Where to get your driver's license in Marietta

The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) runs the driver's license system in Marietta. You cannot get a license from the city itself — you must go to a DDS office or an approved service location. Marietta does not have its own DDS branch, so you have two main options: visit the Cobb County DDS office in nearby Kennesaw, or use an approved third-party location if one operates in your area.

The Cobb County DDS office is located at 1651 County Services Drive, Kennesaw, GA 30144. This is the full-service office that handles new licenses, renewals, replacements, and road tests. Hours and wait times vary by day and season — the office is typically busier on Fridays and at the start of each month. You can check current wait times on the Georgia DDS website before you go.

Some third-party locations — often tag offices or other authorized vendors — can handle renewals and replacements but not new licenses or tests. Call ahead to confirm what services the location near you offers, because not all third-party sites handle the same transactions.

Key Takeaways

  • Georgia driver's licenses are issued by the Department of Driver Services, not by Marietta or Cobb County, and the nearest full-service office is in Kennesaw.
  • You will need proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or military ID), proof of Social Security number, and proof of Georgia residency to get a new license.
  • Renewals by mail are available if your license is not suspended and you meet age and vision requirements, which can save you a trip to the office.
  • If you need a road test, you must schedule it in advance through the DDS website or by phone, because walk-in tests are not available.
  • The cost of a driver's license in Georgia varies by type and validity period, ranging from about $32 for a five-year license to $70 for an eight-year license.

Documents you need for a new license

Georgia requires three categories of documents before you can get a new driver's license: proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of Georgia residency. You cannot substitute one for another, and you must bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.

For identity, bring a valid passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a state ID from another state. A school ID, work badge, or credit card does not count. For Social Security, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub with your full number on it. For residency, bring a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government letter (such as a tax notice) dated within the last 60 days and showing your current Georgia address.

If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one. If you were born outside the United States, you will also need to bring your visa, green card, or other immigration document showing your legal status.

Renewing your license by mail or in person

If your Georgia driver's license is not suspended and you are between 18 and 64 years old, you can renew by mail without visiting an office. The DDS will mail you a renewal form when your license is within six months of expiring. You fill out the form, include a new photo (which you can take at home and print), and mail it back with the fee. The process takes about two to three weeks from when DDS receives your form.

Drivers 65 and older, and drivers with certain medical conditions, must renew in person at a DDS office. If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew by mail — you must appear in person and may need to pass a road test or vision test before your license is restored.

If you prefer to renew in person even though you are allowed to use mail, you can visit the Kennesaw office with your current license, proof of residency, and the renewal fee. In-person renewals are usually faster than mail renewals if the office is not busy.

Scheduling a road test in the Marietta area

If you are a new driver or your license has been suspended, you will need to pass a road test before you can get or restore your license. The DDS does not accept walk-in tests — you must schedule one in advance through the Georgia DDS website or by calling the Kennesaw office directly. Tests are scheduled weeks in advance during busy seasons, so book as early as you can.

Road tests are given at the Kennesaw DDS office and at a few other locations in the county. When you schedule, you will be told which location and what time to arrive. You must bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance, and the vehicle you will be tested in. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition — the examiner will check the brakes, lights, and wipers before the test begins.

The test itself lasts about 20 to 30 minutes and covers basic driving skills: starting and stopping, turning, parking, and following traffic laws. You must score at least 70 percent to pass. If you fail, you can schedule another test, but there is usually a waiting period of a few days to a week before you can try again.

Cost and validity of Georgia driver's licenses

The cost of a Georgia driver's license depends on how long you want it to be valid. A five-year license costs about $32, an eight-year license costs about $70, and a commercial driver's license (CDL) costs more. These prices can change, so check the DDS website for the current fee before you go to the office.

Standard driver's licenses are valid for the number of years you choose at the time of issue. If you renew before your license expires, you do not pay a late fee. If you let your license expire, you can still renew it, but if it has been expired for more than a certain period (usually three years or more), you may have to take a new road test and vision test instead of straightforward renewing.

Georgia also offers a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, which meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. The REAL ID license costs a few dollars more than a standard license and requires additional proof of identity and residency. If you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal building, ask about REAL ID when you visit the office.

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license

If your license is lost, stolen, or too damaged to use, you can get a replacement at the Kennesaw DDS office or at some third-party locations. You will need to bring proof of identity and proof of residency, just as you would for a renewal. The replacement fee is usually lower than the cost of a new license — typically around $20 to $25 — and the new license will have the same expiration date as your old one.

If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to the police or to the DDS itself, especially if you are concerned about identity theft. The DDS can flag your license in their system to alert them if someone tries to use it fraudulently. You can report a stolen license by phone or in person at the Kennesaw office.

What to expect when you visit the DDS office

The Kennesaw DDS office operates on a first-come, first-served basis, though you can check wait times online before you go. Bring all required documents, your current license if you have one, and the correct fee in cash or card. The office accepts both payment methods, but it is a good idea to have cash as a backup in case their card reader is down.

The process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour if you are renewing or replacing a license, and longer if you are getting a new license or taking a road test. You will be called to a window, your documents will be checked, you will have your photo taken (unless you are renewing by mail), and you will pay the fee. Your new license will be mailed to you within one to two weeks — you do not receive it on the spot.

If you fail the vision test or if there is a problem with your documents, the staff will tell you what you need to do next. Do not assume you have been denied — most issues can be fixed by bringing additional documents or scheduling a follow-up visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a driver's license in Marietta itself, or do I have to go to Kennesaw?

You must go to Kennesaw or use an approved third-party location. Marietta does not have a DDS office. The Kennesaw office is about 15 minutes from downtown Marietta and handles all new licenses, renewals, and road tests for the area.

What if I have a license from another state and I just moved to Georgia?

You can exchange your out-of-state license for a Georgia license at the Kennesaw office. Bring your current license, proof of Georgia residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You do not need to take a road test unless your license is suspended or you are under 18.

How long does it take to get my new license after I visit the office?

Your new license will be mailed to you within one to two weeks. You cannot pick it up at the office on the same day. If you need to drive before it arrives, ask the DDS staff for a temporary paper license, which is valid for 30 days.

Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?

Walk-ins are accepted at the Kennesaw office, but road tests must be scheduled in advance. If you are only renewing or replacing your license, you do not need an appointment, but arriving early in the day or mid-week usually means shorter waits.

What happens if I fail my road test?

You can schedule another test after a waiting period, usually a few days to a week. There is no limit to how many times you can take the test, but you will pay the test fee each time. Consider taking a driving lesson or practice session before your next attempt.