Whether you are transferring your license to Georgia or applying for your first Georgia driver’s license, there are a few steps you will have to follow. For example, you’ll need to compile the proper documents and pass your driver’s test.
By learning how to get a Georgia license, you can legally drive in the state and enjoy its other benefits. Understanding how to get a GA driver’s license can seem complex at times, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. After following a few simple steps, you can finish getting a GA driver’s license and officially become a legal driver in Georgia.
Georgia Driver’s License Requirements & Steps
How to apply for a Georgia driver’s license depends on your age. If you are a teenager under the age of 18, the process is different than if you are over the age of 18. To get your GA license, you will need to fulfill the necessary requirements.
GA Driver Licensing Requirements and Checklist
What does one need to get a GA driver’s license? Like most states, there are specific GA license requirements you must meet before you can become a licensed driver. You must bring the following documents with you when you go to the licensing office.
- Everyone who goes to a licensing center must turn in the Online License/ID/Permit form.
- You must bring a motor vehicle report or driving record from the state where you previously had a driver’s license. This report must be from the last 30 days. Uncertified copies are not accepted, but you can have the previous agency fax it directly to the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS).
- Your documents must prove your identity, United States citizenship, and residential address. If you aren’t a citizen, you must prove your legal status in the United States.
- You must turn in previous out-of-state permits, identity cards, and driver’s licenses.
- You must provide your Social Security number on your online license and permit form.
To be acceptable, all of these documents must be in English. To learn how to get a Georgia license, you must bring these documents to the local DDS office. Then, you will need to pass a vision exam.
You must have 20/60 vision in at least one eye as well as a 140-degree field of vision. For commercial class licenses, you must have a minimum of 20/40 vision.
If you are getting a GA driver’s license for the first time, you will need to take the knowledge exam and pass it. You can study the Georgia Drivers Manual (and handbook) and take a practice test online to see how you will do.
The next step in how to get a GA driver’s license is to take the road skills test. Before you take this hands-on exam, you must get your car covered with liability insurance. You will be expected to show your current insurance card before your test.
Your vehicle must also pass a safety expectation and be equipped with working turn signals. You must present current tags and your vehicle registration as well.
If you fail the road skills test or the knowledge exam, you can retake it after waiting at least one day. The waiting period increases to seven days if you have failed it more than once. Anyone who gets in a traffic accident or commits a traffic violation during their road skills test must wait 30 days before retaking it.
Once you have passed both tests, your photo will be taken for your new Georgia license. To complete the process, you must pay the required license fee.
To-Do List for Getting a GA License
- Bring the necessary documents
- Pass your vision test
- Take the knowledge test
- Take the road skills test
- Have your picture taken
- Pay your licensing fee
Georgia Driver’s License Cost – Fees
How much does a driver’s license cost in GA? It depends on which license you need and how you pay for it.
In general, you can pay for your Georgia driver’s license with a credit or debit card at a DDS Customer Service Center. If you are using the DDS 2 GO Mobile app or DDS online website, you are only allowed to use credit or debit cards. The DDS accepts Discover, MasterCard, American Express, and Visa.
You can reduce how much it costs to get a new Georgia license by using the DDS 2 GO Mobile app or online site, which offers a $5 discount.
GA license application costs and fees:
| License | Fees | Term Length |
| Regular License | $32 | 8 Years |
| Provisional Driver’s License | $10 | 5 Years |
| Class CP Permit (for Regular Licenses) | $10 | 2 Years |
| Veterans (Combat) Driver’s License | No Fee | 8 Years |
| Veterans (Non-Combat) Driver’s License | $32 | 8 Years |
| Georgia ID Card | $32 | 8 Years |
Transferring a Driver’s License to Georgia – Requirements & Steps
If you are trying to determine how to get a Georgia license as an out-of-state resident, you are in luck. Transferring your driver’s license to Georgia is generally much easier than getting a license for the first time. You are legally required to apply for your new Georgia driver’s license within 30 days of becoming a state resident.
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
The first step in getting a GA driver license is to get your documents in order. You will be required to surrender your old driver’s license when you go to the DDS to get your new photo taken. If you can’t or are unwilling to surrender your old license, you will have to take the state’s road skills test and knowledge exam.
If your license was stolen or lost, you have to follow a different procedure. The same alternative procedure is used if your out-of-state license expired at least two years ago or more. You will have to submit your driving record before taking the knowledge exam and skills test.
You must be at least 18 years old unless you are 17 and have a license equivalent to Georgia’s Class C license. Additionally, you must bring the following English-language documents in.
- Proof of your Social Security number.
- Original documents to support your address, citizenship or lawful status, identity, and Social Security number.
- Two documents to support your claim of Georgia residency such as your lease agreement or a utility bill.
- Your licensing fee.
- Your current out-of-state license. It must have expired within the last two years or sooner.
Step 2: Transfer Your Driver’s License
At the DDS Customer Service Center, you can transfer your license in person. After you fill out a digital or paper application, you must take the vision exam. Then, a staff member will review your documents.
If everything is in order, the DDS representative will process your fee and take your photo for the new GA driver’s license. You may get your license on the same day or a temporary license. If you only get a temporary license, the permanent version will apply in the mail.
Like your driver’s license, you are also required to transfer your vehicle registration within 30 days of moving to Georgia.
DDS Agency Locations – Make an Appointment at the Agency
While other states have a department of motor vehicles, Georgia uses the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) to process Georgia license applications. To find out how to get a GA driver’s license, you can always visit a DDS branch near you.
The Georgia DDS includes a list of every DDS Customer Service Center in the state. To save some time, you can also type in your location and find your local DDS on this map.
If you need to visit the main DDS Contact Center, you can visit in person at this address:
- 2206 East View Parkway, Conyers, GA 30013
- Primary: (678) 413-8400
To check on the status of your license, you should call the DDS at (404) 657-9300. You can also access services at any time through the mobile app or website.
An appointment isn’t necessary for license renewals, address changes, and most other services. You only need to schedule an appointment for road tests, and this can easily be done online. As long as you use the online options and schedule your appointment in advance, you won’t have to deal with a long wait when you visit the DDS in person.
GA Driver’s License FAQs
How Do You Get Your Georgia Driver’s License for the First Time?
To get your Georgia driver’s license, you have to meet the GA license requirements by bringing in the correct documents. Along with getting your permit, you will also need to pass your road skills test and knowledge exam. You will need to pay the appropriate fees, take your license photo, and pass your vision test.
How Do I Transfer My License to Georgia?
To transfer your license to Georgia, you need to fill out your license application and take a vision test. If your out-of-state license expired at least two years ago, you will also need to submit your driving record. You will need to turn in the appropriate documents, surrender your old license, pay the correct fee, and take a license photo before you get a new Georgia driver’s license.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Your Driver’s License in Georgia?
Getting a GA driver license doesn’t have to be expensive. While a Class C license typically costs $32, you can get $5 off by applying online or through the mobile app. You can also get a permit for just $10. Combat veterans can get a GA license for free.
What Documents Do I Need to Renew My Georgia Driver’s License?
If you are trying to learn how to get a GA driver license, you should start by compiling proof of your identity, social security card, address, and citizenship or legal residency. Along with surrendering any old licenses or permits, you will also be expected to turn in your online or paper GA license application.
How Do I Get a Real ID in Georgia?
To get a Real ID in Georgia, you can simply get a regular license. If your license was issued in 2012 or later, it is already considered Real ID compliant.
Is There a Grace Period for Expired Driver’s Licenses in Georgia?
As long as your license expired within the last two years, you don’t have to retake your knowledge exam or road skills test. You can also renew your license up to 150 days before it expires. If you drive on an expired license, you can expect to pay a hefty fine if you are caught by the authorities.
Can You Get Your License Without a Permit in Georgia?
A driver’s permit isn’t necessary if you are at least 18 years old. Applicants must be at least 15 to get a learner’s permit. After you have held the permit for at least a year and are 16 or 17, you can get a Class D license.
How Long Does it Take to Get a GA Driver’s License?
After getting your temporary license, your official Georgia driver license usually arrives in the mail within 14 days. If you don’t get your new license in a minimum of 30 days, you can reach out to the DDS by calling (678) 413-8400.
It’s Easy to Get a Georgia Driver’s License After Relocating
Figuring out how to get a Georgia license after moving to the state doesn’t have to be difficult. Through the DDS, you can start getting a GA driver’s license or transfer an out-of-state permit. If you’re preparing to get a new GA license because you’re relocating to the state, Wirks Moving is ready to help you! Get in touch with our top-rated Georgia movers by calling (404) 635-6683 or complete the Request a Quote form at the top of this page for a free moving estimate!
