Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to file a police report if my license was lost or stolen?

Although it is not mandatory to file a police report, it is highly recommended that you do so. Notifying the police about your lost drivers license or stolen drivers license will help prevent any fraudulent activity from occurring. Once you have filed a report, you may also request to be given a copy to submit to the Georgia DDS. To locate a Customer Service Center near you, visit this page. For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Georgia Driver’s License or ID Card

How can I obtain a copy of the driver manual?

If you would like to review the Georgia Drivers s Manual, you can take a look at it here. You will find the manual is available to you in either digital format or PDF download. View whichever one is most convenient. Should you want to browse through the manual when you re offline, however, you may prefer to get a copy of the PDF download. For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Georgia

How can I renew my drivers license?

If you are wondering how to renew drivers license, the Georgia Department of Driver Services provides three convenient options: online, in person or by mail.

ONLINE

In order to renew your GA drivers license online, you must meet the requirements listed below:

You are a United States citizen.
You are a resident of Georgia.
You hold a noncommercial drivers license that is not expired for more than two years.
You are younger than 64.
You have a credit card or debit card available for payment.

To renew drivers license online, simply visit the Georgia DDS website and have your driver s license number and payment ready.

IN PERSON

You can easily renew your GA drivers license in person by visiting your local DDS office with payment for the required fee and proof of the following:

Your Georgia residence
Your identity
Your Social Security Number
Your legal status in the country or U.S. citizenship

BY MAIL

Certain drivers may be considered eligible to renew drivers license by mail. This option is available to you if you any of the below apply:

You are a military member who is stationed outside of Georgia.
You are temporarily working outside of Georgia.
You are currently attending school outside of Georgia.
You are physically incapacitated and therefore cannot visit a DDS branch.

To complete the process via mail, take a look at the DDS Mail-in Renewal Package

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Georgia

How do I apply for a drivers license?

In order to apply for a standard GA drivers license, you will be required to present certain documentation, as well as pass the Road Skills Test at your local Customer Service Center. You will also need to fill out a drivers license application and pay any appropriate fees. It is highly advised that you schedule your Road Skills Test online, prior to making your in-person visit. Keep in mind that your driving record must be clear of any convictions, violations or other driving-related offenses for a full license to be issued. If you are moving to Georgia from a different state, you may be exempt from taking the Written Test and Road Skills Test. However, you will still be required to submit any necessary documents. For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Georgia

How do I get a hardship license?

The Georgia Department of Driver Services issues a limited driving permit in certain situations and at their discretion. With this limited license,you may be allowed to drive to and from work, school, treatment program classes, medical visits and drivers ed courses. Bear in mind that the Georgia DDS may also make special mention of the locations in which you can travel to and the restricted times. For those individuals who are qualified, it is important to note that a limited driving permit can only be used during the person s suspension period. For more information: Suspended License Information for Georgia

How do I get a replacement license if I am in the military and stationed elsewhere?

If you are currently stationed outside of Georgia, you can order a drivers license replacement online. To begin this process, you will first need to make sure that you meet the list of requirements below:

You hold a noncommercial license.
Your license is in good standing.
You are a Georgia resident.
You are a United States citizen.

If so, then visit the Georgia DDS website to qualify for your license replacement. You need to have a credit card or debit card available in order to complete the transaction. For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Georgia Driver’s License or ID Card

How do I know if my license was mailed after it has been restored?

The best way to find out if your drivers license has been mailed out is by contacting the Georgia Department of Driver Services directly. You can do so by calling their toll-free number at 678-413-8400. Their regular operating hours are Monday to Friday, from 7 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. You can also make an in-person visit to one of their offices. Find a DDS location nearyou using our DMV locator.
For more information: Suspended License Information for Georgia

How do I obtain a duplicate license?

The Georgia Department of Driver Services allows drivers to replace driving license either online or at a Customer Service Center.

IN PERSON

When requesting a license replacement, you will need to bring one document from what is known as âCategory Aâ or two documents from âCategory B.â

Acceptable documentation from Category A includes:

Certificate of Naturalization
Certificate of Citizenship
Valid Permanent Resident Card
Valid Permanent Employment Authorization Document
United States Passport
Consular Report of Birth Abroad
Certified copy of a birth certificate

Acceptable documentation from Category B includes:

Income Tax Return
Auto, Home, Life or Health Insurance Policy
Social Security Card
Voter Registration
Military ID card or orders
Marriage Certificate

ONLINE

In order to replace your license online, you must meet the following requirements:

You hold a noncommercial license.
Your license is in good standing.
You are a Georgia resident.
You are a United States citizen.

Should you meet these requirements, visit the GA DDS website to get started. The only acceptable forms of payment are debit cards or credit cards.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Georgia Driver’s License or ID Card

How do I reinstate after a revocation as a Habitual Traffic Offender?

