I'm a new resident in Georgia: what do I do with my license?

Compare with the state you moved from

Choose the state you came from to see the main differences from Georgia. Every value comes from that state's official manual (with the page number) or from its license guide. Where a manual does not state a rule, we say so instead of guessing.

Key rules in Georgia

Each rule comes from the Georgia driver manual or from the license guide, with its source.

Licensing and paperwork

• Deadline to switch your license

  30 days after becoming a Georgia resident.

  What the manual says

  • Deadline: 30 days

    New residents have 30 days after becoming a Georgia resident to switch to a Georgia license or permit. A person is a resident if they have a permanent home in Georgia, accept employment or enroll children in a public or private school within 10 days of becoming employed in Georgia, or have been present in the state for 30 days or more.

  Source: [1] [2]

• Tests when you transfer a license

  Valid out-of-state license: vision exam only. Expired about two years or more: knowledge, road and vision exams.

  What the manual says

  • Whether you test

    • A driver with a valid out-of-state license takes a vision exam and does not need the written knowledge test or the road test.
    • If your license has been expired for about two years or more, you must take and pass the written knowledge, road and vision exams. See the DDS transfer page for the exact rule.
    • No knowledge test is needed to transfer a non-commercial learner's permit, but a vision exam is.
    • Georgia counts the time held on an out-of-state learner's permit toward the one year and one day requirement.

  • Whether you test

    • A driver with a valid out-of-state license takes a vision exam and does not need the written knowledge test or the road test.
    • If your license has been expired for about two years or more, you must take and pass the written knowledge, road and vision exams. See the DDS transfer page for the exact rule.
    • No knowledge test is needed to transfer a non-commercial learner's permit, but a vision exam is.
    • Georgia counts the time held on an out-of-state learner's permit toward the one year and one day requirement.

  Source: [1]

• Liability insurance

  Georgia-registered vehicles need liability insurance of at least the legal minimum; failing to show proof leads to suspension.

  What the manual says

  • Insurance for drivers

    • A driver of a Georgia-registered vehicle must carry automobile liability insurance of at least the legal minimum.
    • At a traffic stop, the officer will typically ask for the driver's license, proof of insurance and vehicle registration.
    • Failing to show valid proof of insurance to a law enforcement officer leads to suspension of the license or permit. No insurance, or failure to show proof of insurance, is an offense for which DDS will suspend the license.

  Source: [3] [4] [5]

• Change of address

  Within 60 days of moving, at a DDS center or on the DDS website.

  What the manual says

  • You must visit a DDS Customer Service Center within 60 days of moving to update your mailing and/or residential address.

  • Changing your address or name

    • One free name or address change is allowed during the term of the original license, permit or ID card.
    • Customers must update their address with DDS within 60 days of moving, at a center or on the DDS website.
    • A driver's license name change must be done within 60 days of the name change, and name changes must be completed in person at a DDS Customer Service Center.

  Source: Georgia Driver's Manual (2023-2024), page 16

  Source: [6] [4] [2]

• How long the license lasts

  A renewed license is valid for up to 8 years.

  What the manual says

  • Renewing

    • A license can be renewed up to 150 days before it expires, and a renewed license is valid for up to 8 years.
    • Renewal can be done online, in person at a center, or by mail. Bring your current license or ID to renew in person.
    • Online renewal requires being a Georgia resident and at least 18, and being a U.S. citizen (if your citizenship changed since the last renewal, visit a center).
    • Online renewal requires the current license to be a REAL ID document (gold or black star).
    • A suspended, cancelled or revoked license cannot be renewed online. Online renewal is also not possible to remove a restriction code (for example, corrective lenses) or to change height, weight or photo.

  Source: [7]

Road rules

• Teen driving hours

  Class D (ages 16 and 17): no driving between 12:00 midnight and 5:00 a.m., no exceptions.

  What the manual says

  • Class D is the provisional license issued to drivers ages 16 and 17.
  • A Class D license holder may not drive between 12:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m.

