Drivers in the Military

A six-month grace period is now offered to all active-duty military stationed outside of Georgia when their license expires. Service members may drive in Georgia on an expired license up to six months after returning or being reassigned to the state.

Should you be given a ticket or citation for driving with an expired license, take your military papers with you to your local driver's license office and your ticket will be waived.

You, and your dependents if they are with you, may also renew your license(s) one time by mail. Requirements include:

• License cannot be expired more than two years.

• No changes can be made by mail, only in person.

• An eye examination. Your eye doctor must complete a vision form to be returned with your renewal request.

• A letter from your military commander, on military letterhead, stating that you are on active duty outside the state of Georgia.

With this information, you will need to also send all the information on your current license:

• Name

• Addresses―both your out-of-state mailing address and your Georgia residence address (no post office boxes will be accepted)

• Date of birth

• Georgia driver's license number

• Date of issue and date of expiration

• CSC (Post) number

• Hair and eye color

• Sex, height, and weight

• Social Security number

You'll need to mail the requested information and the required fee to:

• Georgia Department of Driver Services

• Driver Services Division/Military Issuance

• P.O. Box 80447

• Conyers, GA 30013-8447

Veterans

Veterans receive a free license until they reach the age of 65. Then they must renew their licenses every five years and are required to pass a vision test each renewal period.

You'll need to provide a copy of your separation papers, showing your honorable discharge, to your county's Department of Veterans Service to receive your certificate of eligibility. Present this certificate to your local driver's license office to receive your free license.

Your spouse is also eligible for a free license.

National Guard

Current or former members of the Georgia National Guard who have provided at least 20 years of service are also eligible for the free veteran's license. You'll need to get a letter of certification from the Adjutant General of Georgia, stating your eligibility. Present that letter to your local driver's license office.

Current members of the Georgia National Guard who have served at least one year are eligible for a distinctive license. Form DS-318 must be obtained from your commanding officer and presented to your local driver's license office.