License FAQs

a) Customers transferring an out-of-state license/id card will be hole-punched and returned to customers along with an interim license. The hole punch documents are not valid for driving.

b) Non-US Citizens with an out-of-country license/id or Citizens from US Territories will be allowed to keep their out-of-country/international license/id after obtaining a GA license/id.

c) US Citizens who hold an out-of-country license/id will be allowed to keep their cards with the exception of CDLs.

Georgia driver's licenses are classified according to the type, weight of vehicles you plan to operate, and age of driver.

View License, ID, and Permit Types for a full list of licenses issued in Georgia.

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 a 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. See New Georgia License for more information.

Yes, 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.  A Medical Report (Form DS-287) must be completed by your physician. See Medical Information or view the Medical Report form for a list of medical conditions considered for driving purposes. Special restrictions may be required.

Renewals can be done at any Customer Service Center.  You can also renew your license if you qualify online with Online Services, by Mail-In. View Renew License or ID for requirements to renew your license.

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.

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.

See the Fees and Terms page for more information on License/ID/Permit card fees and terms.

If your license, ID, or permit has been lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a License/ID Replacement.  A replacement can be done online, through the DDS 2 GO app, or in-person. 

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.

View Replace Lost License/ID for more information.

See the Fees and Terms page for more information on License/ID/Permit card fees and terms.

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.

a) Yes, your P.O. Box can be used as your mailing address. Please note a verifiable Residential Address must be provided for your records.

b) The P.O. Box can be printed on a regular license/id and mailed to the P.O. Box but you must request that your P.O. Box be printed on your regular license/id. The Residential address is the default address.

c) A P.O. Box cannot be printed on a CDL but your card can be mailed to the P.O. Box you provide. The Residential Address will print on your CDL document.

View Real ID Documents for a list of acceptable documents proving residential address.

You can apply for a replacement GA Driver's License or ID.  A replacement can be done at any Customer Service Center, Online, or by using the DDS 2 GO Mobile App. For more information, view Replace Lost License/ID.

Yes, you can begin the process to register to vote when you obtain your license or ID. DDS will forward your voter application to the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office for handling.

You should receive your voter precinct card within 30 days, if not please contact the Georgia Secretary of State.

View Customer Service Center (CSC) location and hours. 

You can visit any Customer Service Center (CSC) Location.  Many of our services can be handled using Online Services or the DDS 2 GO Mobile App.

Georgia no longer offers an organ donor discount. For more information on registering as an organ donor, please go to our Organ Donor Program page.

Please contact us immediately so we can replace the card at no charge to you.

You should receive your permanent DL/ID card within 45 days of receiving your temporary. However, please contact us if you have not received it after 45 days at 678-413-8400.

Yes, you can have different documents based on the services you are requesting; however, only one can be a Secure ID document.  The demographic information on both licenses must be the same.

Depending on the nature of the disability, you may be able to obtain a license by using mechanical aids installed in your vehicle. Contact our Medical Liaison at 678-413-8760 for more information.

No, Georgia Department of Revenue handles all vehicle registration and tags. For more information please visit the Georgia Department of Revenue website.

You must obtain a voucher from an approved Indigent Resource Provider (non-profit agency).

If you have an unexpired 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. See New Georgia License

Yes, checks are accepted as proof of residency as long as your full name and address is listed on it.

Customers currently holding a valid or unexpired Georgia DL/ID/Permit. If the Georgia DL/ID/Permit is expired, then it must be expired for less than 2 years. NOTE: This does not apply to customers who leave Georgia and return with an out-of-state license.

Yes, the Road Rules portion of the Knowledge Exam is available in several Foreign Languages. See List of Languages for the complete list. 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)

Yes, on June 26, 2015, the United States Supreme Court ruled that all States recognize same-sex marriage. Same-sex marriage is recognized in the State of Georgia.

Customers can schedule an appointment online. Road Tests are offered at all locations except the location in Downtown Atlanta (400 Whitehall St SW).

Visit Road Test Appointments for more information.  

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 test are conducted on wet pavement, but not when there is standing water. Tuesdays are typically busy. Please plan ahead. To schedule your appointment visit the Road Test Appointments  page.  

If you are a Non-citizen, you must at least provide proof of your legal status in the United States, identity, and residency in Georgia. You must also pass the vision, knowledge, and driving exams. See Drivers from Other Nations for a full list of requirements.

• Must be an existing DDS customer (currently holding a valid or unexpired Georgia DL/ID Permit)
• 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. This can be done by presenting an original I-797C Notice of Action.

No.  The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) no longer accepts temporary licenses and ID cards as proof of identification for travel. Please refer to the TSA website for a list of acceptable documents.

A Parent, Legal Guardian, or Responsible Adult can sign the application for a minor.

Please view the list of Real ID FAQs to learn more about the program.

Generally, you do not need a CDL to drive an RV or Motor Home, as long as it is used for recreational purposes. The primary use of a motor vehicle is used to determine the type of driver’s license required.

A noncommercial class C license is sufficient for a vehicle equipped to serve as temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, or travel purposes when used solely as personal/family transportation.

The definition of a commercial motor vehicle specifically excludes a recreational vehicle (RV), and DDS’s CDL Rule 1-1-.02 states that operators of RVs are exempt from the commercial driver’s license requirement.