Driver's License

The Department of Driver Services helps you earn, renew or replace learner’s permits and licenses. To carry a full license for everyday, non-commercial vehicles, you must be at least 16 years old.

What You Should Know:

After you pass your vision, knowledge and road skills exams, you'll need to renew your license every five or every eight years.
You'll pay $20 to renew your license for five years and $32 to renew it for eight years. You can save $5, however, if you renew your license online.

  • If you're a veteran and can present documents proving this, you don't have to pay a license fee.
  • If you need to replace a lost or stolen license, you can request a new one.
  • Schedule appointments for road skills exams and out-of-state transfers of licenses if you can. If you don't schedule an appointment, walk in on the less busy Thursdays.

When you visit a DDS Customer Service Center, you'll need:

  • your birth certificate, your current US passport or other proof of citizenship
  • your Social Security Card or other verification of your Social Security Number
  • two proofs of residence (recent utility bills, bank statements and rental contracts all work)
  • your Permanent Resident Card, if you’re not a citizen
  • proof of a legal name change, if you've had one

New drivers are required to get a learner’s permit by passing a vision exam, taking a knowledge test and paying the $10 permit fee. If you aren't 18 yet, you must hold this learner’s permit for one year and one day before you are eligible to take the road skills exam, and you must enroll in an approved driver education program. If you're an adult driver, you do not have to wait to take the road skills exam.

When you're ready, schedule an appointment for a road skills exam. Make sure that your test vehicle is properly insured and your license plate tags are current.

If you move to Georgia from another state, you must apply for a Georgia driver’s license within 30 days. The fees for getting a new license range from $10 to $32, depending on the class and duration of your license. DDS customer service centers accept credit and debit cards, along with cash, money orders and checks.

If you have a valid out-of-state driver’s license or a license that’s been expired fewer than two years, you will be exempt from the written test and road test, however, you will need to pass the vision exam.

Those who don't have a valid license will need an original letter of clearance or certified driving record from your old state. The letter must have been dated within 30 days. You will also have to pass the written, road and vision tests. You can prepare for the road test by reviewing the digital copy of the driver’s manual or by visiting your local DDS customer service center for a physical copy. If you are required to take the road test, consider making an appointment at the DDS office to reduce your wait time.

If you have a learner’s permit, you will have to surrender your out-of-state permit and pass all of the current licensing requirements for the state of Georgia.

You must have the following documents to get a Georgia license:

  • Your current driver’s license, if you have one
  • Proof of identity, such as a birth certificate or passport.
  • Your Social Security card.
  • Two documents showing your residential address, including a utility bill or bank statement.
  • If you’ve changed your name after marriage, you’ll need to bring your marriage license.

In Georgia you can renew your license within 150 days of its expiration date. Because you transferred your license after the implementation of the new Secure ID renewal requirements, you will be able to renew your license online. Visit the DDS website for more information on the renewal process.