Reinstating suspended drivers license will require you to fulfill all the requirements set forth by your suspension period first. Thereafter, you will need to submit payment for a reinstatement fee before you can have your driving privileges restored. If you would like to speak to a DDS agent about your particular case, contact the Customer Service Center at 1-678-413-8400. Operating hours are from Monday to Friday, from 7 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.

For more infromartion: Suspended License Information for Georgia

How do I reinstate my suspended license?

In order to reinstate suspended drivers license, you will first need to completed all the requirements stated in your suspension notice. You will not be allowed to drive during this time, and before your suspension period is over, you will receive a notice in the mail about how to proceed with restoring your driving privileges. Before your license is reinstated,you will need to pay your reinstatement fee. Payment can be made either by mail or in person, and in some cases online as well. If you would like to submit payment by mail, send it to the below address, along with your âOfficial Notice of Suspensionâ: Department of Driver Services (DDS) Validation Unit PO Box 80447 Conyers, GA 30013 For more information: Suspended License Information for Georgia

How do I renew my license if I am in the military and stationed elsewhere?

If you are currently outside of Georgia, you have the option to renew license by mail. The Georgia DDs has put together a convenient package that contains an application, Credit Card Payment Authorization Form and other materials to facilitate the process. Simply access the DDS Mail-in Renewal Package to get started. For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Georgia

How do I replace my license if I am a non-U.S. citizen?

If you are not a United States citizen, there are several documents the Georgia Department of Driver Services will accept for your GA duplicate drivers license. You will be required to present either one document from âCategory Aâ or two documents from âCategory B.â See the list below. Category A examples (must present one document):

Certificate of Naturalization
Certificate of Citizenship
Valid Permanent Resident Card
Valid Permanent Employment Authorization Document
United States Passport
Consular Report of Birth Abroad
Certified copy of a birth certificate

Category B examples (must present two documents):

Income Tax Return
Auto, Home, Life or Health Insurance Policy
Social Security Card
Voter Registration
Military ID card or orders
Marriage Certificate

Only originals or certified copies will be accepted. To locate a Customer Service Center near you, visit this page.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Georgia Driver’s License or ID Card

How do I replace my license if I lost it out of state?

If you lost drivers license outside of Georgia, you may be eligible to request a renewal online as long as you meet the criteria below:

You hold a noncommercial license.
Your license is in good standing.
You are a Georgia resident.
You are a United States citizen.

Processing your renewal request online will require you to submit payment with a debit card or credit card in order to complete the transaction. Once you have submitted your request, you can expect to have your new license sent to the Post Office within seven days. For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Georgia Driver’s License or ID Card

How does the DMV check my vision?

Your vision will be tested in person, at a local DDS Customer Service Center. In order to pass, you must meet a minimum acceptable vision of 20/60 in one eye, and your field vision must be at least 140 degrees. If you fail the field vision portion of the test, you will need to ask your optometrist to fill out a Georgia Department of Driver Services Vision Report. For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Georgia

How long will I have a suspended license for not taking a chemical test?

Failure to take a chemical test will result in a drivers license suspension of one year if this is your first DUI offense. You will be required to complete all the terms stated in your suspension before you can reinstate your license. For more information: Suspended License Information for Georgia

How soon can I renew my driver’s license?

The Georgia Department of Driver Services allows drivers to renew license up to 150 days before it expires. You can complete this process either in person, online or by mail. However, some instances may require you to visit your local DDS branch for a license renewal. For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Georgia

If I file a police report, will my replacement fee be waived?

Whether or not your replacement fee is waived is to the discretion of the Georgia Department of Driver Services. However, you should nonetheless file a police report at a local station and submit a copy to the DDS. When requesting a replacement in person, gather all the necessary documents to bring with you and show proof of identity. It is also advisable to bring payment with you, should any replacement fees apply. Acceptable forms of payment include credit cards, debit cards, checks, cash or money orders. For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Georgia Driver’s License or ID Card

If my drivers license has been lost or stolen, how can I get it flagged with the DMV?

The DMV might flag your license number if another driver is pulled over by the police and presents your driving license as your own. Also, a DMV clerk might suggest that you apply for a duplicate license. However, to be on the safe side, immediately report your drivers license as lost or stolen at your nearest DDS Customer Service Center. For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated California Driver’s License or ID Card

Is there an age limit to renew your license?

The state of Georgia has no age restrictions in place when it comes to renewing drivers license. However, if you are a senior who is 64 or older, you must make an in-person visit to your local DDS office to renew your license. That s because you will be asked to pass a vision exam for issuance of your new license. Once you have submitted all necessary documents and posted payment, you can expect to receive your license within seven days. For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Georgia

What address will my replacement license be mailed to?

