What you need to know about Georgia driver licenses
A Georgia driver license is issued by the Department of Driver Services (DDS) and is required to operate a vehicle legally in the state. You will need one whether you are a new resident, a teenager getting your first license, or renewing an expired one. The process differs depending on your age, whether you already hold a license from another state, and what class of license you need.
Georgia offers several license types: a standard Class D license for regular passenger vehicles, a commercial Class A, B, or C license if you drive trucks or buses for work, and a motorcycle endorsement if you ride bikes. Each has different testing and documentation requirements. Understanding which type you need and what documents to bring will save you time at the DDS office.
Key Takeaways
- Georgia driver licenses are issued by the Department of Driver Services, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person depending on your situation.
- First-time applicants must pass a written test, vision screening, and road test; renewals do not require retesting unless your license has been expired for more than five years.
- You will need proof of identity, proof of Georgia residency, and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to explore.
- A standard Class D license costs around $32 for an eight-year renewal, but fees vary based on license type and how long you are renewing it for.
- You can renew online at the DDS website if your license is not expired, suspended, or revoked, and you do not need to change your address or add endorsements.
Documents you will need to bring
The DDS requires specific documents before you can get or renew a license. Bring one form of primary identification: a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or a certified birth certificate. If you use a birth certificate, you must also bring a secondary ID such as a Social Security card, school ID, or employee badge.
You will also need proof of Georgia residency. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current address. A government check or tax return also works. Bring the original document or a certified copy—photocopies are not accepted.
Have your Social Security number ready, or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) if you do not have a Social Security number. If you are renewing and your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the legal document proving the change.
Getting your first Georgia driver license
If you have never held a Georgia license, you must visit a DDS office in person. You cannot complete this process online or by mail. Bring all required documents listed above, plus your current out-of-state license if you have one.
At the office, you will take a written knowledge test covering Georgia traffic laws and road signs. You can study using the Georgia Driver's Manual, available free on the DDS website. The test has 40 questions, and you must answer at least 30 correctly to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at no extra charge.
Next, you will have a vision screening performed by DDS staff. You must be able to read a standard eye chart at 20/40 vision or better in each eye, with or without corrective lenses. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them.
Finally, you will take a road test with a DDS examiner. The test lasts about 20 minutes and covers basic driving skills, parking, and your ability to follow traffic laws. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. If you fail the road test, you can schedule another one, but there may be a wait depending on your local DDS office's schedule.
Renewing your Georgia driver license
Renewal is simpler than getting a license for the first time. If your license is not expired, suspended, or revoked, and you have not changed your name or address, you can renew online at the DDS website. You will need your license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method. Online renewal takes a few minutes and costs less than renewing in person.
You can also renew by mail if you meet the same conditions. Request a renewal form from the DDS website or call 678-413-8400. Fill out the form, include a check or money order, and mail it to the address on the form. Processing takes about two weeks.
If your license has been expired for more than five years, or if you need to change your address or name, you must renew in person at a DDS office. Bring your expired license and the documents listed in the previous section. You will not need to retake the written or road test, but you will have a vision screening.
Georgia driver licenses are valid for eight years. Your renewal notice will arrive in the mail about 60 days before your license expires, but you do not have to wait for it to renew online or by mail.
License classes and endorsements
A Class D license is the standard license for driving passenger cars, pickup trucks, and vans. It is the most common type and what most people get on their first process.
A commercial license (Class A, B, or C) is required if you drive a vehicle for work that exceeds certain weight limits or carries hazardous materials. You must be at least 18 years old, pass additional written tests, and pass a commercial road test. The process takes longer than a standard license and costs more.
A motorcycle endorsement allows you to legally ride a motorcycle. You must pass a motorcycle-specific written test and road test, or show proof that you completed an approved motorcycle safety course. If you complete a course, you may not need to take the DDS road test.
Costs and processing times
A standard eight-year Class D license renewal costs around $32 if you renew online or by mail. In-person renewal costs slightly more. Commercial licenses and motorcycle endorsements have higher fees. Exact costs depend on how long you are renewing for and what type of license you need.
Online renewal is processed within a few days, and your new license will arrive by mail within one to two weeks. Mail-in renewal takes about two weeks from the time DDS receives your form. In-person renewal at a DDS office is when ready for the temporary license, and your permanent license arrives by mail within one to two weeks.
Wait times at DDS offices vary by location and time of day. Offices are typically busier on Mondays, Fridays, and during lunch hours. You can check wait times on the DDS website before you go, and some offices allow you to schedule an appointment online.
What to do if your license is suspended or revoked
A suspended license means you cannot drive legally for a set period, usually due to unpaid traffic fines, too many points on your driving record, or a DUI conviction. Once the suspension period ends and you have met all requirements (such as paying fines or completing a safety course), you can reinstate your license by visiting a DDS office in person.
A revoked license is more serious and means your driving privileges have been permanently taken away, usually due to multiple DUI convictions or other serious violations. You may be able to petition for reinstatement after a waiting period, but the process is lengthy and requires meeting strict conditions. Contact the DDS directly to understand your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Georgia license if I moved out of state?
No. Your Georgia license is only valid if you are a Georgia resident. If you move to another state, you must get a license from that state. You can renew your Georgia license online or by mail only if you still live in Georgia.
What happens if I let my license expire?
Driving with an expired license is illegal. If your license has been expired for less than five years, you can renew it without retesting. If it has been expired for more than five years, you must retake the written test and road test as if you were a new applicant.
Do I need to take the road test again if I renew my license?
No, not for a standard renewal. You only retake the road test if your license has been expired for more than five years, or if you are getting a commercial license or motorcycle endorsement for the first time.
Can I get a Georgia license if I do not have a Social Security number?
Yes. You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring documentation of your ITIN and all other required identity and residency documents to a DDS office.
How do I change my address on my Georgia license?
If you moved within Georgia, you can change your address online at the DDS website if your license is not expired. If your license is expired or you prefer to change it in person, visit a DDS office with proof of your new address. There is no fee to change your address.