DRIVERS LICENSE GUIDE www.driverslicenseonline.org THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE FOR ALL YOUR DRIVER LICENSE NEEDS
Bonus Features Congratulations on your 60 day membership to our Roadside Assistance. When out on the road, you ll know that you are covered and protected by an organization that cares about the safety of you and your family. Our customer service representatives respond quickly to provide you the best service and protection available anywhere. 24-Hour Emergency Roadside Assistance Benefits Customers are covered for emergency road service throughout the U.S. and Canada. 24-Hour Towing Service Customers are entitled to emergency towing service at no out-of-pocket cost for any tow up to 75 dollars. One service per 7 days, 2 services per contract. Extended distance will be an additional expense covered by the customer. 24-Hour Mechanical First Aid Customers are entitled to any service requiring minor adjustments (exclusive of parts) to enable a disabled vehicle to proceed under its own power, where available. 24-Hour Tire Change Service Customers may have their at tire changed with their inflated and functional spare tire. 24-Hour Emergency Delivery A service truck will deliver emergency supplies of gasoline, water, oil, or other necessary supplies. Customers pay only for the cost of the supplies. 24-Hour Emergency Battery Service Customers are covered for battery boosts and minor adjustments to alternators, starters, etc. while on the road. 24-Hour Lost Key Service If keys are locked inside a customer s vehicle, the customer will be assisted in gaining entry to the vehicle s passenger compartment only. Locksmith services may be dispatched as needed at the customer s expense for labor and key making. Rental Car Discounts Customers are entitled to take advantage of our rental car discount codes and pre-negotiated group rates which are honored at thousands of locations throughout the U.S. and abroad. Map Routing Service We will, at no charge, provide customers with a 4-color mapping and travel route information to destinations they specify. Theft And Hit & Run Protection A $500 reward is offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone responsible for Hit & Run damages or stealing customers vehicles. Whenever you travel, you ll like the secure and confident feeling of knowing that you are protected by NSD s Roadside Assistance. Fast response and excellent service are just two reasons why millions of motorists rely on NSD s Roadside Assistance for on-the-road protection. Keeping You Safe Mile After Mile Once your purchase is processed, you ll receive an email with the information you ll need to start your 60 days Road Assistance CONGRATULATIONS! Redeem Your $25 Gas Card Online Follow the link in your confirmation email to start redeeming your $25 Gas Coupon. *PLEASE SAVE ALL THE INFORMATION FOR YOUR RECORDS. You will use your log in information throughout the course of your complimentary gas membership
Table of Contents Starting the Journey Page 5 Getting Your First Georgia License Page 10 Renewing Your License Page 14 Updating Your License Information Page 16 Replacing Lost or Stolen Driver License Page 19 Reinstating Your Driver License Page 21 Getting a Georgia ID Card Page 26 Vehicle Safety Tips Page 34 Official Forms Page 37 DMV Hours and Locations Page 38 Driverslicenseonline.org is a privately owned website that is not owned or operated by any government agency.
Starting the Journey Driving independently is an exciting experience, but, before you start getting behind the wheel on your own, you must go through a process. Depending on your age, you will be required to hold different permits and licenses before you get your full privilege Georgia driver license. This guide will provide you with all the information you need before you start this journey. So, let s get rolling! TEEN DRIVERS As soon as your reach 15 years of age, you may probably be desperate to get your license and go driving everywhere, but you may not be quite sure on what exactly to do. Let s go through the whole process for you to understand and know what steps to follow before hitting the road. Teenagers in Georgia must comply with three main requirements if they want to drive: Joshua s Law, the Teenage & Adult Driver Responsibility Law (TADRA) and school attendance. We will explain each of these into detail. Joshua s Law Joshua s Law is a bill that changed the requirements that teen drivers have to meet before obtaining their Class D license. According to this law, in order to get a Class D license you must: Have completed a driver s education course that is approved by the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS). Have completed a cumulative total of at least 40 hours of supervised driving experience (other than the one on the course). At least six of these hours must be driven at night. Those who do not complete the driver s education course will have to wait until they turn 17 to get their Class D license. School Attendance If you are younger than 18, you must be enrolled in a public or private school. You must not be under expulsion nor incurred in the following offenses for one academic year prior applying for your instruction permit or driver license: 1. Drop out of school without graduating and remain out of school for ten consecutive school days. 2. Have ten or more school days of unexcused absences in the current academic 4
year, or ten or more school days of unexcused absences in the previous academic year. 3. Have been found in violation (such a sexual offense, possession of drugs or weapons) by a hearing officer, panel, or tribunal, or has waived his or her right to a hearing and pleaded guilty. In order to obtain your permit and license you must present one of the following: Certificate of Attendance DS-1 (obtained from school) High School Diploma General Education Development (GED) Special Diploma Certificate of High School Completion Certificate of Adult Literacy proving pursuit of a GED Declaration of Intent for Home Schoolers Transcript from college or vocational school with official transcript with seal. It must be dated within the last 30 days. Teenage & Adult Driver Responsibility Law (TADRA) TADRA is the graduated driver s license program for drivers between 15 and 18 in Georgia. Did you know that traffic crashes are the main cause of teen deaths in the U.S? Georgia is not an exception, which is why TADRA was created. The first year of driving is the most important and risky one. Teens are more likely to ignore traffic signs, drive under the influence and speed. TADRA changes the way in which the privilege of driving is controlled. This allows the new teen drivers to gain experience and as a result, reduce risky driving situation. This law is composed of the following three steps; teens must go through all of them before getting a full privilege license. 1- Instructional Permit (CP) Holding an instructional permit allows you to operate a class C vehicle in company of a licensed driver who is at least 21 years of age. This person must sit in the front seat, next to the driver. To apply you have to: Be at least 15 years of age. Pass the Vision Exam. 5
