If you have a valid driver's license/ ID in another state, you will need to have proof of your identity, residency, and citizenship. You must also surrender your out of state driver's license/ ID. New to Georgia
Out of state licenses/ID cards (49 states plus District of Columbia) must be surrendered when a Georgia license/ID is issued.
Non US citizens may keep their out of country/international license/ID even after obtaining a Georgia license/ID, with the exception of commercial license holders and US citizens who hold an out of country license.
Georgia driver's licenses are classified according to the type, weight of vehicles you plan to operate, and age of driver. Driver's License Classification
Once you have become a resident of the State of Georgia, you have 30 days to apply for a Georgia driver's license. A person is a resident if any of the following apply: (1) A person who has a permanent home or abode in Georgia. (2) A person who accepts employment or who enrolls his/her children in public or private school within 10 days of becoming employed in Georgia. (3) Any person that has been present in the state for 30 days or more. New to Georgia
Yes, you can register to vote when you obtain your license. DDS will submit your voter application to your county's Voter Registration Office. That office is responsible for completing the process, issuing the voter card, and ultimately extending voting privileges to you.
A medical report (Form DS-287) must be completed by your physician if you have or ever had any physical or mental disability or disease which could interfere with your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. Special restrictions may be required. Medical Information
If you are a Non-citizen, you must provide proof of your legal presence in the United States, identity, and residency in Georgia. You must also pass the vision, knowledge, and driving exams. Drivers from Other Nations
Renewals may be done in person at any of our CSC locations. Online renewals and mail-in renewals are available to those who qualify. If you are renewing a driver's license, a vision test is required for those who are 64 years of age or older. Renewals
Reservations for Road Tests may be made by calling our Reservation Hotline at 678-413-8400 or toll free (outside the Atlanta area) 866-754-3687. Road Tests are offered at all locations except the Capitol Avenue location in Downtown Atlanta. Reservations
The Knowledge Exam can be taken at all Customer Service Center locations except the Jackson location. You do not need a Reservation to take the Knowledge Exam.
Yes, the Road Rules portion of the Knowledge Exam is available in the following foreign languages: Arabic, Chinese, French, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Spanish, Turkish and Vietnamese. The Road Sign Test, however, is only available in English. All drivers must have the ability to read and understand simple English such as used in highway traffic and directional signs. (Testing Information) (Practice Test)
No, we are unable to provide information on wait times or weather conditions. Driving tests are not given when weather conditions make it unsafe for the driver or the examiner. Motorcycle Road Tests are not given during inclement weather nor when the pavement is damp. Tuesdays are typically busy. Please plan ahead. To reschedule your reservation, contact our Reservation Hotline at 678-413-8400 or 866-754-3687 (Inside Georgia but outside the Metro Atlanta area).
Customers should NOT laminate the Interim DL/ID as it will degrade the security features.
DDS does not offer any refunds for moving out of state.
You may contact the National Safety Council or AAA (American Automobile Association) to find where you can take a Driver Improvement class in your state. It must be a minimum of 6 hours in a classroom setting and you are not allowed to take the same course twice to equal the 6 hour requirement. Online classes are not accepted at this time.
If you renew your Georgia driver's license in person at a CSC, the fee is $20 for a 5 year renewal and $32 for a 8 year renewal. Mail-in and online driver's license renewals are $15 for a 5 year renewal and $27 for a 8 year renewal provided that you qualify for the online/mail-in renewal (Fee Schedule). There are some stipulations for Non-Citizens applying for renewals.
You can obtain a new driver's license number/ ID number by bringing a copy of the police report which clearly states that your driver's license or ID was stolen or compromised. If your license or ID was stolen, we recommend the following precautions: Monitor your banking and credit cards. Watch for any indication that anyone is using your personal information. Monitor your personal information by regularly requesting a credit report. You may also wish to place a fraud alert on your credit file. Driver's License Fraud If you apply for a new driver's license/ ID number within 150 days of the original expiration date, the fee is $20 for a 5 year license/ ID or $32 for a 8 year license/ ID . Otherwise the fee is $5.
You can obtain a name change on your Georgia driver's license/ ID by submitting a certified court order indicating the name change. Marriage certificates, divorce decrees, adoption, gender change, and name change orders are accepted. If you were married in Georgia after 1982 and wish to hyphenate your name, you must present a certified copy of the marriage license application stating the hyphenated name. Driver's license name changes must be done within 60 days of the name change.
No, everyone applying, reinstating, or renewing a driver's license/ ID in person must take a new photo.
No, checks are not accepted as proof of residency. We can accept an Official Bank Statement that was mailed to your residence within the last 60 days. Click here for a list of acceptable documents proving residential address.
Yes, a P.O. Box can be printed on your license. But we must also maintain a verifiable residential address for our records. Click here for a list of acceptable documents proving residential address.
You may apply for a replacement driver's license or ID at any CSC location. Click here for a list of acceptable documents to bring. You may also apply for a replacement driver's license online.
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