Drivers From Other Nations

Drivers with foreign licenses, do not need to apply for a Georgia license unless they become a resident of Georgia.

If you become a resident, you must meet the requirements for Identity, Citizenship, and Residency. If you are driving in Georgia with a license issued by a driver's licensing authority of a foreign country, a law enforcement officer may ask for your passport or visa to verify the validity of your driver's license. 

General Information

  • Georgia recognizes driver licenses issued by countries that have a reciprocal agreement with the Georgia DDS. The driver's license must be equivalent to a Georgia Class C Regular License.
  • Driver licenses issued by the Republic of South Korea and accompanied by a License Certification Letter from the South Korean Consulate are exempt from taking the Georgia knowledge (written) and road tests. You will be required to take and pass a vision exam.
  • If you are a driver from a nation that does not have a reciprocal agreement with DDS, you will be required to take and pass a Georgia's written, road and vision test to get your Georgia Driver's License.
  • All drivers are required to present their Foreign/International License/or ID Card. 
    • South Korea ONLY: You must also present a letter from the South Korean Consulate.
  • All Foreign/International Licenses will be returned with the following exceptions:
    • You are applying for a Commercial License or Permit.
    • You are a US Citizens with a license, permit, or ID card issued by any foreign jurisdiction or US Territory.
  • Customers with dual citizenship US and foreign may choose whether or not they wish to retain a foreign driver's license unless applying for a Commercial License or Permit.

Social Security Number Requirements

  • All applicants must provide either a Social Security number or Certification of Social Security Denial Status. a
  • Collection and verification of social security numbers are required by state and federal law prior to the issuance of a driver’s license or ID card. You must present this form if required when visiting a Customer Service Center. 

  • IF YOU ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR A SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER

    You must complete a Certification of Social Security Denial Status Form (DDS-351).  This form is available at the Customer Service Centers. 

  • SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS BASED ON WORK AUTHORIZATION:

    Non-citizens who have permission from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to work in the United States must apply for a Social Security number. To apply for a Social Security number or for further details on social security numbers for non-US citizens visit, www.ssa.gov

Identity Requirements

  • Documents showing your identity
  • Residential address
  • U.S. citizenship or proof of lawful status in the United States, please visit Real ID Requirements for more information.

Non-Citizens One-Time Card Extension

The DDS provides a one-time 120-day license/permit/ID card extension for any non-citizen who meets the following requirements:

  • Must be an existing DDS customer
  • The Georgia license, permit, or ID card must have expired or must be expiring within thirty (30) days
  • Must show proof of requesting an extension for time to remain lawfully within the U.S by presenting an original I-797C Notice of Action.