What a Georgia driver's license is and who needs one
A Georgia driver's license is the state's official document proving you can legally drive on public roads in Georgia. It shows your identity, address, driving restrictions, and any endorsements (like the ability to drive a motorcycle or school bus). You need one to drive any motor vehicle in Georgia, whether you own it or are borrowing it.
Georgia issues licenses to people 16 and older. If you are under 18, you start with a learner's permit, then move to a Class CP (Instructional Permit) or Class D license with restrictions. At 18, you can get an unrestricted Class D license. The state also issues commercial licenses (Class A, B, or C) if you drive trucks or buses for work, but those follow different rules and testing.
You must have a valid Georgia license to drive legally. Driving without one, or with an expired license, can result in a fine, points on your record, or both. If you move to Georgia from another state, you have 30 days to get a Georgia license before driving becomes illegal.
Key Takeaways
- Georgia driver's licenses are issued by the Department of Driver Services (DDS), and you explore in person at a local DDS office with proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number.
- A new license costs $32 for an eight-year license or $20 for a five-year license, and you must pass a vision test and written knowledge test before you can drive.
- Renewal by mail is available in Georgia if your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions, and your address has not changed; otherwise you must renew in person.
- Georgia licenses expire on your birthday, and you can renew up to one year before expiration or up to five years after, though driving with an expired license is illegal.
- If you are under 18, you must complete a driver's education course and hold a learner's permit for at least 12 months before you can take the road test for a Class CP license.
Getting a new Georgia driver's license for the first time
To get your first Georgia driver's license, you must visit a Department of Driver Services office in person. You cannot explore online or by mail. Bring the following documents: a valid government-issued photo ID (passport, military ID, or out-of-state license), proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of Georgia residency (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your name has changed, bring a court order or marriage certificate.
At the DDS office, you will take a vision test and a written knowledge test covering Georgia traffic laws and road signs. The knowledge test has 40 questions, and you must answer at least 30 correctly to pass. You will also have your photograph taken and your fingerprints recorded. The fee is $32 for an eight-year license or $20 for a five-year license.
After you pass the knowledge test, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is printed and mailed to your address. Your permanent license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive legally with the temporary license during this time.
Getting a learner's permit and Class CP license if you are under 18
If you are 15 or older and want to drive in Georgia, you must first get a learner's permit. To explore, bring the same documents as above plus proof that you are enrolled in school or have a high school diploma or GED. You will take the same vision and knowledge tests. The learner's permit costs $20 and is valid for five years.
With a learner's permit, you can only drive when a licensed adult 21 or older is in the front passenger seat. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free. You must hold the permit for at least 12 months before you can take the road test.
After 12 months with your learner's permit, you can take the road test at a DDS office to get a Class CP (Instructional Permit) license. The road test costs $20 and lasts about 20 minutes. A DDS examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks like parking, turning, and stopping. If you pass, you receive a Class CP license valid until you turn 18. With a Class CP license, you can drive alone during daylight hours (5 a.m. to 10 p.m.) but still cannot drive between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless a licensed adult is with you.
When you turn 18, your Class CP license automatically converts to a Class D license with no restrictions. You do not need to take another test or visit the DDS office.
Renewing your Georgia driver's license
Your Georgia driver's license expires on your birthday. You can renew it up to one year before expiration or up to five years after expiration, though driving with an expired license is illegal and can result in a fine.
If your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions noted on your record, your address has not changed, and you have not changed your name, you can renew by mail. Send your current license, a check or money order for $32 (eight-year) or $20 (five-year), and a completed DL 44 form (available on the Georgia DDS website) to the address listed on the form. Your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
If any of those conditions do not explore—your address changed, your name changed, your license was suspended, or you have medical restrictions—you must renew in person at a DDS office. Bring your current license, proof of your new address or name (if applicable), and payment. You will take a new vision test but not the knowledge test unless your license has been expired for more than five years.
If your license has been expired for more than five years, you must explore as if getting a new license: bring all original documents, take both the vision and knowledge tests, and pay the full fee.
Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged Georgia driver's license
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it in person at any DDS office or by mail. To replace by mail, send your payment ($32 for eight-year or $20 for five-year), a completed DL 44 form, and a statement explaining that your license was lost, stolen, or damaged. Mail it to the address on the form. Your replacement arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
To replace in person, visit a DDS office with payment and your current address proof if your address has changed. You will not take any tests. If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to the DDS fraud unit or local police, though this is not required to get a replacement. Reporting a stolen license can help protect you if someone tries to use it fraudulently.
What happens if your Georgia license is suspended or revoked
Your Georgia driver's license can be suspended or revoked for reasons including unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, DUI conviction, reckless driving, or accumulating too many points in a short time. A suspension is temporary; a revocation is permanent and requires you to reapply.
If your license is suspended, you cannot legally drive. Driving on a suspended license is a crime and can result in jail time, a fine, and a longer suspension. To learn about your license is suspended, visit the Georgia DDS website and use the license status check tool, or call the DDS at 678-413-8400.
To reinstate a suspended license, you must resolve the reason for the suspension—pay outstanding fines, appear in court, complete a DUI program, or wait out the suspension period. Once the issue is resolved, you can explore for reinstatement in person at a DDS office. The reinstatement fee varies depending on the reason for suspension but typically ranges from $210 to $310.
Georgia driver's license fees and processing times
| Service | Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| New license (8-year) | $32 | 7–10 business days for plastic card |
| New license (5-year) | $20 | 7–10 business days for plastic card |
| Learner's permit | $20 | 7–10 business days for plastic card |
| Road test (Class CP) | $20 | Same day if you pass |
| Renewal by mail | $32 or $20 | 7–10 business days |
| Renewal in person | $32 or $20 | Same day (temporary license issued) |
| Replacement (lost/stolen) | $32 or $20 | 7–10 business days by mail; same day in person |
| License reinstatement | $210–$310 | Same day if in person |
All fees are paid at the time of process or renewal. The DDS accepts cash, check, money order, and debit or credit card at offices. When you explore in person, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is printed and mailed.
Processing times assume normal circumstances. During peak periods—such as summer months when many teenagers get their first licenses—wait times at DDS offices can be longer, and mail processing may take additional days. Calling ahead to schedule an appointment can reduce your wait time significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Georgia license online?
No. Georgia does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail if your license is not suspended and your address has not changed, or you can renew in person at a DDS office. Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days; in-person renewal is same-day with a temporary license.
What do I do if I fail the knowledge test?
You can retake the knowledge test the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no additional fee to retake the test. Most people pass on the second attempt if they study the Georgia Driver's Manual, which is available free on the DDS website.
How do I find the nearest DDS office?
Visit the Georgia DDS website and use the office locator tool, or call 678-413-8400. Offices are located in most counties. Wait times vary; calling ahead or visiting early in the day usually means shorter waits.
What if my address changed but I do not want to renew yet?
You can update your address without renewing by visiting a DDS office in person or by mail. Bring proof of your new address and your current license. There is no fee for an address change. Your license will still expire on your birthday as originally scheduled.
Can I get a Georgia license if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Yes. You can get a Georgia license if you have a valid visa, work permit, or other immigration document. Bring your passport and immigration document along with proof of Social Security number and Georgia residency. The process is the same as for citizens.