What you need to get a Georgia driver's license
Georgia issues driver's licenses through the Department of Driver Services (DDS), a division of the Georgia Department of Public Safety. To get your first license or renew an existing one, you will need to visit a DDS office in person — you cannot complete the process online or by mail.
The documents you bring depend on whether you are getting your first license or renewing. For a first-time license, Georgia requires proof of identity (a valid passport, birth certificate, or military ID), proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card or a tax return), and proof of Georgia residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). You will also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test, then take a road test with a DDS examiner.
For renewal, the process is simpler if you renew before your license expires. You can renew online through the DDS website if your license is not expired and you have not had certain violations or medical suspensions. If you cannot renew online, you will need to visit an office with your current license and proof of residency.
Key Takeaways
- Georgia driver's licenses are issued by the Department of Driver Services (DDS), and you must visit an office in person to get or renew one.
- First-time applicants need proof of identity, Social Security number, Georgia residency, and must pass vision, written, and road tests.
- Renewals can often be done online before your license expires, but expired licenses and certain violations require an in-person visit.
- Georgia licenses are valid for eight years for drivers under 65 and four years for drivers 65 and older.
- You can find your nearest DDS office and check wait times on the Georgia DDS website before you go.
Where to find a DDS office and what to expect
Georgia has DDS offices in most counties, and you can locate the nearest one using the office locator on the official Georgia DDS website. The site also shows current wait times at each location, which vary widely — some offices have wait times under 30 minutes, while others may be two hours or longer during peak times.
You do not need an appointment at most DDS offices; you arrive, take a number, and wait. However, some offices now offer appointment scheduling through the website, and booking ahead can reduce your wait time significantly. Check your local office's page to see if appointments are available.
Bring all required documents with you in original form — photocopies are not accepted for identity or residency proof. If you are renewing and your license is not expired, bring your current license and proof of residency. If you are getting your first license, bring all documents listed above plus your Social Security card or a document showing your number.
Costs and how long the process takes
A Georgia driver's license costs $32 for an eight-year license (for drivers under 65) or $24 for a four-year license (for drivers 65 and older). Renewal costs the same. Payment is made at the DDS office by cash, check, or card. There are no additional fees for the written or road test.
The time to receive your license depends on the type of transaction. If you renew online, your new license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew or get a new license in person, you receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license is valid for driving until your plastic license arrives.
The road test, if required, is scheduled at the time of your visit or shortly after. You will need to bring your own vehicle for the test, and it must be registered and insured in Georgia. The test itself takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
Renewing online versus in person
Online renewal is available only if your current license is not expired, you have no medical suspensions or certain traffic violations on your record, and you are not changing your address. To renew online, log into your account on the Georgia DDS website, verify your information, pay the $32 fee, and your new license will be mailed to you.
If any of those conditions do not explore — your license is expired, you have had a suspension, you are changing your address, or you are over 65 — you must renew in person at a DDS office. Expired licenses cannot be renewed online, so if your license has been expired for more than a few months, plan to visit an office.
In-person renewal takes longer overall (you wait at the office plus 7 to 10 days for mail delivery) but gives you a temporary license to drive when ready. Online renewal is faster if you can use it, but you cannot drive until your plastic license arrives.
What happens if your license is suspended or revoked
A Georgia driver's license can be suspended for unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, medical reasons, or accumulating too many points from traffic violations. A revocation is more serious and usually results from DUI convictions or habitual traffic offender status. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license until the suspension or revocation is lifted.
To learn about your license is suspended or revoked, check the Georgia DDS website or call your local DDS office. If your license is suspended, you will need to resolve the underlying issue — pay fines, appear in court, or complete a required program — before you can renew. The DDS office can tell you what steps are required in your case.
Driving with a suspended or revoked license is a criminal offense in Georgia. If you need to drive for work or medical reasons while your license is suspended, you may be able to request a limited permit, but this requires a court order and is not granted automatically.
Changing your address or name on your license
If you move to a new address within Georgia, you can update your address online through the DDS website without renewing your license. You will need your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The address change is processed when ready and does not cost anything.
If you change your name due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change, you must visit a DDS office in person. Bring your current license, a certified copy of the document showing your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of residency. There is no fee for a name change, and you will receive a new license with your updated name.
If you move out of Georgia, your Georgia license remains valid until it expires, but you should obtain a license from your new state within the timeframe required by that state's law. Georgia does not require you to surrender your license when you move.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Georgia license if it expired more than a year ago?
No, you cannot renew an expired license online. You must visit a DDS office in person with your expired license, proof of residency, and payment. The office will process it as a renewal rather than a new license, but the in-person visit is required.
What if I fail the written or road test?
You can retake the test the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no additional fee for retaking a test. Most people pass on their second or third attempt. The DDS office will tell you what topics to study before you return.
Do I need a Georgia ID card if I have a driver's license?
No. A Georgia driver's license serves as a valid ID for most purposes, including voting, banking, and age verification. A separate ID card is only necessary if you do not drive or your license has been suspended or revoked.
How do I get a Real ID-compliant Georgia driver's license?
Georgia driver's licenses issued after 2017 are Real ID-compliant by default. If your license was issued before 2017, you can renew it in person to receive a Real ID license. A Real ID license is required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings starting in 2025.
What if I lose my license before it expires?
Visit a DDS office with proof of identity and residency. You will pay $32 for a replacement license and receive a temporary paper license when ready. Your new plastic license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.