• Get Prepared

    • Be prepared for the Department of Drivers Services (DDS) to take your photo.
    • You’ll have to surrender your license from your former state of residence in order to receive a Georgia driver’s license. If you don’t, you’ll have to take the Georgia knowledge exam and road skills test.
    • If your out-of-state driver’s license has expired for more than 2 years, or it was lost or stolen, you will have to follow a different procedure to get a Georgia driver’s license. This is detailed on the Georgia DDS website.
    • You must be at least 18 years old, or 17 with an equivalent Class C driver’s license.
    • All documents you bring must be in English.

  • Gather What You'll Need

    • Original documentation showing your identity, residential address, Social Security number, and U.S. citizenship or proof of lawful status in the United States. (Check Real ID requirements for more information.)
    • Proof of your Social Security number
    • 2 documents proving Georgia residency (such as a bank statement, utility bill, or rental contract)
    • Current out-of-state driver’s license (not expired for more than 2 years)
    • License fee, paid for in cash or by credit card. (Check fees and terms for more information.)

  • Transfer Your License

    • You must transfer your license in person at your local DDS Customer Service Center.
    • Fill out a paper application or a digital application at a kiosk.
    • Take the required vision exam.
    • A staff member will check your documents, collect your fee, and take your photo.
    • Depending on your situation, you may receive your new license that day, or you will receive a temporary version until your permanent copy arrives in the mail.

  • Next Steps

    You must also transfer your vehicle registration within 30 days of moving to Georgia. You can do this with the Georgia Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicles Division.