What You Need to Get a Georgia ID
To get a Georgia ID card, you will need to visit a Department of Driver Services (DDS) office in person with specific documents. Georgia issues two types of ID: a driver's license (if you want to drive) or a state ID card (for identification only, no driving privileges). Both require the same documents and cost the same amount.
You must bring proof of your Social Security number, proof of your date of birth, proof of your current address, and a completed process form. You will also need to pay a fee—currently $32 for a four-year card or $64 for an eight-year card—though prices can change. Bring originals or certified copies; photocopies are not accepted.
The entire process takes about 30 minutes at the DDS office, though wait times vary by location and time of day. You will receive a temporary paper ID on the spot, and your permanent card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Department of Driver Services office in person with original documents proving your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address.
- A state ID card costs $32 for four years or $64 for eight years and does not require a driving test.
- You will receive a temporary paper ID when ready and your permanent card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- The DDS office is open Monday through Friday, and some locations have extended hours on certain days—check the DDS website for your nearest office.
- If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present and sign the process.
Documents You Must Bring to the DDS Office
Gather these documents before you go to the office. You need one document from each of the four categories below. All documents must be originals or certified copies—the DDS will not accept photocopies or digital images.
Proof of Social Security number: Bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to explore for one first through the Social Security Administration.
Proof of date of birth: A birth certificate, passport, or baptism record works. The document must show your full name and date of birth. If your birth certificate is from outside the United States, it must be a certified copy with an official seal.
Proof of current address: Bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The document must show your name and current Georgia address. A cell phone bill or credit card statement will not work.
Completed process: Fill out form DL 44 (for a state ID) or form DL 43 (for a driver's license) before you arrive. You can read these forms from the DDS website or fill one out at the office. Bring a pen—the DDS staff cannot fill out the form for you.
Finding Your Nearest DDS Office and Making an Appointment
The Department of Driver Services operates offices throughout Georgia. You can find your nearest location on the official DDS website by entering your city or zip code. The website also shows hours of operation, which vary by location.
Most DDS offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but some locations have extended hours until 6 or 7 p.m. on certain weekdays. A few offices are open on Saturday mornings. Call ahead to confirm hours before you go, especially if you are traveling a long distance.
You do not need an appointment for a state ID card. Walk-in service is available at all offices. However, arriving early in the morning or on a weekday afternoon typically means shorter wait times than mid-morning or lunch hours.
What Happens at the DDS Office
When you arrive, check in at the front desk and give the staff your documents. A DDS employee will review them to make sure everything is there and correct. If a document is missing or invalid, they will tell you what you need to bring back.
Once your documents are approved, you will have your photo taken. Wear something you are comfortable in—the photo will be on your ID for four or eight years. You cannot wear a hat, sunglasses, or anything that covers your face. If you wear glasses, you can keep them on.
Next, you will pay the fee. Georgia accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. You will then sign your process in front of a DDS employee. The staff will hand you a temporary paper ID valid for 30 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed to you.
Your Temporary and Permanent ID Cards
The temporary paper ID you receive at the office is valid for 30 days and can be used as proof of identity at banks, stores, and other places that ask for ID. It is not valid for driving, even if you applied for a driver's license. Keep it safe until your permanent card arrives.
Your permanent ID card will be mailed to the address you listed on your process. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you applied. If you do not receive it within that time, contact the DDS to check the status.
Once your permanent card arrives, the temporary paper ID is no longer valid. Destroy it or keep it as a record. Your new ID is valid for the number of years you paid for—either four or eight years.
Special Situations: Under 18, Name Changes, or Lost Documents
If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must come with you to the DDS office and sign the process. Bring the same documents listed above, plus a document proving the guardian's relationship to you (such as a birth certificate or custody order). The guardian must also bring a valid ID.
If you have changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or a court order, bring the document that shows the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) along with your other required documents. Your ID will be issued in your new legal name.
If you have lost your Social Security card or birth certificate, you will need to replace it before you can get a Georgia ID. The Social Security Administration handles Social Security cards, and your state or county vital records office handles birth certificates. Both can take several weeks, so plan ahead.
Renewing or Replacing Your Georgia ID
When your ID is about to expire, you can renew it at any DDS office using the same process as getting a new ID. You will need the same documents, though you can use your expiring ID as proof of identity. Renewal costs the same as a new card.
If your ID is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at any DDS office. Bring your documents and tell the staff what happened. A replacement costs the same as a new card and takes the same 7 to 10 days to arrive by mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Georgia ID if I do not have a Social Security number?
No. A Social Security number is required to get a Georgia ID. If you do not have one, you must explore through the Social Security Administration first. This process can take several weeks. Bring your process receipt to the DDS office if you have applied but not yet received your number.
What if my address proof document is older than 60 days?
The DDS will not accept it. You need a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If you recently moved, ask your utility company for a recent bill, or bring a lease agreement or mortgage statement instead.
Do I have to take a written test or driving test to get a state ID card?
No. A state ID card requires no test. If you are getting a driver's license instead, you will need to pass a written knowledge test and a driving test. The DDS website has study materials for the written test.
What if I fail my photo or the DDS says my documents are invalid?
If your photo does not meet standards, you can retake it at the same visit at no extra cost. If a document is invalid, the staff will tell you which one and what you need instead. You can go home, get the correct document, and return to the office another day.
Can someone else pick up my ID card from the mail, or do I have to be home?
Your ID will be mailed to the address on your process. Anyone at that address can receive it. If you are concerned about mail security, you can ask the DDS to hold your card for pickup at the office instead—call ahead to arrange this.