Applying for a New License

Applying for a new Georgia driver's license involves several steps that can vary depending on your age or licensing status.

Licensed Drivers from Out of State

If you have moved to Georgia from another state and need to transfer your license, you must do so within 30 days. Present the following documentation to your local driver's license office:

• Provide proof of Georgia residency (current utility bill, rental receipt, bank statement, or letter from employer―current within 45 days).

• Be 18 years or older.

• Provide your Social Security number.

• Surrender your out-of-state license.

• Provide proof of identity (certified birth certificate, valid passport, military ID card, certified naturalization papers, or immigration ID card).

• Pass an eye exam.

• Pay the fee for a new license (see "Fees," below).

If you lost your out-of-state license, you must provide a letter of clearance from that state with all of your driver's license information, as well as the documentation listed above.

For teens wishing to transfer a learner's permit, you must complete the entire application process for those under 18; the out-of-state learner's permit is not valid in Georgia.

For all other licensed drivers under the age of 18, you'll need to call the customer service number at (678) 413-8400. Each state has different laws concerning young drivers, so you will need to get the most current information for your state from customer service.

Appointments

Appointments are encouraged, but not required, for out-of-state license transfers. To make an appointment and cut down on the time you'll wait in line, call (678) 413-8500 and select option 3. If you live outside the metro Atlanta area, instead call (866) 754-3687 and select option 3. If you get a fast busy signal, please call (678) 413-8500.

New Drivers

All new drivers in the state of Georgia, regardless of age, must take a written test and a driving test. You can study for this test using the Driver's Manual provided by the state, available online or from your local driver's license office where the tests are administered.

In Georgia, you must be at least 16 years old to apply for a Class D or Class M license; 15-year-olds may apply for an instructional/learner's permit. In fact, the process to become licensed is a little different for those under 18, because youths are subject to Georgia's graduated licensing program.

Before taking the written test, you will need to provide:

• Certified birth certificate or other proof of identity.

• Social Security number―the card isn't necessary, but the information will be verified and stiff penalties will occur if you provide the wrong number.

• Proof of Georgia residency (this can be a utility bill, rental agreement, or letter from your employer; parents can provide proof for their children by showing their Georgia driver's license).

• If you are under 18 years of age, you will need to provide a completed Certificate of Attendance verifying school enrollment, or proof of graduation or possession of your GED.

• Those under 18 must also provide an ADAP card proving they have successfully passed the Alcohol and Drug Awareness Program.

• Proof that you have completed an approved driver's education course and 20 hours of supervised driving (with six of those hours being at night), or proof that you have completed a total of 40 hours of supervised driving (with six of those hours being driven at night). This requirement is for anyone obtaining their first driver's license, regardless of age. If the applicant is a student, parents can sign an affidavit stating their child has met these driving requirements.

• Appropriate fees (see below).

If You Fail

You may take the driving test as many times as necessary. The first test can be taken after holding the permit for one year and one day. If you fail the first test, you have to wait seven days to take the driving test again. If you fail a second time, you have to wait 30 days from the second attempt for a third attempt. All subsequent attempts must be at least 30 days apart.

Appointments

Georgia has established appointment times to help eliminate wait times for driving tests. The call center is open Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. and can make appointments for any location.

If you need to take a driving test in Atlanta, call (678) 413-8500 and select option 3. If you live outside the metro Atlanta area, call (866) 754-3687 and select option 3. If you get a fast busy signal, please call (678) 413-8500.

Teens can make an appointment up to 90 days in advance, and will need their learner's permit number when making the reservation.

Fees

In 2005, Georgia began issuing longer-term licenses to help eliminate some of the paperwork and wait times for those renewing their licenses. The state now gives the applicant the choice of a five-year or 10-year license, with the following costs:

• Class A, B, C, and M―5-year: $20; 10-year: $35

• Instructional permit―$10

• Class D provisional license―5-year: $10

If you choose to renew your license by phone, mail, or Internet, you will receive a $5 discount.

License Classes

The state of Georgia issues five different license classes and has a special class for mopeds:

• Class A―Issued to drivers of combination tractor-trailers over 26,001 pounds, with a trailer weighing over 10,000 pounds. You must possess a Class C license and be 18 years or older before a Class A can be issued.

• Class B―Issued to drivers of single tractor-trailers over 26,001 pounds, with a trailer weighing under 10,000 pounds. You must possess a Class C license and be 18 years or older before a Class B can be issued.

• Class C―The standard driver's license for most passenger vehicles, RVs, and camping vehicles.

• Class D―A Class C license with restrictions for teen drivers.

• Class M―Issued for motorcycles. You must be at least 16 to receive this license, but a Class C is not required.

• Mopeds―Issued for motor-driven cycles that do not exceed 30 MPH. Mopeds are exempt from the licensing and registration process for motor vehicles.

Class A and B are commercial driving license classes.

Driving Privileges for Foreigners

If you're a noncitizen visiting Georgia and have a valid driver's license issued by your home country, you may legally drive in the state.

However, if you become a Georgia resident, you must apply for a state driver's license. The Department of Driver Services (DDS) fully outlines the steps.

Basically, you'll need to pass the written and road tests, and provide acceptable proof of your identification, Georgia residency, and legal status in regards to being in the United States. Depending on the situation, you may also need to provide your Social Security number.

If you're a noncitizen of the country, you'll have to provide proof of legal presence to be in the United States. Your license will only be valid for five years or until your immigration document expires, whichever comes first. However, if your document doesn't have an expiration date, your license will only be good for one year.

Be sure to have your immigration document with you whenever conducting driver license-related transactions, such as renewing or replacing your license.