  • Class D: driving hours

    A Class D holder may not drive between 12:00 midnight and 5:00 a.m., with no exceptions.

  Source: Georgia Driver's Manual (2023-2024), page 5, 27

  Source: [8]

• Passengers for teen drivers

  First 6 months: immediate family only. Next 6: one non-family passenger under 21. Then: at most three such passengers.

  What the manual says

  • During the first six months, only immediate family members may ride in the vehicle.
  • Only one such passenger may ride in the vehicle during the second six months.
  • After the first two six-month periods, only three such passengers may ride in the vehicle.

  Source: Georgia Driver's Manual (2023-2024), page 27

• Alcohol limit under 21

  Under 21: under the influence at 0.02 or more. Teen's first DUI at 0.02 to below 0.08: 6-month minimum suspension.

  What the manual says

  • The manual sets 0.02 gm or more for a person under 21.
  • The license will be suspended for a minimum period of 6 months in that case.

  Source: Georgia Driver's Manual (2023-2024), page 23, 27

• Refusing a chemical test

  Refusing state chemical testing: license suspended at least one year; blood or urine refusal may be evidence.

  What the manual says

  • The manual says refusing the testing means a suspension for a minimum period of one year.
  • The manual says a refusal to submit to blood or urine testing may be offered into evidence at trial.

  Source: Georgia Driver's Manual (2023-2024), page 47

• Seat belts

  Everyone in the front seat and all occupants under 18; police may stop you for it alone.

  What the manual says

  • The manual says each occupant in the front seat of a passenger vehicle must be secured by a seat safety belt.
  • The manual says all occupants of any passenger vehicle under the age of 18 must use a seat safety belt.
  • Under a primary law, officers may stop and cite violators without observing another violation.

  Source: Georgia Driver's Manual (2023-2024), page 24

• Child safety seats

  Children under 8 need an appropriate child restraint system, except in taxicabs and public transit vehicles.

  What the manual says

  • Every driver transporting a child under eight must restrain the child in an appropriate child passenger restraining system.
  • The requirement applies except in a taxicab or public transit vehicle.

  Source: Georgia Driver's Manual (2023-2024), page 24

• Phone use while driving

  Hands Free Law: no holding or supporting a phone, no reading or writing texts, no watching video.

  What the manual says

  • The manual says drivers are not allowed to hold or support a phone for any reason.
  • The law prohibits writing, sending or reading any text-based communication, including a text message, instant message, e-mail or internet data.
  • The law prohibits watching, recording, or broadcasting a video or movie.

  Source: Georgia Driver's Manual (2023-2024), page 25

• School buses

  Stop when lights are red and stop signs out; on median-divided highways only following or alongside vehicles stop.

  What the manual says

  • Once the lights are red and the stop signs are out, it is unlawful for any vehicle to pass the stopped school bus while it loads or unloads.
  • The manual says that in most cases all drivers are required to stop for such a school bus.
  • When highways are separated by median strips, only vehicles following or traveling alongside the bus in the same direction must stop.

  Source: Georgia Driver's Manual (2023-2024), page 18, 44

• Move Over law

  Move over for roadside emergency, sanitation or utility vehicles; if you cannot, slow below the speed limit.

  What the manual says

  • The manual says the law applies to any emergency, sanitation, or utility service vehicle parked on the shoulder.
  • The manual says the law maintains an open buffer lane between passing traffic and authorized roadside emergency vehicles.
  • The manual says that if you cannot move over, you must slow down below the speed limit and be prepared to stop.

  Source: Georgia Driver's Manual (2023-2024), page 18

• Headlights

  From half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise, in rain, and in limited visibility.

  What the manual says

  • The manual requires headlights between one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise, in rain, and when visibility is limited.
  • The manual requires headlights at any time when it is raining or when visibility is limited.

  Source: Georgia Driver's Manual (2023-2024), page 24

• Right turn on red

  Allowed after a complete stop, yielding to traffic and pedestrians, unless a sign prohibits it.

