Welcome to Georgia! If you have just moved here, the clock is ticking. State law requires you to transfer your driver’s license and register your vehicle within 30 days of establishing residency.
The most common question new residents ask is: “Do I have to take a driving test?”
Good news: If you have a valid driver’s license from another U.S. state, you do NOT need to take a written or road test. You simply swap your old card for a new Georgia one.
However, Georgia has a unique “Two-Agency” system. You cannot handle your license and your car registration in the same building. This guide will show you exactly where to go, what documents to bring for your “Secure ID,” and how to get it all done without an appointment.
The “Golden Rule”: Do You Need to Retake the Test?
Before you visit the DDS, verify your status.
- Valid License: If your out-of-state license is currently valid, the Written Test and Road Test are WAIVED.You only need to pass a simple eye exam.
- Expired < 2 Years: If your license has been expired for less than two years, the tests are still WAIVED.
- Expired > 2 Years: You are treated as a new driver. You must take the written knowledge exam and the road skills test.
- Suspended/Revoked: You cannot transfer your license. You must clear the suspension with your previous state first.
Note: If your license is suspended, you can check our guide on Georgia license reinstatement to see if you have any holds in the national registry.
The “Secure ID” Document Checklist (Don’t Get Turned Away)
Georgia’s Real ID is called “Secure ID.” You must bring original documents to prove your identity. Photocopies will be rejected.
You need ONE document from each category (plus two for residency):
- Proof of Identity:
- Valid, unexpired U.S. Passport.
- Original or Certified U.S. Birth Certificate.
- Proof of Social Security Number:
- Social Security Card (original).
- W-2 Form (with full name and full SSN).
- SSA-1099 Form.
- Proof of Georgia Residency (Bring TWO):
- Documents must be dated within the last 6 months.
- Examples: Utility bill (gas/water/electric), bank statement, lease agreement, or credit card statement.
- Tip: If you have already updated your address with your bank, print a statement from their website.
- Your Old License: You must surrender your out-of-state card.
Pro-Tip: If your name on your proof of identity (Birth Certificate) does not match your current name (License), you must bring certified name change documents (Marriage Certificate, Divorce Decree) to link them.
How to Transfer Your License In Georgia (Walk-In Process)
Most Georgia DDS Customer Service Centers are Walk-In Only for license transfers. You generally cannot book an appointment for this service.
Step 1: Fill Out the Online Application Do this at home. Go to the DDS website and fill out the “DS-23 License Application.” This saves your data in the system so you don’t have to type it at the kiosk.
Step 2: Visit a DDS Customer Service Center
- Find a Location: You can visit any DDS center in the state.
- Best Time: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings are the least crowded. Avoid lunch hours.
- (For more tips on visiting, check our full Georgia DDS appointment guide).
Step 3: The Visit
- Present your “Secure ID” documents.
- Pass the Vision Exam (bring your glasses/contacts!).
- Have your picture taken.
- Surrender your out-of-state license.
Step 4: Pay the Fee
- The fee for a standard 8-year Class C license is $32.00.
- You can pay with cash, card, or Apple Pay.
Step 5: Get Your Temporary You will walk out with a paper temporary license. Your permanent plastic card will be mailed to you within 30 days.
App Tip: Once you have your temporary license, download the DDS 2 GO Mobile App. You can track your card’s production status and view your digital ID immediately.
How to Transfer Vehicle Registration In Georgia
This is the mistake everyone makes. The DDS handles your license, but they cannot register your car.
You must make a separate trip to your County Tax Commissioner’s Office (often called the “Tag Office”).
- Go to your County Tag Office: This must be in the county where you live.
- Bring Your Documents: Title, valid Georgia insurance binder, and your new Georgia Temporary Driver’s License.
- Pay the Tax: You will have to pay the Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT), which is a one-time tax based on the value of your car (currently 3% for new residents).
Need a Temp Tag? If you bought a car just before moving and don’t have plates yet, you may need to get a Georgia temporary tag from the Tag Office to drive legally while your title processes.
FAQs
Yes, but it’s harder. Since you cannot surrender the physical card, you must provide a Certified Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) form your previous state issued within the last 30 days. This proves your license is valid. If you can’t get this, you will have to take the written and road tests as a new driver.
No. Georgia law requires you to surrender any other driver’s licenses you hold. If you want to keep it as a souvenir, the DDS agent might punch a hole in it and return it to you, but this is up to the manager’s discretion.
This is a common catch-22.
Solution 1: Use your Lease or Mortgage Statement as Document #1.
Solution 2: Change your Bank Statement address online and print a summary as Document #2.
Solution 3: If you have already registered your car, your Georgia Vehicle Registration counts as a proof of residency.
Only if you move! Once you have your Georgia license, you get one free address change per renewal period. You can learn how to do this online in our Georgia license address change guide.
If you don’t have the MVR (Driving Record) mentioned above, you essentially have to apply as a beginner. See our guide on how to replace a lost driver’s license in Georgia for tips on gathering identity documents, though you will likely need to test.
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