To transfer your license to Georgia, you have 30 days from establishing residency to visit a Department of Driver Services (DDS) Customer Service Center in person with proof of identity, Social Security number verification, two documents proving your Georgia address, and your current out-of-state license. You’ll pass a vision screening and pay a $32 fee for a Class C license valid for eight years.1Justia. Georgia Code 40-5-25 – Applications; Fees; Provisions for Voluntary Participation in Various Programs2Georgia Department of Driver Services. Transfer Out-of-State Driver’s License/ID
The 30-Day Deadline
Georgia law gives you 30 days after establishing residency to get a Georgia license. “Resident” here means you’ve made Georgia your regular home, not that you’ve counted out a specific number of days. If you signed a lease and started working in the state, the clock started the day you moved in. Drive on your old license past day 30 and you can be cited; traffic courts are required to report the violation to DDS.3Justia. Georgia Code 40-5-20 – License Required; Surrender of Prior Licenses; Local Licenses Prohibited
What to Bring to DDS
Every document must be an original or certified copy, in English. Photocopies are not accepted. Bring paperwork from four buckets.
One Proof of Identity
U.S. citizens can bring an original or certified birth certificate with a raised seal, an unexpired U.S. passport or passport card, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Certificate of Citizenship. Non-citizens can use an I-551 permanent resident card, or an I-551 stamp with photo on an I-94 form.4Georgia Department of Driver Services. Georgia REAL ID Information
Social Security Number Verification
Bring a document showing your full SSN: your Social Security card, a W-2, a 1099, a tax return, an SSN Annual Statement, or a pay stub from your employer. DDS runs an electronic check against Social Security Administration records. If your name, date of birth, or SSN doesn’t match exactly, DDS will notify you in writing and give you 120 days to fix it before canceling your license.5Georgia Department of Driver Services. Social Security Number Requirements
Name-change mismatches are the usual trip-up. If you changed your name through marriage, divorce, or court order and haven’t updated your Social Security record, do that with the SSA first. The SSA requires original proof of the change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.6Social Security Administration. U.S. Citizen – Adult Name Change on Social Security Card
Two Proofs of Georgia Residency
You need two separate documents showing your name and current Georgia address. Common examples: a utility bill dated within 60 days, a rental agreement or lease, a bank statement, or a mortgage statement. Documents should generally be dated within the last six months. A lease plus one utility bill in your name is usually enough for someone who just moved.7Department of Revenue. Proof of Georgia Residency
Your Out-of-State License
You have to surrender your current license at the counter.3Justia. Georgia Code 40-5-20 – License Required; Surrender of Prior Licenses; Local Licenses Prohibited If yours is lost, stolen, or has been expired more than two years, expect extra steps. DDS may ask for a certified driving record from your previous state, and you could be required to take the knowledge and road skills tests.
What Happens at the DDS Center
The transfer can only be done in person. You must be at least 18, or 17 with an equivalent Class C license from your previous state.2Georgia Department of Driver Services. Transfer Out-of-State Driver’s License/ID You can fill out the application online in advance or use a kiosk on site. A staff member will review your originals.
A vision screening is required. You need at least 20/60 acuity in one eye and a 140-degree field of vision, with or without corrective lenses. If you fail the field test, DDS will ask you to have a Vision Report Form completed by a licensed eye care provider before issuing the license.8Georgia Department of Driver Services. Medical and Vision Information A written or road test is generally not required if you’re transferring a valid, unexpired out-of-state license.
After the document review and vision screening, you’ll have your photo and signature taken. DDS hands you a temporary paper license on the spot, and your permanent card arrives by mail within a few weeks.
Fees and Accepted Payment
A standard Class C non-commercial license is $32 and is good for eight years.1Justia. Georgia Code 40-5-25 – Applications; Fees; Provisions for Voluntary Participation in Various Programs DDS Customer Service Centers take cash and Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express credit or debit cards. Checks, money orders, and cashier’s checks are not accepted. DDS online services and the mobile app accept the same card brands plus debit cards carrying a Visa or MasterCard logo.9Georgia Department of Driver Services. Fees/Payments FAQs
Consider a REAL ID While You’re There
Federal REAL ID enforcement took effect on May 7, 2025, so a REAL ID-compliant license (or another accepted ID like a passport) is now required to board domestic flights and enter many federal buildings.10Transportation Security Administration. TSA Publishes Final Rule on REAL ID Enforcement Beginning May 7, 2025 The documents required for REAL ID are the same ones already listed above, so it’s an easy add. A compliant card carries a gold star in the upper-right corner. If you opt out, the card will say “NOT FOR REAL ID PURPOSES” and you’ll need a passport or other federal ID for anything requiring REAL ID.4Georgia Department of Driver Services. Georgia REAL ID Information
Commercial Licenses Follow a Separate Process
The checklist above is for standard non-commercial licenses. Transferring a CDL involves additional federal requirements. Georgia must accept and permanently incorporate your out-of-state CDL driving record, and if your previous state failed to act on a disqualifying conviction, Georgia is required to enforce the disqualification when you transfer.11Federal Register. Commercial Driver’s License Standards, Requirements and Penalties; Regulatory Guidance Contact DDS or check its commercial license transfer page for the specific CDL document list.2Georgia Department of Driver Services. Transfer Out-of-State Driver’s License/ID
Your Vehicle Is a Separate Errand
Getting the license doesn’t move your car over. Vehicle title and registration go through your county tag office, run by the Georgia Department of Revenue, not DDS. You’ll need:12Department of Revenue. Transfer Title and License Plate from Another State or Country
- A completed MV-1 Title/Tag Application.
- The original out-of-state title, in your name or properly assigned to you.
- Your current out-of-state registration.
- A completed Form T-22B Certification of Inspection.
- Georgia liability insurance on file with the Department of Revenue.
- An emissions certificate if you’re in a county that requires one.
- A copy of your Georgia driver’s license or ID.
Vehicles originally purchased in Massachusetts, Mississippi, or Minnesota also need a certification from that state’s motor vehicle agency confirming the vehicle was not titled there. Georgia charges a Title Ad Valorem Tax on vehicle transfers instead of an annual vehicle property tax, so budget for that on top of standard title and registration fees. Handle your license first, since the tag office wants a copy of it.