After ordering your GA drivers license copy, it will be sent to the address you have on file with the Georgia Department of Driver Services. If you have recently moved, make sure to visit your local Customer Service Center at your earliest convenience to update your address change. The state of Georgia allows drivers to report their new address within 60 days. Find a location near you by visiting the DMV offices page. For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Georgia Driver’s License or ID Card

What are requirements for seniors to renew a driving license?

If you are a senior who is 64 or older, you will be required to make an in-person visit to your DDS office at the time of drivers license renewal. That s because you will be asked to pass a vision test in order to be issued a renewed drivers license. If you do not pass the vision, then you will be handed a Vision Report Form to have your optometrist fill out and submit to the Georgia DDS. For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Georgia

What are some violations that may constitute in a suspended license?

The state of Georgia may suspend a drivers license for a number of reasons, including but not limited to the following:

Felony forgery on an ID
Homicide by vehicle
Hit and run
Failure to appear in court
Refusal to take a chemical test
Driving under the influence
Driving without insurance
Driving with a suspended or revoked registration
Racing
Reckless driving

If you have a GA suspended drivers license, you will be required to fulfill the terms and requirements of your suspension period before you become eligible to reinstate it. For more information: Suspended License Information for Georgia

What are the consequences of driving with a suspended license?

Driving with a revoked drivers license will result in unwanted penalties and high fees. For example, you may face jail time, a lengthier suspension period and additional fines. In order to avoid further driving violations, make sure to abide by the rules and regulations as set forth by your reinstatement summary. For more information: Suspended License Information for Georgia

What are the fees for a duplicate drivers license?

The Georgia Department of Driver Services charges a $5 fee to replace license. You can bring payment for this fee to your nearest Customer Service Center. Acceptable forms of payment include cash, credit cards, debit cards, checks or money order. Fees may also vary, therefore it is best to contact the GA DDS prior to your visit. You can also request your license renewal online should you meet a list of qualifications. For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Georgia Driver’s License or ID Card

What are the reinstatement fees I will have to pay for a suspended license?

The reinstatement fees you will be required to pay depends on your Georgia drivers license suspension. The cost will also vary, depending on the method in which you choose to submit payment. In most cases, you will have the option to pay in person or by mail, and in some instances, you may even pay online. When paying your reinstatement fee, you will also need to provide the GA DDS with an âOfficial Notice of Suspension.â Payment must be made in full with a money order, cashier s check or personal check payable to the Georgia Department of Driver Services. If you would like to pay by credit card or debit card, a Credit Card Authorization Form must be filled out. For more information: Suspended License Information for Georgia

What are the suspensions eligible for a hardship license?

The state of Georgia offers a limited driving permit for certain individuals that allows them to drive to and from the following:

Your workplace
Your doctor visits
Your school
Alcohol/drugs treatment program
Drivers ed courses

A limited driving permit is made available at the discretion of the DDS, and is not offered to any individual who drives a commercial vehicle. For more information: Suspended License Information for Georgia

What do I need to do to get my driver’s license if I fail the driving test?

If it is the first time you have failed the driving test, then you must allow at least 24 hours to pass before you can retake it. If it is your second or subsequent time failing the test, then you must allow at least seven days to pass before you can apply for retesting at the DDS Customer Service Center. Prior to retaking the test, you will be required to pay the permit fee, either by way of cash, money order, credit card, debit card or a check. For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Georgia

What documents do I need to get my drivers license?

The state of Georgia requires drivers to present proof of identity (one document), proof of residency (two documents) and proof of Social Security Number (one document) when applying for a driving license.

Some acceptable documents for proof of identity include the following:

United States passport
Certificate of Naturalization
Certificate of Citizenship
Birth Certificate
I-94 (Refugee status)
Unexpired foreign passport

For proof of residency, acceptable documents may include:

Utility bill (electricity, water, cable, Internet, telephone)
Statement from your bank/financial institution
Voter Registration Card
Vehicle Insurance Card

You may present your Social Security Card or W-2 form as proof of Social Security Number.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Georgia

What documents do I need to present to renew my drivers license?

If you are renewing drivers license in person, you will need to present proof of a few things, include these listed below:

Your Georgia residence
Your identity
Your Social Security Number
Your legal status in the country or U.S. citizenship

Additionally, the Georgia DDS requires those individuals completing license renewal to fill out a new application, as well as update their license with a recent photo. If you are an individual who is 64 or older, you will also be asked to take a vision test. Documents presented at your local DDS must be originals or certified copies. No photocopies will be accepted. For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Georgia

What documents will I need to present to replace my drivers license?