  What the manual says

  • A right turn on red is allowed only after a complete stop, yielding to all traffic and pedestrians, and determining that you can complete the turn safely.
  • The sign means a right turn on red is prohibited even after you come to a complete stop.

  Source: Georgia Driver's Manual (2023-2024), page 18, 29

• Speed limits

  Unless posted: 30 mph urban/residential, 65 mph urban interstate or multi-lane divided highway, 70 mph rural interstate.

  What the manual says

  • The general rule lists 30 miles per hour in any urban or residential district.
  • The general rule lists 70 miles per hour on a rural interstate.
  • The general rule lists 65 miles per hour on an urban interstate or on a multi-lane divided highway.

  Source: Georgia Driver's Manual (2023-2024), page 21

• Left lane and keeping right

  Slower drivers must leave the passing lane (most left lanes) when faster traffic approaches, at any speed.

  What the manual says

  • The law requires slower drivers to move out of the passing lane and over to the right to allow faster-moving traffic to proceed.
  • The manual describes the passing lane as most left-hand lanes.
  • Regardless of your speed, you must move out of the lane when faster traffic is approaching.

  Source: Georgia Driver's Manual (2023-2024), page 20

• Points and suspension

  15 points in 24 months; under 18, 4 points in 12 months. Points reset to zero after suspension.

  What the manual says

  • A Georgia license is suspended for 15 or more points accumulated within 24 months.
  • Under-18 drivers are suspended for accumulating 4 points within twelve months.
  • After a points suspension, the total is restored to zero.

  Source: Georgia Driver's Manual (2023-2024), page 48

Official steps for moving to Georgia

• Deadline: 30 days

  New residents have 30 days after becoming a Georgia resident to switch to a Georgia license or permit. A person is a resident if they have a permanent home in Georgia, accept employment or enroll children in a public or private school within 10 days of becoming employed in Georgia, or have been present in the state for 30 days or more.

  Source: [1] [2]

• Who can transfer a license

  Applicants must be at least 18, or 17 with an equivalent Class C license, and must visit a DDS Customer Service Center.

  Source: [1]

• Whether you test

  • A driver with a valid out-of-state license takes a vision exam and does not need the written knowledge test or the road test.
  • If your license has been expired for about two years or more, you must take and pass the written knowledge, road and vision exams. See the DDS transfer page for the exact rule.
  • No knowledge test is needed to transfer a non-commercial learner's permit, but a vision exam is.
  • Georgia counts the time held on an out-of-state learner's permit toward the one year and one day requirement.

  Source: [1]

• Good to know

  • The Social Security number is verified with the Social Security Administration, and personal information must match at both agencies.
  • A teen transferring a license or permit must meet all Georgia requirements, including school registration, driver education and ADAP. Applicants under 18 should review the DDS Teen Drivers page.

  Source: [1] [4]

• Drivers from other countries

  • Drivers with foreign licenses need not get a Georgia license unless they become Georgia residents.
  • A non-citizen who establishes Georgia residency must get a Georgia license within thirty days.
  • A non-citizen must have lawful status in the United States.
  • Drivers from a country that has no reciprocal agreement with DDS take the Georgia written, road and vision tests.
  • South Korean licenses with a consulate letter are exempt from the knowledge and road tests, but the driver takes a vision exam.

  Source: [9] [10]

Sources

1. Transfer Out-of-State Driver's License/ID (dds.georgia.gov) — Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS)
2. License FAQs (dds.georgia.gov) — Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS)
3. Reinstate Suspended License (dds.georgia.gov) — Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS)
4. Georgia DDS Driver's Manual 2023-2024 (HTML edition; PDF file revised June 2023) (dds.georgia.gov) — Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS)
5. Suspensions and Disqualification Offenses (dds.georgia.gov) — Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS)
6. Update/Change License Information (dds.georgia.gov) — Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS)
7. Renew My License (dds.georgia.gov) — Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS)
8. Get a Class D Provisional License (dds.georgia.gov) — Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS)
9. Drivers From Other Nations (dds.georgia.gov) — Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS)
10. Information for Non-US Citizens (dds.georgia.gov) — Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS)