Documents you must bring to the DDS office

Georgia requires you to show six specific things when you explore for a driver's license at a Department of Driver Services (DDS) office. You cannot complete the process without all of them, so gather everything before you go.

First, you need proof of identity. This can be a valid passport, a certified birth certificate, a consular report of birth abroad, or a valid foreign national ID. The document must show your full legal name and date of birth. A photocopy is not acceptable — you must bring the original.

Second, bring proof of Social Security number. An original or certified Social Security card works. If you do not have a card, you can bring a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a Social Security benefit letter with your number on it. Again, originals only.

Third, you need proof of Georgia residency. This must be a document dated within the last 60 days showing your current Georgia address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, an insurance policy, or a government check. A cell phone bill does not count. If you live with someone else, you can use their document if they sign a notarized affidavit stating you live there.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring an original identity document (passport or birth certificate), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of Georgia residency dated within 60 days.
  • If you are under 18, your parent or legal guardian must sign your process in person at the DDS office.
  • You will take a written test on traffic laws, a vision screening, and a road test before you receive your license.
  • The DDS office will take your photo and fingerprints during your visit, so plan for the appointment to take 30 to 45 minutes.
  • You can schedule an appointment online at the Georgia DDS website to avoid waiting in line, though walk-ins are also accepted.

What happens if you are under 18

If you are a minor, Georgia law requires your parent or legal guardian to appear with you at the DDS office. They must bring a photo ID and sign your process in front of the DDS employee. You cannot have someone else sign on their behalf — it must be the parent or guardian in person.

Minors also follow a different licensing path. You first receive a learner's permit, which allows you to drive only with a licensed adult in the car. After holding the permit for at least 12 months and one day, and after completing a certified driver education course, you can return to the DDS office to take the road test for a regular license.

The tests you will take at the DDS office

After you submit your documents, you will take three tests before you leave with your license. The first is a written knowledge test on Georgia traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Georgia Driver's Manual, which is free on the DDS website. You must answer at least 16 out of 20 questions correctly to pass.

The second is a vision screening. The DDS employee will check your eyesight using a machine. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. If you fail the vision test, you will be referred to an eye care professional and cannot receive your license until you return with a vision correction form signed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist.

The third is a road test, also called the driving test. A DDS examiner will ride with you in your vehicle while you demonstrate basic driving skills. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will ask you to perform tasks like parking, turning, and stopping. You must pass this test to receive your license.

Fees and payment methods

A Georgia driver's license costs $32 for an eight-year license if you are 21 or older. If you are under 21, the license costs $20 and expires on your 21st birthday. You can pay with cash, debit card, or credit card at the DDS office. Some offices accept checks, but call ahead to confirm.

If you are renewing an expired license or replacing a lost one, the cost is the same. There are no additional fees for the written test or road test — they are included in the license fee.

How to schedule your DDS office visit

You can schedule an appointment online at the Georgia DDS website by selecting your county and choosing an available date and time. Appointments are free and typically available within two to four weeks. Walk-ins are accepted at all DDS offices, but you may wait 30 minutes to two hours depending on how busy the office is.

When you arrive, bring all six required documents and your completed process form DL 44, which you can read from the DDS website or fill out at the office. Bring your vehicle for the road test. Plan to spend 30 to 45 minutes at the office if you have an appointment, or longer if you walk in.

What to do if you cannot find a required document

If you do not have an original birth certificate, you can order one from the Georgia Vital Records office or from the state where you were born. This usually takes one to two weeks. If you do not have a Social Security card, you can request a replacement from the Social Security Administration office, which also takes one to two weeks.

If you cannot prove residency because you just moved to Georgia, you can use a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, or a utility bill in your name. If none of these are available, ask your landlord or the person you live with to sign a notarized affidavit confirming your address. A notary public can notarize this document for a small fee — most banks, UPS stores, and law offices offer notary services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Georgia license if I have an out-of-state license?

Yes. You do not need to surrender your old license, but Georgia will issue you a new one. You still need to bring all six required documents and pass the written and road tests. If your out-of-state license is valid, you may be able to skip the written test, but you must still pass the vision screening and road test.

What if I fail the road test?

You can retake the road test. There is no waiting period, so you can schedule another appointment as soon as one is available. You do not pay the fee again — you only pay once when you first explore. Bring your vehicle and be ready to demonstrate the same skills.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card if I have a W-2?

No. You can bring either an original Social Security card or an original W-2, 1099, or Social Security benefit letter. You do not need both. The DDS office will accept any one of these documents as proof of your Social Security number.

What if I do not have a vehicle to use for the road test?

You must provide a vehicle for the road test. It must be registered in Georgia, have valid insurance, and be in safe working condition. If you do not own a vehicle, you can borrow one from a friend or family member as long as it meets these requirements. The owner does not need to be present, but the vehicle must have current registration and insurance.

How long does a Georgia driver's license last?

A license is valid for eight years if you are 21 or older. If you are under 21, your license expires on your 21st birthday. You can renew your license up to six months before it expires by returning to a DDS office with your current license and the renewal fee.