Documents and information you'll bring to the DDS office

To get a Georgia driver's license, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of Georgia residency, your Social Security number, and proof that you're allowed to work in the United States. The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) requires specific documents — not just any ID or bill with your name on it.

For proof of identity, bring an unexpired passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a state ID from another state. If you're using a birth certificate, it must be an official certified copy with a raised seal, not a photocopy. A school ID or work badge does not count as proof of identity.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government document with your current Georgia address. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill in your name is the fastest option. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, bring a notarized letter from them saying you live there, plus the utility bill.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring an unexpired passport, certified birth certificate, military ID, or out-of-state ID as your proof of identity — school IDs and work badges do not count.
  • Proof of residency must be dated within the last 60 days and show your name and Georgia address, such as a utility bill or lease.
  • You must provide your Social Security number and proof you are allowed to work in the United States, such as a passport or work visa.
  • Visit a DDS office in person to take the written test, vision test, and photo — you cannot complete these steps online or by mail.
  • Bring your original documents; photocopies are not accepted, and you will not get your documents back the same day.

The written test and vision screening

At the DDS office, you will take a written test on Georgia traffic laws and road signs. The test has 40 questions, and you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass. You can request the test in English, Spanish, or several other languages. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day — there is no waiting period between attempts.

You will also take a vision screening at the office. The screener checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you will not receive a license that day, and you will need to see an eye doctor and return with proof of your vision correction.

The photo and fingerprinting process

After you pass the written and vision tests, DDS will take your photograph and fingerprints. The photo becomes part of your license, so you cannot wear a hat, sunglasses, or heavy makeup that obscures your face. Religious head coverings are allowed if they do not hide your face.

Your fingerprints are taken electronically and checked against criminal databases. This is a standard part of the process and does not mean you are under investigation. The fingerprinting takes a few minutes and is painless.

Fees and how long it takes

A Georgia driver's license costs $32 and is valid for eight years. You pay this fee at the DDS office when you explore. If you need a replacement license because yours was lost or stolen, the fee is the same.

You will receive a temporary paper license the day you explore, valid for 30 days. Your plastic license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license faster, you can pay an extra $20 for expedited mail, which takes 3 to 5 business days. Do not plan to drive out of state on the paper license — many states do not recognize it.

If you are under 18

If you are under 18, you must bring a parent or legal guardian with you to the DDS office. They must sign your process in person. You will also need to show proof that you have completed a driver education course — either a classroom course or an online course approved by Georgia. The DDS website lists approved providers.

Drivers under 18 receive a license with restrictions. For the first six months, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot have passengers under 21 unless a parent or guardian is in the car. These restrictions lift after six months if you have no traffic violations.

If you are renewing or replacing a license

If your Georgia license is expiring, you can renew it online through the DDS website if your license is not suspended and you have not had a major change in your vision or medical condition. Online renewal costs $32 and takes about 10 business days. You do not need to visit an office or take any tests.

If your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, you must visit a DDS office in person. Bring your proof of identity and residency as if you were getting a new license. You will not retake the written test, but you will have a new photo taken. The replacement fee is $32.

Where to go and what to expect

Find your nearest DDS office on the Georgia Department of Driver Services website. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some are open on Saturday mornings. Wait times vary by location and time of day — offices are usually less crowded early in the morning and on weekdays.

Bring all your original documents in a folder or envelope. Do not bring your documents in a bag with other items, because you will need to hand them to the clerk and they may get mixed up. Bring a pen in case you need to fill out forms by hand. Plan to spend 30 minutes to an hour at the office, depending on how busy it is.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Georgia license if I do not have a Social Security number?

No. Georgia law requires your Social Security number to issue a driver's license. If you do not have one, you must explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you can get a license. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you may be able to get an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead — contact DDS to ask whether your situation qualifies.

What if I lost my birth certificate and cannot get another one?

You can use an unexpired passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license as your proof of identity instead. If you do not have any of these, contact the vital records office in the state where you were born to request a certified copy of your birth certificate. This usually takes two to four weeks and costs $10 to $25.

Do I need to take the written test again if I already have a license from another state?

Yes. Georgia requires all new drivers to pass the written test, even if you have a valid license from another state. You do not need to take a road test — only the written test and vision screening. If you fail the written test, you can retake it when ready or come back another day.

What happens if I fail the vision test?

You will not receive a license that day. You must see an eye doctor, get a prescription or confirmation that your vision is correctable, and return to the DDS office with a form signed by the doctor. Once DDS receives the form, you can finish the rest of the process. You do not need to retake the written test.

Can someone else pick up my license for me?

No. Your plastic license is mailed to the address you provided at the DDS office. You cannot have someone else pick it up in person. If you move before your license arrives, contact DDS to update your address so the license is mailed to your new home.