Information for Non-US Citizens

Non-US citizens with a valid foreign driver’s license are allowed to drive in the state of Georgia for tourism or business purposes. If you choose to drive with a license issued by a foreign country, a law officer may ask for your passport or visa to verify the license is valid.

If a non-US citizen establishes residency in Georgia, he or she must obtain a Georgia driver’s license within thirty (30) days. A non-US citizen would be considered a resident of Georgia if he or she meets any of the following criteria:

  • If a person accepts employment or engages in trade in Georgia, and enrolls his or her children in a private or public school within ten days after the commencement of employment; or
  • If a person has been present in the state for 30 or more days

Obtaining a Georgia License

To obtain a Georgia driver's license a customer must be able to:

  • Pass a Vision Exam
  • Pass a Knowledge Exam - knowledge of our traffic laws including road signs
  • Pass a Road Test - a driving skills test
  • The driver must be a United States citizen or have lawful status in the United States. Georgia law does not allow non-US citizens, non-resident drivers to operate a motor vehicle if he or she does not have lawful status in the United States.
  • Non-US citizens should present their Foreign/International License or Identification card to receive a Georgia license or Identification card. Most Foreign licenses or Identification cards will be returned.  There are some exceptions:
    • Non-US citizens will be required to surrender their license, id, or permit in Georgia,
      • when applying for a commercial driver's license
      • if you hold a driver's license, id, or permit from any other U.S. state or the District of Columbia

Please view the License, ID, and Permit Types for more information on the license you are applying for.   

Identity and Lawful Status Requirements

  • Non-US citizens are required to present valid immigration documents in person at a Customer Service Center to prove their identity and lawful status in the United States. Original immigration documentation must be submitted each time a service is requested pertaining to a driver’s license or identification card. Visit Real ID Requirements for more information.

Social Security Number Requirements

  • An applicant must provide either a Social Security number or Certification of Social Security Denial Status.
  • Collection and verification of social security numbers are required by state and federal law prior to issuance of a driver’s license or identification card.
  • 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.

Other Documents Required

  • Documentation showing residential address, visit Real ID Requirements for more information.
    Refugees only: May present Form DS-20, Refugee Address Verification Affidavit in place of standard Proof of Residency document.
  • If you were issued a driver's license/permit/ID card in another state, and that card has been lost or stolen:
    • You must provide a certified copy of your driving record or motor vehicle report from the state that issued the card.
    • The MVR must be dated within the last 30 days.
    • Note: DDS does not accept uncertified copies printed from websites, but a fax may be sent to the DDS directly from the other state agency.
  • All documents must be in English.  

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 - currently hold a Georgia DL, Permit, or ID Card
  • The Georgia license, permit or identification card must have expired or must be expiring within thirty (30) days
  • Must provide proof of having requested an extension for time to remain lawfully within the United States by presenting an original I-797C Notice of Action and expired immigration documents.