What you need to get a Georgia driver's license

Georgia issues driver's licenses through the Department of Driver Services (DDS), which operates as a division of the Georgia Department of Revenue. To get a license, you must be at least 16 years old, prove your identity and residency in Georgia, pass a vision test, and pass a written knowledge test and driving test. The process takes place at a DDS office, and you cannot complete it online or by mail.

The state distinguishes between a learner's permit (which allows you to drive with a licensed adult in the car) and a full driver's license (which allows you to drive alone). Most people start with the learner's permit, wait a required period, then return to take the driving test for the full license.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring proof of identity, Social Security number, and proof of Georgia residency to your first DDS visit.
  • Georgia requires you to hold a learner's permit for a minimum of one month before you can take the road test for a full license.
  • The written test covers traffic laws and road signs; you must score at least 16 out of 20 questions correctly to pass.
  • DDS offices are located throughout Georgia, and you can find your nearest location and check wait times on the DDS website.
  • Fees vary depending on your age and license type, but a standard driver's license costs less than $35 for most applicants.

Documents you must bring to the DDS office

Georgia requires specific documents to prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number. Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid passport, or a military ID card as proof of identity. You will also need to provide your Social Security number; if you do not have one, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you are not may be able to access.

For proof of Georgia residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and current Georgia address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail. A mail-in statement from your bank counts, but a printed online statement does not. If you are homeless or do not have a residential address, DDS has a process for that situation — ask the staff member at your visit.

Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your number. If you do not have your card, a tax return, W-2, or 1099 form will work. You will also need to bring any existing Georgia ID or license if you have one.

The learner's permit: first step for most drivers

If you are under 18, you must first obtain a learner's permit before you can take the road test. The permit allows you to drive only when a licensed driver at least 21 years old is in the front passenger seat. To get the permit, you pass the vision test and the written knowledge test at a DDS office.

The written test has 20 questions covering Georgia traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 16 correctly. The test is offered in English and several other languages. You can study using the Georgia Driver's Manual, which is free and available on the DDS website and at DDS offices.

After you pass the written test, you receive your learner's permit when ready. Georgia law requires you to hold the permit for at least one month before you can take the road test. During this time, you should practice driving with a licensed adult to build your skills.

Taking the road test and getting your full license

After holding your learner's permit for at least one month, you can schedule a road test at a DDS office. The test takes about 20 minutes and covers basic driving skills: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws. You must use a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working brakes, lights, wipers, and mirrors.

Bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance for the vehicle you will use, and a valid form of identification to the road test. If you fail the road test, you can retake it, but you must wait at least one day before your next attempt. There is an additional fee for each road test attempt.

If you pass the road test, you receive your full Georgia driver's license on the same day. The license is valid for eight years if you are under 65, and four years if you are 65 or older. You can renew your license before it expires by visiting a DDS office or, in some cases, by mail.

Fees and processing times

Georgia driver's license fees depend on your age and the type of license. A standard driver's license for someone under 21 costs less than $35, while a license for someone 21 and older costs slightly more. A learner's permit costs less than a full license. Fees are subject to change, so check the DDS website for current amounts before your visit.

You receive your license when ready after passing the road test. However, DDS offices can have wait times, especially during peak hours and seasons. You can check wait times for your nearest office on the DDS website before you go. Some offices accept walk-ins, while others operate by appointment only — call ahead or check online to confirm.

Special situations: renewals, replacements, and out-of-state transfers

If your Georgia license is expiring, you can renew it at a DDS office. You do not need to retake the written or road tests. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and payment. Some people can renew by mail, but the DDS website will tell you whether you are may be able to access.

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at a DDS office. Bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and payment. A replacement license costs less than a new license and is processed the same day.

If you move to Georgia from another state and already have a valid driver's license, you can transfer it. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Georgia residency, and payment. You will need to pass the vision test but not the written or road tests, unless your out-of-state license is expired or suspended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online or by mail?

No. All tests — the vision test, written knowledge test, and road test — must be taken in person at a DDS office. You cannot complete any part of the process remotely.

What happens if I fail the written test?

You can retake the written test the same day or return another day. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you pay a fee each time you take the test. Most people pass on their first or second try if they study the Georgia Driver's Manual beforehand.

Do I need a Social Security number to get a Georgia license?

Yes, Georgia requires a Social Security number or proof that you are not may be able to access for one. If you do not have a number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration. Without either, you cannot obtain a license.

How long does it take to get a Georgia driver's license from start to finish?

The minimum time is about one month, because you must hold a learner's permit for at least 30 days before taking the road test. If you pass both tests on your first try, you receive your full license the day you pass the road test. If you need to retake either test, the process takes longer.

Can I get a Georgia license if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. Georgia issues licenses to people who are not U.S. citizens, including people with valid visas, work permits, or other immigration documents. Bring proof of your legal presence in the United States along with the other required documents. The DDS website lists which documents are accepted.