Where to go for your driver's license in Marietta

The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) office in Marietta is located at 1170 Cobb Parkway South, Marietta, GA 30062. This is the physical location where you will take your written test, vision test, and photo for a new license or renewal. You can also renew your license by mail or online if you meet certain conditions — but if you need a new license for the first time, you must visit in person.

The Marietta DDS office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on state holidays. Wait times vary by time of day and day of week; mornings and early in the week are typically shorter. You do not need an appointment — DDS operates on a first-come, first-served basis — but you should bring all required documents with you on your first visit.

Key Takeaways

  • The Marietta DDS office is at 1170 Cobb Parkway South and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • A new Georgia driver's license requires proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number, plus passing a written and vision test.
  • Renewal by mail or online is available if your license is not expired more than five years and you have no medical restrictions.
  • A standard Georgia driver's license costs $32 and is valid for eight years; a REAL ID-compliant license costs $35 and is required for federal buildings and domestic flights.
  • You must bring your current out-of-state license or other ID documents; DDS will not issue a license without proof of who you are.

Documents you need for a new license

Georgia requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. For proof of identity, bring your current driver's license from another state, passport, military ID, or state ID card. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a certified birth certificate plus one additional document like a marriage certificate or divorce decree.

For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your Marietta address. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. For proof of your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, tax return, or a letter from the Social Security Administration.

Bring the originals, not copies. DDS staff will examine them and may make copies at the office. If any document is in a language other than English, bring an official translation as well.

The written test and vision screening

Georgia's written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, speed limits, and safe driving practices. The test has 40 questions, and you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass. You can take the test on a computer at the DDS office, and you will receive your score when ready. If you fail, you can retake it the same day, though you may have to wait and pay the test fee again.

Before the written test, you will take a vision screening. The screener will check your ability to see clearly and identify colors. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision screening, you cannot take the written test that day and will need to see an eye doctor, get a vision correction form signed, and return to DDS.

You can study for the written test using the Georgia DDS study guide, which is free and available on the DDS website. Many people study it for a few hours the night before and pass on their first attempt.

Choosing between a standard license and REAL ID

Georgia offers two types of driver's licenses: a standard license and a REAL ID-compliant license. A standard Georgia license costs $32 and is valid for eight years. A REAL ID license costs $35 and is also valid for eight years, but it meets federal security standards and is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building.

If you plan to fly within the United States or visit a federal courthouse, military base, or other federal facility, you need a REAL ID license. If you only drive locally and do not fly, a standard license is sufficient. You can upgrade from a standard license to REAL ID later, though you will have to return to the DDS office and pay the difference.

The REAL ID process requires the same documents as a standard license, so there is no additional paperwork burden. The main difference is the cost and the security features on the card itself.

Renewing your license by mail or online

If your Georgia driver's license is not expired more than five years, you have no medical restrictions, and you have not changed your name, you can renew by mail or online without visiting the DDS office. To renew online, go to the Georgia DDS website, log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, and follow the prompts. The online renewal fee is $32 for a standard license and $35 for REAL ID.

To renew by mail, request a renewal form from the DDS office or read it from the website, fill it out, and mail it with a check or money order to the address on the form. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks. Your new license will be mailed to you.

If your license expired more than five years ago, you have medical restrictions, or you changed your name, you must renew in person at the Marietta DDS office. You cannot use mail or online renewal in these cases.

What happens after you pass the test

Once you pass the written and vision tests, DDS will take your photo and print your license on the spot. You will receive your new license when ready and can drive legally that same day. Your old out-of-state license will be returned to you or destroyed, depending on the state it came from.

If you are moving to Georgia from another state and have a valid out-of-state license, you do not have to surrender it when ready, but you should not use it to drive in Georgia after you receive your new Georgia license. Keep your new Georgia license with you when you drive.

Fees and payment methods

A standard Georgia driver's license costs $32 and is valid for eight years. A REAL ID license costs $35. These fees cover the license itself and the written test. If you fail the written test and retake it, you pay the test fee again, which is included in the license fee.

The Marietta DDS office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. They do not accept checks or money orders in person, though mail renewal does accept checks. If you are renewing online, you will pay by debit or credit card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a license on the same day I visit the DDS office?

Yes. If you pass the written and vision tests, DDS will print your license and give it to you the same day. The entire process from arrival to leaving with your new license typically takes one to three hours, depending on how busy the office is.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake the test the same day, though you may have to wait. You will pay the test fee again. Most people pass on the second attempt if they study the Georgia DDS study guide before returning.

Do I need a REAL ID if I only drive locally?

No. A standard Georgia driver's license is sufficient for driving. You only need REAL ID if you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal building. You can upgrade to REAL ID later if your plans change.

Can I renew my license online if it expired two years ago?

Yes, as long as it has not expired more than five years ago and you have no medical restrictions. You can renew online through the Georgia DDS website using your driver's license number and date of birth. The fee is $32 for standard or $35 for REAL ID.

What if I moved to Marietta from out of state and my license is still valid?

You must get a Georgia driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency in Georgia. Bring your out-of-state license and the required documents to the Marietta DDS office. You will take the written and vision tests and receive your new Georgia license the same day.