What you need to get a Georgia driver's license
Georgia issues driver's licenses through the Department of Driver Services (DDS). To get one, you need to visit a DDS office in person, bring specific documents, pass a vision test and written exam, and pay a fee. The whole process usually takes one visit if you have all your documents ready, though some people need a second trip if paperwork is missing.
You cannot complete a Georgia driver's license entirely online or by mail. You must appear at a DDS office to have your photo taken and pass the vision screening. The written test can be taken on a computer at the office, and you can study for it beforehand using the official Georgia Driver's Manual.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring proof of identity, proof of Georgia residency, and your Social Security number to a DDS office.
- The vision test and written exam happen at the DDS office on the same day you explore.
- Georgia charges different fees depending on whether you want a standard license, a Real ID-compliant license, or a commercial license.
- You can find your nearest DDS office and check current wait times on the Georgia DDS website before you go.
- If you already have a valid out-of-state license, you may not need to retake the written test, depending on when it was issued.
Documents you must bring to the DDS office
Bring one document that proves your identity. This can be a valid passport, a birth certificate, a military ID, or a state ID from another state. The document must show your full legal name and date of birth. A school ID, work ID, or social media account does not count.
Bring one document that proves you live in Georgia. This can be a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government letter addressed to you at your Georgia address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A post office box does not count as proof of residency.
Bring your Social Security number. You can bring your Social Security card, but you do not have to — you can also provide the number verbally and the DDS staff will verify it. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration explaining why.
If you are under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian with you. They must bring their own ID and sign your process. If you are explore for a learner's permit first (which Georgia recommends for drivers under 18), the rules are the same but you will also take a supervised driving test later.
The vision test and written exam at the DDS office
The vision test happens first and takes about five minutes. You read letters on a screen from a set distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them to the test. If you fail the vision test, you cannot get a license until you have your eyes checked by an eye doctor and bring a corrective lens prescription to the DDS office.
The written exam tests your knowledge of Georgia traffic laws and road signs. It has 40 questions, and you must answer at least 30 correctly to pass. You take the test on a computer at the DDS office. You can study using the free Georgia Driver's Manual, which is available on the DDS website and covers everything on the test.
If you already have a valid driver's license from another state and it was issued within the last five years, Georgia may waive the written test. Ask the DDS staff when you arrive whether you may have access to. If you do not may have access to and fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day at no extra charge.
Fees and license types in Georgia
A standard Georgia driver's license costs $32 and is valid for eight years. A Real ID-compliant license costs $35 and is also valid for eight years. The Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. If you do not have a Real ID license, you will need a passport or other federal ID to fly domestically after May 2025.
A commercial driver's license (CDL) costs more and requires additional testing if you drive a truck or bus for work. A learner's permit for drivers under 18 costs $20 and is valid for one year. You pay the fee at the DDS office when you explore, and you can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card.
Georgia does not charge different fees based on your age or gender. If you renew your license before it expires, you may be able to renew by mail or online, though the rules change periodically — check the DDS website to confirm what renewal method is available when your license is about to expire.
How to find a DDS office and what to expect on the day
Go to the Georgia DDS website and use the office locator tool to find the nearest location. The website shows the address, phone number, and current wait time for each office. Some offices are busier than others, and wait times vary by time of day and day of week. Offices are typically less crowded on weekday mornings.
Arrive 15 minutes early with all your documents. You will check in at the front desk, and staff will review your paperwork to make sure everything is there. If anything is missing, they will tell you what you need to bring back. If everything is complete, you will be called to take the vision test, then the written exam, then have your photo taken.
The entire process usually takes 30 to 90 minutes depending on how busy the office is. Once you pass the vision test and written exam and pay the fee, you will receive a temporary paper license that day. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within two weeks. You can drive legally using the temporary license until the permanent one arrives.
Special situations: learner's permits, renewals, and replacements
If you are under 18, Georgia requires you to get a learner's permit first. The permit costs $20, requires the same documents as a regular license, and involves the same vision test and written exam. With a learner's permit, you can drive only when a licensed adult 21 or older is in the front passenger seat. You must hold the permit for at least 12 months before you can take the road test for a full license.
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at any DDS office. Bring your ID and proof of residency, just as you would for a new license. A replacement costs $20. You will have your photo retaken and receive a temporary license the same day.
If you need to change your name on your license — because of marriage, divorce, or court order — bring the document that proves the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) along with your ID and proof of residency. The name change is free and takes the same amount of time as getting a new license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online from home instead of at the DDS office?
No. You must take the written test at a DDS office in person. However, you can study for the test at home using the free Georgia Driver's Manual on the DDS website before you go to the office.
What happens if I fail the written test?
You can retake it the same day at no extra charge, or you can leave and come back another day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test. Each time you retake it, you must pay the license fee again.
Do I need a Real ID license, or is a standard license okay?
A standard license is fine for driving. However, starting in May 2025, you will need a Real ID license or a passport to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If you fly domestically or visit federal offices, get the Real ID version. Otherwise, a standard license is sufficient.
How long does it take to get my permanent license in the mail?
Your permanent plastic license usually arrives within two weeks of your visit to the DDS office. You can drive legally using the temporary paper license they give you the same day. If your license does not arrive within three weeks, contact the DDS office where you applied.
Can I renew my license online or by mail?
It depends on your situation and the current rules. Some people can renew by mail or online, but others must visit an office in person. Check the Georgia DDS website when your license is about to expire to see which renewal method is available for you.