Last verified: 23/09/2026
Georgia at a glance
This guide explains Driver's License requirements in Georgia, including eligibility, documents, application steps, testing, fees and renewal.
Eligibility & Age Rules
<p>Georgia residents must obtain a Georgia license or permit within 30 days of becoming residents. Drivers under 18 follow graduated requirements. At age 16 or 17, a Class D applicant must meet DDS education and supervised-driving requirements, including at least 40 hours of supervised driving with 6 hours at night.</p>
Costs, timing and validity
Class CP instructional permit: generally 15. Class D provisional license: 16β17. Regular Class C license: 18 or older.
$32 for a regular Class C driver's license, valid for 8 years. A Class CP instructional permit is $10 and a Class D provisional license is $10.
$32 for a regular 8-year license. Eligible online or DDS 2 GO renewals receive a $5 discount.
Regular Class C driver's licenses are valid for 8 years. Class D provisional licenses are valid for 5 years. Instructional permits have shorter terms depending on permit class.
Documents and information to prepare
Use the official checklist linked on this page as the final authority. The items below describe the information this state commonly expects for this credential.
Applicants must establish identity, lawful status, Social Security information, and Georgia residency. Applicants under 18 also need the required responsible-adult consent and school-enrollment documentation; REAL ID applicants must meet DDS document standards.
How to apply
Choose the license or permit class that matches your situation.
Gather the required identity, lawful-status, Social Security, and residency documents.
Complete the application, pay the fee, pass required examinations, and complete any graduated-licensing steps before the credential is issued.
Testing, Training & Restrictions
<p>Applicants must complete the examinations required for their license class. A Class CP applicant must pass vision and knowledge testing. Original applicants can also need a road skills test. Under-18 Class D applicants must satisfy Georgia’s driver-education and supervised-driving requirements.</p>
Renewal and ongoing requirements
<p>A regular Georgia license is renewed for another 8-year term when eligible. Online and DDS 2 GO renewals receive a $5 discount. Address changes and replacement transactions have separate DDS rules.</p>
Processing time
The applicant receives a credential after completing the DDS transaction and required testing. Delivery and issuance timing can vary by transaction and document verification.