In order to replace DMV drivers license in person, you will need to submit proper documentation that identifies you. The Georgia DDS requires drivers to present documents from either âCategory Aâ or âCategory B.â Category A examples (must present one document):

Certificate of Naturalization
Certificate of Citizenship
Valid Permanent Resident Card
Valid Permanent Employment Authorization Document
United States Passport
Consular Report of Birth Abroad
Certified copy of a birth certificate

Category B examples (must present two documents):

Income Tax Return
Auto, Home, Life or Health Insurance Policy
Social Security Card
Voter Registration
Military ID card or orders
Marriage Certificate

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Georgia Driver’s License or ID Card

What languages is the written test available in?

The written driving test is divided by two sections: the Road Rules Test and the Road Signs Test. The Road Signs Test is only available in English, however, you can take the Road Rules Test in a non-English language if you feel more comfortable doing so. You may choose to take the Road Rules portion in one of the following foreign languages: Chinese, Arabic, Hindi, Japanese, Spanish, Korean, Vietnamese, Russian, French or Turkish. For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Georgia

What penalties will I face if I do not renew my expired drivers license?

It is important that you renew driving license expires in order to avoid any penalties and fines. If you allow your license to expire for more than two years, you may also be required to retake certain exams, such as these:

Vision Exam
Road Skills Test
Written Knowledge Exam

You have the option to renew your license up to 150 days before it expires. For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Georgia

What should I do if I have not received my renewed license?

If you have not received your license, contact the Georgia Department of Driver Services to find out about its status. Once you have completed your request for a license renewal, you can expect your new license to be sent out within seven days. This process will take longer if you are also requesting an address change. In that case, it may take between 14 to 21 days to have your license delivered to you. For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Georgia

What tests will I need to take for my drivers license?

To apply for drivers license, you will need to take the Road Skills Test. This test must be taken at your local DDS Customer Service Center, and it is strongly advised that you schedule an appointment ahead of time. When arriving for your Road Skills Test, you will need to present the following for your vehicle:

Proof of insurance
Proof of safety inspection
Proof of vehicle registration and valid tag

In the event that you fail the Road Skills Test a first time, you must wait at least a day before you can return for a retest. For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Georgia

What type of noncommercial license will I need?

As it pertains to noncommercial driving licenses, the state of Georgia issues a Class C full license. This type of license is issued to drivers who are at least 18 years of age and have no violations, convictions or offenses on their driving record in the past 12 months. For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Georgia

When can I reinstate my license after it has been suspended?

You will be eligible to reinstate suspended drivers license after you have completed all the terms of your suspension period. These requirements will vary, depending on the conviction or violation on your driving record. If you would like to receive a copy of the citation that resulted in your suspension, contact the court that has your case pending, or the law enforcement authority who issued you the citation. For more information: Suspended License Information for Georgia

When will I need to renew my license?

The Georgia Department of Driver Services allows drivers to renew driving license up to 150 days before its expiration date. You can renew your license either online, in person or, in some cases, by mail. Keep in mind that if you let your license expire for more than two years, you will be required to retake a number of tests. For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Georgia

When will I receive a replacement license after applying?

If you renew drivers license online, you can expect to have your new license delivered to the Post Office within seven days. If you are in the process of also requesting a change of address, then it will take a little bit longer to receive your license. Allow 14 to 21 days to get your license if you have also asked for an address change. For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Georgia Driver’s License or ID Card

Where can I check to see if my license is suspended?

If you would like to see the status of your drivers license, you can do so in one of two ways: online or by calling the Georgia Department of Driver Services. To view your status online, visit the GA DDS website and input your driver s license number to get started. You can also obtain this information when you call 1-404-657-9300. You will also be required to have your driver s license number on hand. For more information: Suspended License Information for Georgia

Where can I get a new drivers license?

To begin the application process of getting your new license to drive, you will need to pay a visit to your local DDS Customer Service Center. It is highly recommended that you schedule an appointment ahead of time, so it is guaranteed that you will be seen that day. Also remember to come prepared with all the proper documentation and payment for any required fees. For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Georgia

Will I be required to take a vision test for a drivers license renewal?

Individuals who are 64 or older will be required to take and pass a vision test upon visiting a DDS office to renew their license. If you have an expired drivers license for more than two years, you will also be required to submit to vision testing. In order to pass this exam, you must have a minimum acceptable vision of 20/60 in one eye, and a field vision of at least 140 degrees. In the event that you fail this exam, you will be required to have your optometrist fill out a Georgia Department of Driver Services Vision Report.
For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Georgia

Will I get a drivers license renewal notice in the mail?

Yes, the Georgia DDS will mail you a renewal notice when the expiration date of your license is approaching. Bear in mind that you do not need this notification to renew drivers license online, by mail or in person. You can begin the process of license renewal up to 150 days before its expiration date. To find a branch near you, visit the DMV Offices page.
For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Georgia