Steps to get a Commercial Instructional Permit, including documentation and testing requirements. 

  1. Basic Requirements

    Applicants must be at least 18 years of age to apply. 

    Applicants between the ages of 18 to 21 may obtain a commercial driver's license but will be restricted to drive in Georgia only (intrastate). 

    On or after the 21st birthday, you can go into any Customer Service Center to have the "Georgia Only" restriction removed.

    To qualify, you must meet all of the following requirements:

  2. Plan Ahead

    Submit Your Information

    Before visiting your Customer Service Center please submit the License/ID/Permit Form. This form is required when visiting a DDS Customer Service Center. It helps prevent fraud and prepares you for your visit ahead of time. Your information will remain on file for 60 days. After 60 days you will need to complete and submit your information again before visiting the center.

    If taking an Automobile, Motorcycle Skills, or CDL Road Test, don't forget to Schedule a Road Test Appointment after submitting your information.

  3. Get the Required Documents

    A. Identifying Documentation

    ⚠️All documents must contain the first and last name of the customer.

    You must present documents that verify your identity, residential address, and U.S. citizenship or lawful presence.

    ⚠️ Your full Social Security Number must be provided on the required online License/ID/Permit Form.

    Required documents for a REAL ID–compliant license or ID are listed below. You may also download a printable checklist PDF for reference.

    • Proof of Identity - US Citizens (1 Document)
      Bring 1 of the following documents:
      • U.S. Birth Certificate/Amended Birth Certificate – Original or certified copy (Includes U.S territories and the District of Columbia).  Must have a raised seal and be issued by the Bureau of Vital Statistics or State Board of Health.
      • Unexpired U.S. Passport or Passport Card
      • Official Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by U.S. Department of State (FS-240, FS-545 or DS-1350)
      • Certificate of Naturalization (N-550, N-570) -  certified copy
      • Certificate of Citizenship (N-560, N-561) - certified copy
    • Proof of Name Change (Any and All Name Changes)

      If the name on your identity document differs from your current legal name, you must provide document(s) from the following list to show your name change history:

      • U.S. Passport or Passport Card
      • Divorce Decree – Stating the name change - certified copy
      • Court Order for Legal Name Change – certified copy
      • Court Adoption Document – certified copy
      • Marriage Certificate/License – certified copy
      • Marriage License Application - certified copy
      IMPORTANT
      • Customers who hold a valid GA Driver's License or ID Card are to present the original or certified document which supports the most recent name change.
    • Proof of Social Security Number (If Required)

      If your Social Security Number failed to verify through the system, you will be required to provide any of the following documents:

      • Social Security card – Original or copy
      • Print-out from SSA with name and full SSN
      • W-2 or 1099 form from employer showing name and full SSN
      • Paycheck stub showing name and full SSN
      • SSA-1099 or Non-SSA-1099 form showing name and full SSN
      • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefits Letter with name and full SSN
      • Federal/State Tax Return with Applicant’s name and full SSN. Also acceptable for proof of SSN for Dependents
      • Medicare / Medicaid card with Applicant’s name and full SSN
      • Selective Service Notice with Applicant’s name and full SSN
      • Military Discharge Papers (DD-214, Mbr copy 4) or Military ID with Applicant’s name & full SSN, Disabled American Veteran Card (DAV), DS-516, Military Leave Orders

      If the above fails to resolve the SSN issue, you will need to contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) office.

      NOTE: Customers can redact or cross out non-essential information on Proof of Social Security Number documents such as:

      • account numbers
      • financial figures
      • or other information that does not obstruct your name and SSN
    • Proof of Georgia Residency (2 Documents)
      Bring 2 from any of the following document categories:

      The two (2) documents must be from separate sources or separate accounts (please redact account numbers).

      The documents must show your name and current residential address. P.O. Boxes do not prove residency.

      • Household Information – From a current or preceding calendar year – Mortgage, payment coupon, signed lease agreement, deed, HUD settlement statement, escrow statement, property tax bill, Homeowners insurance policy or premium bill, title search documentation, or Military housing agreement letter. Current (dated within the past six (6) months) valid rental contract/agreement, rent payment receipt for a home, apartment, mobile home, dorm, extended-stay motel.
      • Any physical postmarked mail delivered by the U.S.P.S. dated within the past six (6) months
      • Documents Issued by Federal, State, or Local Governments – From a current or preceding calendar year – Social Security documentation, Annual Benefits statement, Numident record, Social Security check. Government assistance documents such as Medicare, Medicaid, unemployment insurance claims, Disability, WIC, Georgia or Federal Income Tax Return or refund check, Voter Registration card, unexpired firearms license, unexpired Merchant Marine license, I-797A, I-797C, correspondence from DDS, USPS Change of Address confirmation, Jury Summons, Military discharge benefit statement, and other documents issued by Federal/State/Municipal government.
      • Financial Statements - Dated within the past six (6) months, please redact account numbers. Financial statement for bank/credit union account, investment account, credit card account, or loan/credit financing.
      • Utility Bills – Dated within the past six (6) months. Utility bill for services installed at your residential address (water, sewer, gas, electricity, cable/satellite TV, Internet, telephone/cell phone, or garbage collection). Please redact the account numbers.
      • Motor Vehicle Information – Vehicle Registration or Title, Insurance policy, or Insurance Card with the address displayed for the current year or dated within the past six (6) months.
      • Employer Documentation – From current or preceding calendar year – Employer verification including paycheck, paycheck stub, a letter from employer on company letterhead, or W-2 form.
      • School Records – School record/transcript for the current or prior school year, report card, student loan documentation, or form DS-1.
      • Medical Statements – From a current or preceding calendar year – Health insurance statement, explanation of benefits (EOB) for a claim, or a health care bill/invoice.
      • Other accepted documents: Georgia Department of Community Supervision Residence Verification Form; Refugee Address Verification Affidavit (DS-20); letter from a shelter, half-way house, or other similar facilities on letterhead, dated within the past six (6) months. **Accepted as stand-alone proof of residency.
    • Proof of Identity & Lawful Status - Non-US Citizens
      Bring 1 document for Proof of Identity and 1 document for Proof of Lawful Status (if required). 

