What you need to do to switch your driver's license to Georgia

To change your driver's license to Georgia, you must visit a Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) office in person, surrender your current out-of-state license, and pass a vision test. Georgia does not accept mail-in transfers or online license changes. You will need to bring specific documents proving your identity, residency, and Social Security number. The process takes about 30 minutes at the office, and your new license is issued on the spot.

Georgia recognizes licenses from other U.S. states and territories without requiring you to retake the written driving test, but you must still pass the vision screening. If your out-of-state license is expired, you can still use it as proof of identity during the transfer, though you will need to renew it as part of the Georgia process. The fee for a Georgia driver's license is set by state law and varies depending on the license type and validity period you choose.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Georgia DDS office in person with original documents — there is no online or mail option for license transfers.
  • Bring your current out-of-state license, proof of Georgia residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), proof of identity, and your Social Security card or number.
  • You will pass a vision test but not a written driving test when transferring from another U.S. state.
  • Your new Georgia license is issued when ready after you complete the process, and you can use it right away.
  • Georgia DDS offices have different hours and wait times; checking online or calling ahead can save you a trip.

Documents you must bring to the DDS office

Georgia requires original documents, not copies. Bring your current driver's license from your previous state, even if it is expired. You also need one document proving your Georgia residency — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement or insurance policy may work if it shows your current Georgia address, but call your local DDS office first to confirm.

For proof of identity, bring your Social Security card, passport, military ID, or birth certificate. If you do not have your Social Security card, you can bring a Social Security statement from ssa.gov or a tax return showing your number. Georgia also accepts a certified copy of your birth certificate if it is the only identity document you have. Do not bring photocopies — the DDS staff will make copies of your documents during the transaction.

If your name has changed since your previous license was issued (through marriage, divorce, or legal name change), bring the court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree that documents the change. Without this, the DDS office cannot issue a license under your new name, even if your other documents show it.

Finding a Georgia DDS office and scheduling your visit

Georgia has DDS offices in every county, but not all offices offer the same services. Some locations handle only renewals or specific transactions. Before you go, visit the Georgia DDS website (dds.ga.gov) and use the office locator to find the branch nearest you. The site lists each office's address, hours, and which services it provides. Call the office directly to confirm they handle out-of-state transfers — most do, but a few smaller branches may refer you to a larger regional office.

Georgia DDS offices do not require appointments for license transfers, but wait times vary widely. Urban offices in Atlanta, Savannah, and Augusta often have 30-minute to two-hour waits during midday and late afternoon. Rural offices typically move faster. Visiting early in the morning (within the first hour after opening) or on Tuesday or Wednesday usually means shorter waits. Friday afternoons and the first week of the month tend to be busiest.

Some DDS offices now offer online check-in through the Georgia DDS website, which lets you reserve your place in line before you arrive. This does not eliminate the wait, but it lets you wait at home instead of in the office. Check whether your local office offers this option when you look up its hours.

The vision test and what to expect during the transaction

The vision test at the DDS office is a standard screening, not a full eye exam. You will read letters or numbers on a chart from a set distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, you can wear them during the test. If you fail the vision test, you cannot receive your license that day. You will need to see an eye doctor, obtain a vision correction form (which the DDS office can provide), and return to the DDS office with the completed form.

The entire transaction — from check-in to photo to payment — usually takes 20 to 40 minutes once you reach the counter. A DDS staff member will review your documents, ask you to sign your process, take your photograph, and collect your out-of-state license. You will then pay the license fee. Georgia offers different license types: a standard four-year license, an eight-year license (for drivers 21 and older), or a commercial driver's license if you need one. Ask the staff member which option applies to you.

Your new Georgia license is printed on the spot and handed to you before you leave the office. You can use it when ready for identification and driving. Your old out-of-state license is kept by the DDS office and destroyed; you do not get it back.

License fees and payment methods

Georgia driver's license fees depend on the type of license and how long it is valid. A standard four-year license costs less than an eight-year license. Commercial driver's licenses have a separate fee structure. The DDS website lists current fees, which are set by state law and do not vary by county or office. Fees change occasionally, so check the website or call your local office for the exact amount before you go.

The DDS office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some smaller rural offices may accept only cash, so call ahead if you want to confirm payment methods. You will receive a receipt showing your transaction and the license number assigned to your new Georgia license.

What happens if your out-of-state license is suspended or revoked

If your out-of-state license is suspended or revoked, Georgia will not issue you a new license until the suspension or revocation is lifted. The DDS office will check your driving record when you explore. If a suspension or revocation appears, the staff member will tell you that day and explain what you need to do to clear it. This usually means paying outstanding fines, completing a defensive driving course, or waiting out a suspension period.

You can contact the DDS office in your previous state to find out the status of your license before you travel to Georgia. Many states offer online license status checks on their DMV websites. Clearing a suspension or revocation in your previous state does not automatically clear it in Georgia — you may need to contact both states' DDS offices to may support the records are updated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in Georgia with my out-of-state license while I wait to get a Georgia license?

Yes. Your out-of-state license remains valid in Georgia until it expires, even after you move there. You are not required to transfer your license when ready. However, once you establish Georgia residency (by getting a job, renting an apartment, or registering to vote), you should transfer your license within a reasonable time. Georgia law does not specify an exact important date, but driving with an out-of-state license after establishing residency can complicate insurance claims or traffic stops.

What if I do not have a Social Security card?

You can bring a Social Security statement from ssa.gov, a tax return showing your number, or a W-2 form. If you do not have your Social Security number at all, you will need to contact the Social Security Administration before visiting the DDS office. The DDS cannot issue a license without a valid Social Security number or a documented reason why you do not have one.

Do I have to take a written driving test to transfer my license?

No. Georgia waives the written test for drivers transferring from another U.S. state or territory. You only take the vision test. If you are transferring from a foreign country, you must pass both the written and driving tests.

How long does a Georgia driver's license last?

Georgia offers four-year and eight-year licenses. The eight-year license is available to drivers 21 and older and costs more than the four-year option. You choose which type when you explore at the DDS office. Your new license will show the expiration date on the front.

What if my name on my documents does not match my out-of-state license?

Bring the document that explains the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for a legal name change. The DDS staff will review it and issue your new license under your current legal name. Without this document, the DDS office cannot process your transfer.