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Obtaining a License

ALTERNATION OF NAME/ADDRESS

Address Changes:
Residents are required to update the address currently listed on their driver's license/permit/ID card within 60 days of moving.

  1. Address change is available during online renewal.
  2. Renewal fees may apply if
    • completed within 150 days of expiration date
    • additional name and/or address changes during original term

Online

To use online services, customers must be US Citizens with Georgia residency.

  1. There is a $5.00 discount if charges apply.
  2. Certain vision restrictions may apply.
  3. Commercial Driver's License holders are not eligible for online services.

In Person

Beginning July 1, 2012, DDS implemented Secure ID (resulting from Federal requirements of the Real ID Act), which requires customers to provide two (2) documents proving residential address, when visiting a Customer Service Center (CSC). However, if a customer currently holds a Secure DL/ID, only one (1) document is needed to prove residency. For a list of acceptable documents proving residential address, please click here .

Name Changes

Applicant name changes must be processed, in person, at a Customer Service Center. Applicant is required to update the name listed on their driver's license/permit/ID card within 60 days, as required by law.

  1. Renewal fees may apply if
    • completed within 150 days of expiration date
    • additional name and/or address changes during original term
  2. If applicant's name has changed from original birth record or passport, applicant is required to present certified legal documents supporting each name change, such as: marriage certificate, divorce decree, adoption papers and/or legal name change.
  3. All documents must be in English. Access the Translator List to locate an approved document translation company.
  4. By state law, same sex marriage certificates cannot be accepted for name changes.
  5. Applicants married in the state of Georgia, on or after November 1, 1982 and who wish to hyphenate a surname and married name must present a certified copy of the marriage license application reflecting the selection of a hyphenated surname.
  6. Applicants whose surnames have changed by reason of a marriage that occurred outside the state of Georgia may obtain a driver's license/permit/ID card in the hyphenated married surname upon submission of a certified copy of a marriage license application or state issued marriage certificate for the marriage.

You may replace a lost or stolen license or ID card, or permit at any Customer Service Center for $5.00. To obtain a replacement, you must bring either:

  • One document from Category A in the name as it appears on your license

    • OR

  • Two documents from Category B in the name as it appears on your driver’s license.

    • All documents must be in English. View the Translator List to locate an approved document translation company.

Category A - ORIGINAL OR CERTIFIED DOCUMENTS ONLY. NO COPIES OR FAXES. If Category A document is not in current license name, you will need to present one additional Category B document in the current license name.

  • Valid, unexpired U.S. Passport
  • Certified copy of a birth certificate filed with the State Office of Vital Statistics or equivalent agency in the customer’s state of birth (hospital certificates are not acceptable)
  • Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240, DS-1350 or FS 545)
  • Valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card (form I-551)
  • Valid, unexpired Employment Authorization Document (EAD), Form I-766 or Form I-688B
  • Valid, unexpired Foreign Passport with a valid unexpired U.S. visa affixed accompanied by the approved I-94 form documenting the applicant’s most recent admittance into the United States
  • Certificate of Naturalization (Form N-550 or N-570)
  • Certificate of Citizenship (Form N-560 or N-561)

Category B - ORIGINAL OR CERTIFIED DOCUMENTS ONLY. NO COPIES OR FAXES.

  • Certified Copy of Marriage License. Please note: Georgia law prohibits state agencies from accepting same sex marriage licenses for any purpose.
  • Original Social Security Card
  • Previous Year Income Tax Return
  • Current Auto, Home, Life or Health Insurance Policy (Cards Not Accepted)
  • Current Automobile Registration Receipt
  • Voter Registration Card
  • Military Identification Card or Orders

DDS can change a driver's license or ID number under the following circumstances only:

  • The current license number is the applicant's social security number.

    • OR

  • The applicant's driver's license and/or identification card has been stolen (the applicant must present to DDS a police report stating the license was stolen.)