      NOTE: Georgia Department of Driver Services does not accept translated documents. If a non-US Citizen establishes residency in Georgia, he or she must obtain a Georgia driver's license within thirty (30) days.

      DDS will only issue a driver's license in a name that exactly matches the original immigration documents. 

       

      Required Identification Documents for Non-Citizens

      First Immigration Document

      (For Proof of Identity)

      Second Immigration Document

      (For Proof of Lawful Status)

      Unexpired Foreign Passport with U.S. Visa

      (Immigration Status A, B, E, H, I, L, O, P, Q, R or S)

      Valid I-94 or I797A Notice of Action

      Unexpired Foreign Passport with U.S. Visa

      (Immigration Status F-1, F-2, J-1, J-2, M-1 or M-2)

      I-20 (For F-1, F-2, M-1, or M-2 Status)

      or

      DS-2019 (for J-1 or J-2 Status) and Valid I-94 or I-797A Notice of Action

      Unexpired Passport with I-94 or I-551 with Asylee or Refugee Status/StampNot Required
      I-766 with Category Code: C08Not Required
      I-766 with Temporary Protection StatusNot Required
      I-766 without Temporary Protection StatusUnexpired Foreign Passport
      I-766 with Category Codes C09, C10, C18, & A11Proof of Pending Application to Adjust Status - I-797C Notice of Action (dated within the last 5 years) with Case Types I-485, NACARA or Executive Office of Immigration Review (EOIR 42B). In some cases other documentation issued by USCIS, DHS, or other Federal agencies may be acceptable to demonstrate lawful status as defined by 6 C.F.R. 37.3 and as determined by USCIS.
      I-551 or I551 Stamp with Photo on I-94 formNot Required
      I-551 StampUnexpired Foreign Passport

       

    Downloadable Guides

    B. Additional Requirements & Information

    • All documents must be in English.
    • All applicants must be able to read and understand the English Language.
    • Must operate the appropriate class of vehicle and be accompanied by a person who is licensed to drive that class of vehicle, who is fit and capable of exercising control of the vehicle, and who is occupying a seat beside the driver.

    C. Notes

    ⚠️ For More Information, please visit the CDL Homepage.

  4. Visit A Customer Service Center

    Use our Find A Customer Service Center page to locate a center nearest to you. Ensure that your center is open on the day you wish to visit and at your visit be prepared to:

    • Show all your documents.
    • Pass a Vision Exam.
    • Complete the Commercial Application (CAP) at any Customer Service Center. The CAP fee is $35. Fees are waived for veterans and school bus drivers who present the required waiver.

      ⚠️The $35 CAP fee is valid for 4 test attempts. After the fourth failed attempt, a new CAP and the $35 fee are required. Also, if 360 days pass in between test attempts, a new CAP and the $35 fee are required.

    • Take and pass the required written knowledge exams. If you are adding License Endorsements, you may be required to take and pass a knowledge exam. Download the CDL Driver's Manual   (PDF, 21.69 MB) (PDF, 21.69 MB) for more information on test requirements.
      • All CDL written (knowledge) exams must begin at least 45 minutes prior to the Customer Center closing time.
      • There's a $10 permit fee that is paid prior to taking the knowledge exams. If all exams are passed, the $10 fee pays for the instructional permit.  If any of the exams are not passed, the $10 fee is retained as a testing fee. The $10 permit fee would be paid again at the next test attempt.
      • You must call to schedule an appointment.
    • Federal and State regulations require drivers to certify their Driving Category - the type of driving they will be engaged in. Your self-certification will determine if you will be required to provide a copy of your Medical Card. 
    • New to Georgia applicants must surrender any out-of-state driver's license/permit/ID card.
    • New to Georgia applicants previously issued a driver's license/permit/ID card in another state, and that card has been lost or stolen, the applicant must provide a certified copy of his or her driving record or Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) from the state that issued the card. The MVR must be dated within the last 30 days. The DDS does not accept uncertified copies printed from websites, but a fax may be sent to the DDS directly from the other state agency.