Apply for a License (Drivers 18+) in Georgia

Applying for a Driver's License in Georgia

Getting a new driver's license in Georgia is pretty straightforward, whether you've just moved to the state or you're getting a driver's license for the first time.

You'll need to gather several documents and take them to a Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) office.

Depending on your previous driving experience, you may have to take a written permit test, a driving test, or both.

Georgia Secure ID Driver's Licenses

The Georgia DDS began issuing federally-compliant REAL ID driver’s licenses—called the SecureID—in 2012. A Secure ID allows you to use your license for domestic travel and entry into federal and military buildings. The information below reflects the requirements to obtain a Georgia Secure ID.

For details on GA REAL IDs, see the DDS' guide and FAQs.

New to Georgia?

Just Moved?

Find all the information you need to finish your moving requirements with the DMV.

You have 30 days to transfer your out-of-state license to a new Georgia driver's license when you become a resident of the state.

To exchange your out-of-state driver's license, you must:

  • Be 17 or 18 years old with a equivalent class C driver's license.
  • Have a driver's license (valid or expired less than 2 years) from a U.S. state or Washington, D.C.
    • If you do not have your driver's license with you, you can submit a clearance letter or certified driving record dated within the last 60 days.

All new Georgia residents must exchange their out-of-state license in person at a GA DDS office. You will need:

  • Your current driver's license (or a clearance letter or certified driving record if you do not have it).
  • 1 document proving your identification, such as your:
    • U.S. passport.
    • U.S. birth certificate (original or certified copy).
  • 1 document to verify your Social Security number (SSN), such as your:
    • Social Security card.
    • W-2 with your name and at least part of your SSN.
  • 2 documents to prove your Georgia residency, such as:
    • A utility bill dated within the last 6 months.
    • A financial statement dated within the last 6 months. (bank, loan, credit card, credit union or investment statements)
  • Payment for the driver's license fee:
    • $32 for 8 years.
  • To pass a vision exam.

See the Georgia DDS website for a complete list of accepted documents proving your identity, Social Security, and GA residency.

NOTE: If your out-of-state driver's license has been expired for more than 2 years OR it's from a U.S. territory, you will need to follow the new driver's license application steps listed in “Applying for a GA Driver's License" below.

Types of Georgia Driver's Licenses

The GA Department of Driver Services offers several non-commercial driver's licenses:

  • Class C: For vehicles weighing no more than 26,000 lbs. (a “regular" driver's license).
  • Class E: For truck and trailer combinations weighing more than 26,001 lbs. combined and towing more than 10,000 lbs.
  • Class F: For single vehicles weighing 26,001 lbs. or more.
  • Class M: For motorcycles.

Georgia driver's licenses are available for 8 years.

Georgia Driver's License Eligibility Requirements

If you are at least 18 years old, you do not need to hold a learner's permit before applying for your full Georgia driver's license, unless you want to practice driving before your driving test. See our Driver's Permits in Georgia page for more information.

If you have a provisional license, it will be converted to a full class C driver's license when you turn 18 years old, as long has you've had no convictions for major traffic violations in the last 12 months.

If you are under 18 years old, see our Applying for a New License (Teen Drivers) in Georgia page.

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Apply for a New Georgia Driver's License

You can apply for a driver's license in person at a Georgia DDS office. You will need:

Ace Your Exam on the First Try!

Don't leave your permit test to chance—take our free permit practice test with questions directly from the GA driver handbook. It's the fastest, easiest way to set yourself up for success!

  • 1 document proving your identity, such as your:
  • 1 document to verify your SSN, such as:
    • Your Social Security card.
    • A W-2 with your name and at least part of your SSN.
  • 2 documents to prove your Georgia residency, such as a:
    • A utility bill dated within the last 6 months.
    • A financial statement dated within the last 6 months.
  • Payment for the driver's license fee:
    • $32 for 8 years.
  • To pass a:
    • Vision exam.
    • Written permit test.
    • Driving skills test.
  • To have your photo taken.

The DDS offers a basic practice test to help you prepare for the written exam. In addition our certified partner offers a comprehensive online practice test that is designed to help you pass the exam on your first try.

See the Georgia Department of Driver Services website for a complete list of accepted proof of identity, Social Security, and residency.

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