What you need before you go to the DDS

Georgia issues driver's licenses through the Department of Driver Services (DDS). You will need to visit a DDS office in person — you cannot complete the entire process online or by mail. Before you go, gather proof of identity, proof of Georgia residency, and your Social Security number.

Acceptable identity documents include a valid passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a permanent resident card. If you do not have one of these, you can bring two documents from a secondary list: a Social Security card, a W-2 form, a utility bill, a lease agreement, or a bank statement. The document must show your full legal name.

For residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days showing your Georgia address: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail. A piece of mail from DDS itself counts. If you live with someone else, you can bring a notarized letter from the homeowner or leaseholder plus a copy of their ID and proof they live there.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DDS office in person with proof of identity, proof of Georgia residency dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number.
  • The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and Georgia traffic laws; you can study using the official DDS manual available free online.
  • The road test requires you to bring a vehicle registered in Georgia with valid insurance and a licensed adult in the passenger seat.
  • Standard processing takes about two weeks; you will receive your license by mail at the address you provide at the DDS office.
  • If you already hold a valid license from another state, you may not need to take the written test, depending on how long you have held it.

The written test and what it covers

At your DDS appointment, you will take a written test on a computer. The test has 40 questions covering road signs, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, and Georgia traffic laws. You must answer at least 32 questions correctly to pass. You get one attempt per visit.

Study material is free. The DDS publishes the official Georgia Driver's Manual online as a PDF. You can also take practice tests through the DDS website. The manual covers everything on the test, and most people who study it pass on their first try.

If you already hold a valid driver's license from another state and have held it for at least one year, Georgia may waive the written test. Bring your out-of-state license to your appointment and ask. If you have held it for less than one year, you will take the test.

The road test: what to bring and what happens

After you pass the written test, you will schedule a road test at a DDS office. You must bring a vehicle registered in Georgia, proof of insurance for that vehicle, and a licensed adult in the passenger seat. The vehicle must be in safe working condition with working brakes, lights, wipers, and horn.

The test lasts about 20 minutes. The examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, backing up, parking, and stopping. You will drive on local roads. The examiner is looking for safe handling, awareness of traffic rules, and control of the vehicle. You get one attempt per appointment.

If you fail the road test, you can schedule another appointment. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you will pay the test fee again. Most people pass on their second or third try.

Fees and how long it takes

A standard Georgia driver's license costs $32 and is valid for eight years. If you are under 21, the license costs $20 and is valid for four years. You pay this fee at your DDS appointment.

After you pass both tests, DDS will mail your physical license to the address you provided. Standard processing takes about two weeks. You will receive a temporary paper license at the DDS office that you can use while you wait for the card to arrive.

If you need your license faster, some DDS offices offer expedited service for an additional fee, usually around $15 to $20. Ask at your appointment whether your local office offers this option.

Where to find a DDS office and book your appointment

Georgia has DDS offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you on the DDS website by entering your county or city. The website also shows hours and whether appointments are currently available.

You must book an appointment online through the DDS website. Walk-ins are not accepted at most locations. Appointments fill up quickly in urban areas, so book as far in advance as you can. If no appointments are available in your county, check neighboring counties — you can take your test anywhere in Georgia.

Bring all your documents in originals, not copies, except for the notarized letter if you are using one for residency. Arrive 10 minutes early. If you do not have all required documents, the DDS office will turn you away and you will lose your appointment slot.

If you are under 18 or renewing an expired license

If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present at your DDS appointment. Bring their ID and proof of guardianship if they are not a biological parent. You will still take the written and road tests yourself.

If your Georgia license has expired, you can renew it online or by mail if it expired less than five years ago and you have no violations or suspensions on your record. If it expired more than five years ago, you must go through the full process again: written test, road test, and in-person appointment. Check the DDS website to see whether you can renew by mail or must visit an office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test in a language other than English?

Yes. The DDS offers the written test in Spanish, Vietnamese, Korean, and several other languages. Tell the DDS office when you book your appointment which language you need. You must still pass the same test with the same passing score.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake it at your next appointment. There is no waiting period, but you will need to book another appointment slot, which may take several days or weeks depending on availability in your area. Study the Georgia Driver's Manual before your next attempt.

Do I need a Social Security number to get a Georgia license?

Yes. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you can get a Georgia license. Bring your Social Security card to your DDS appointment.

What happens if I move to a different address after I get my license?

You must update your address with DDS within 30 days. You can do this online through the DDS website, by mail, or in person at a DDS office. You do not need to take another test.

Can I get a Real ID compliant license in Georgia?

Yes. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for air travel and federal building access. It costs the same as a standard license. Ask for it at your DDS appointment, and bring the same documents you would for a standard license.