to another state. However, you should get a license from your new state within the timeframe required by that state — usually 30 to 60 days. You do not need to surrender your Georgia license.