Drivers From Other Nations

Click here if you are not a US citizen

Georgia recognizes valid driver licenses issued to and held by residents of other countries as long as the "Out Of Country" license is valid (not expired). Generally, you may drive in Georgia for up to one year on a valid foreign or International license.

You do not need to apply for a Georgia license unless you become a resident of Georgia. If you choose to become a resident, you must meet the following requirements for Identity, Citizenship and Residency:

All documents must be in English.  Click here Translator List to locate an approved document translation company.

General Information

1. All drivers from other nations, including Canada and US Territories, must pass Georgia's written, road and vision tests to be issued a Georgia driver's license. Knowledge (written) tests must begin at least 30 minutes before center closing time.
2. You should present your Out of Country/International License or Identification card to receive a Georgia license or Identification card. Out of country licenses/permits/ID cards are returned to non US citizens with the following exceptions: Commercial licenses and permits. US Citizens who hold a license/permit/ID card issued by any foreign jurisdiction or US territory must surrender the license/permit/ID card.
3. For those drivers who are not citizens and not authorized to work in the United States, you will need to obtain a Form SSA-L676 'SSN CARD DENIAL NOTICE' from a local SSA office before visiting a DDS Customer Service Center to apply for a driver's license.
   • You may contact the SSA at (800) 772-1213 or visit their website at http://www.ssa.gov/onlineservices/ and select 'field office locator' to find the SSA office nearest you.
   • Form SSA-L676 is not available from the web site. After obtaining the form from SSA, present it to the Customer Service Center when you apply for your driver's license or identification card.
   • In addition to the SSA Denial form, please remember to bring your valid passport and valid I-94 card (or valid I-94 stamp in passport), any other original immigration documents in your possession, and proof of Georgia residency.

(This is in accordance with the mandate contained in 42 U.S.C. Section 666(a)(13)(A) and notwithstanding any provision of Title 40.)

Identity Requirements

Every applicant for an initial driver's license must provide acceptable proof of identification. Board Rule 375-3-1-.02, specifies one of the following items are acceptable but must be Original or a Certified Copy:

• Original state issued birth certificate (Hospital birth certificates are not acceptable)
• Certified copy of birth certificate (Issued by a State Vital Statistics Department with an affixed seal)
• Certificate of birth registration or amended birth certificate
• Certified copy of court records (adoption, name changes or sex changes.)
• Certified naturalization records
• Immigration I.D. card
• Valid Passport
• If your name has changed from your original birth record or passport, you must present the complete trail of certified documents supporting all name changes. (Marriage license, certificate, adoption or naturalization orders, or court ordered name change. Please note; by law, same sex marriage certificates cannot be accepted for name changes.)
• Military identification card issued by the United States armed forces (Military ID is not accepted for proof of citizenship).

U.S Citizenship/Lawful Presence Requirements

Every applicant for an initial license must prove either he/she is a U.S. citizen or legally authorized by United States Citizen and Immigrations Services (USCIS) to be present in the U.S. If the identification document presented indicates that the individual is a U.S. Citizen (by birth or naturalization) then the citizenship requirement has been satisfied.

Applicants with a birth certificate issued by a US Territory are considered US citizens.

If the identification document presented indicates that the individual is a Non-U.S. citizen then a valid document from USCIS must be presented. Click on the non citizen link at the top of this page to see the list of acceptable USCIS documents.

Residency Requirements

After meeting Identity and Citizenship requirements the individual must present proof of a valid Georgia residence address. Board Rule 375-3-1-.02 specifies one of the following must be presented as proof of residence address:

1. A bank statement issued within the past 60 days
2. A utility bill issued within the past 60 days
3. Current valid rental contracts and/or receipts for payments made within the last 60 days for rent payments with valid Georgia residence address
4. Employer verification (letter from employer on company letterhead stating applicant's full name and home address) or check stub that states name and address
5. Georgia license issued to parent, child, guardian or spouse; the GA license/ID card holder must also be present for identification.