Where to go for your driver's license in Savannah

In Savannah, you get your driver's license at the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) office located at 7400 Abercorn Street, Savannah, GA 31406. This is the only place in the city where you can take the written test, road test, or pick up a new license after you've passed both. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed on weekends and state holidays.

You cannot renew your license online in Georgia, even if you're renewing for the first time. You must appear in person at the DDS office. However, you can check wait times and make an appointment on the Georgia DDS website before you go — this can cut your time there significantly, though walk-ins are also accepted.

Key Takeaways

  • The Savannah DDS office is at 7400 Abercorn Street and is open weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. only.
  • You need a valid form of ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN to get or renew a license.
  • Georgia requires you to pass both a written test and a road test before you receive your first license; renewals do not require retesting.
  • Making an appointment online before you visit can reduce your wait time, though appointments are not required.
  • The cost varies depending on whether you're getting a new license, renewing, or upgrading to a REAL ID-compliant license.

Documents you need to bring

Bring one form of primary ID (a passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate), one piece of proof that you live in Savannah (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number or ITIN. If you don't have your Social Security card, bring the number itself — you don't need the physical card.

If you're renewing a license that has expired, bring the expired license itself. If you're getting your first Georgia license and you have an out-of-state license, bring that too. The DDS staff will check these documents against their records, so make sure the name on each document matches exactly.

If you're under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present with you. Bring their ID as well.

The written test and road test

Georgia's written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Georgia Driver's Manual, which is free on the DDS website. The test has 40 questions, and you need to answer at least 32 correctly to pass. You get one attempt per visit, so if you fail, you'll need to schedule another appointment.

After you pass the written test, you'll schedule a road test at the same office. The road test takes about 20 minutes and covers basic driving skills like parking, turning, and stopping. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and has working lights and wipers. The vehicle does not have to be registered in Georgia, but it must be legal to drive on public roads.

Once you pass both tests, you'll receive your license on the spot or within a few days if they need to print it. You'll also get a temporary paper license to use while your plastic card is being mailed.

Renewing an existing Georgia license

If your Georgia license is still valid or expired less than five years ago, you can renew it in person at the Savannah DDS office without retaking the written or road test. Bring your expired or expiring license, proof of residency, and your ID. The process takes about 30 minutes if you have an appointment, longer if you walk in.

Georgia licenses are valid for eight years. If your license expired more than five years ago, you'll need to retake both the written and road tests as if you were getting your first license.

If you want to upgrade to a REAL ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and flights after May 2025), you'll need to bring additional documents: a certified birth certificate or passport, and two proofs of residency instead of one. The REAL ID license costs more than a standard renewal.

Making an appointment and wait times

You can make an appointment on the Georgia DDS website by selecting the Savannah office and choosing the service you need (new license, renewal, or road test). Appointments are typically available within one to three weeks, depending on the season. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait two to four hours during busy times, especially mid-morning and mid-week.

The Savannah office is busier in spring and summer and slower in winter. If you can visit on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday morning, you'll usually encounter shorter waits than on Mondays or Fridays.

Cost and payment methods

A new Georgia driver's license costs $32 and is valid for eight years. A renewal costs $32. A REAL ID-compliant license costs $37 for a new license or $37 for a renewal. The Savannah DDS office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards.

If you're under 21, your license will have a different design and will expire on your 21st birthday, not eight years later. The cost is the same.

What happens after you pass

After you pass your road test, you'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days. Your plastic license will be mailed to the address you provided at the DDS office within 7 to 10 business days. If you don't receive it within two weeks, contact the Savannah DDS office to check the status.

Your new license will have your photo, signature, and a magnetic stripe on the back. Check it carefully when you receive it — if there are errors in your name, address, or date of birth, return to the office with proof of the correct information and they'll issue a corrected license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online or at home?

No. Georgia requires you to take the written test in person at a DDS office. You cannot take it online, by mail, or at a third-party location. The Savannah office is the only place in the city where you can take it.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no waiting period between attempts in Georgia. However, you can only take the test once per visit, so if you fail, you'll need to leave and come back or schedule a new appointment.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card?

No. Bring your Social Security number written down or memorized. The DDS office will not accept a photo of your card or a copy — they verify the number against federal records themselves. If you don't know your number, contact the Social Security Administration before your visit.

Can someone else pick up my license for me?

No. You must pick up your license in person at the Savannah DDS office. They will not mail it to you or release it to a family member or friend, even with written permission.

What if my address has changed since my last license?

Bring proof of your new Savannah address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days) and your old license. The DDS will update your address during your visit. You do not need to pay an extra fee for an address change.