How to Apply for a New Driver's License in Georgia

You can apply for a new driver's license at any of the offices of the Division of Motor Vehicles. You could also make an appointment to avoid delays. Teens can make an appointment up to 90 days in advance but need to have a learner's permit when making the appointment. Obtain a Georgia Driver's Handbook to familiarize yourself with the driving rules and regulations.

NEW DRIVERS AND FIRST TIME APPLICANTS

Following are the basic requirements while applying for a Georgia driver's license:

1. Applicants must be 16 years of age or older.
2. Any individual under 17 should meet the requirements stated in Joshua's Law to be eligible to obtain a license. Anybody under 16 can complete the 40-hour driving program, out of which six must be at night and become certified by the Georgia Department of Driver Services before applying for a learner's license. This learner's permit can be updated to a provisional license when they turn 16. Driver education programs can help individuals prepare for their road test. Parental consent must be provided.
3. Everyone must pass a set of tests to obtain a license. See Driver's Handbook for more information on the written examination. Practice tests are available to help individuals prepare for their road test.
4. Applicants must provide acceptable proof of identification, residency and presence.

NEW RESIDENTS

New Georgia residents holding a driver's license from another state should apply for a Georgia license within 30 days of their moving to Georgia. If you hold a license that is not more than 2 years old from your state, only the vision test will need to be passed. The written and/or driving tests will be waived in this case. However, like other applicants, new residents must provide proof of identification, residency and presence.
Non-US citizens residing in Georgia may apply for a Georgia driver's license, as long as they can provide proof that they are legally authorized to be in the United States, and meet all the other requirements. Note that a Georgia driver's license issued to a foreign national will expire no later than the last date on which they are authorized to be in the United States by the U.S., Immigration and Naturalization Service, but not valid for more than 5 years. In cases where the immigration documentation has no expiry date, a license/ID card valid for 1 year is issued at a price of $20.

FEES

A standard Instructional Permit for two years costs $10. Georgia has introduced licenses with different validities, and the fees accordingly vary as listed in the chart.

VALIDITY

The validity of a Georgia driver's license differs, as Georgia introduced licenses with different validities to reduce wait time and they can be renewed by phone, mail, or online. Those above 64 need to pass a vision test before renewing the license.

LEARNER'S LICENSE

With certain restrictions, an individual can legally drive in Georgia with a learner's license. See more information on learner's permit here.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• See also Renewing Your License.
• For information on other types of licenses, see Commercial Driver's Licenses, Motorcycle Licenses.
• It is necessary to have active Auto Insurance in order to drive legally in Georgia.
• New drivers see our Driver Education, Driving Schools, Beginner Drivers and Learner's Permits for Beginner Drivers sections.