Pass the Knowledge Exam. Present documentation showing your identity, residential address, full social security number, and U.S. citizenship or proof of lawful presence in the United States. Find a checklist of documents here. Have a parent, guardian, responsible adult or authorized Driver Training Instructor sign the application for the driver s license 2- Intermediate License (Class D) Class D is a provisional license that you obtain after holding the instructional permit for 12 months and complying with Joshua s Law. You may not drive between midnight and 5 a.m. Only immediate family members can ride in the vehicle during the first six months. During the second six months, only one non-immediate family passenger under 21 years of age can ride in the vehicle. After these 12 months, only three non-immediate family passengers under 21 years of age can ride in the vehicle. Be at least 16 years of age. Have held your Instructional Permit for a minimum one year and a day. Not have any major traffic violation that caused the suspension of your permit. A minimum of 40 hours of supervised driving experience with at least six hours of driving at night. If 16 years of age, you must meet Joshua s Law Requirements. Pass the Vision Exam. Pass the Road Skills Test. Have a parent, guardian, responsible adult, or an authorized driver training instructor sign your application for the driver s license. Show documentation proving your identity, residential address, full social security number, and U.S. citizenship or proof of lawful presence in the United State. Find out more here. Present certificate of Attendance (DS-1) dated within the last 30 days or High School Diploma or GED. Find it here. Present certificate of completion of ADAP or eadap. 6
3- Full License (Class C) This is the last step of the TADRA and is granted to drivers over 18 years of age who have held Class D license for 12 months without incurring in any major traffic conviction. We will thoroughly explain everything related to this license in a separate section. Vision Test You have to take and pass a vision test in which your acceptable vision has to be 20/60 in one eye (with or without corrective lenses). You must also have a field vision of minimum 140 degrees. If you fail the field vision exam, you must submit this form, completed by a licensed practitioner. Written Test You will also have to take and pass and knowledge test which is composed by two parts: the road rules and the road signs test. The exams have 20 questions and you must correctly answer 15 to pass. The road rules test contains questions about driver responsibility, safe driving practices and laws, while the road signs test contains questions about the meaning of the signs. You must be able to identify the signs, markers and signals. The road rules test is available is several languages, see a list here. The signs test is only available in English. All the questions in the test are taken from the DDS Driver Manual which is available here. You are not required to schedule an appointment to take this test. After you study the Driver Manual and before taking the written test, you may take a free test here. Try to arrive to the Customer Service Center at least 30 minutes before they close to have enough time to take the test. Road Test Before you are granted your intermediate license, you must pass a road skills test. This test will evaluate your driving skills, and your ability to follow the rules and respect the signs. You must score a minimum of 75 percent to pass. Find additional information about what exactly is evaluated here. The road test is only available in English. If you fail, you must wait one day to re-test. If you fail again, you must wait seven days to re-test. You are not required to schedule an appointment, however, it is recommended if you want to avoid waiting to be given a chance between appointments. Learn more here. 7
Driver Education If you are 16 years of age and are applying for a Class D (intermediate) license, you must show proof of successful completion of 30 hours of driver education plus the 40 hours of supervised driving. If you are 17 or older, you do not need to complete the driver education. The driving education courses must be approved by the DDS and you may take the course online. You may find a list of approved schools here. ADAP All teenagers under 18 years of age must also complete an Alcohol and Drug Awareness Program (ADAP). The ADAP is sometimes included in the 30 hour driver education courses. ADAP is a four hour course. If you are unable to complete the ADAP through your school, you have the option to do it online. Learn more about eadap here. OVER 18 If you are at least 18 years of age and want to start driving, you have to options: 1. Obtain an instructional permit to practice (or) 2. Apply for a Class D license right away. If you choose to obtain the instructional permit, refer to step three Instructional Permit, which is part of the teen driver s section. If you choose not to obtain the permit, you will still have to complete the 40 hours of supervised education including six hours of night driving. The fees for instructional permits must be paid before taking the knowledge test. If you fail any part of the test, you will have to pay again the permit fee to re-test. The provisional license fee includes the road test. If you pay at the DDS, you may use credit or debit card, cash, money order and checks. If you pay online, you can only use Visa, MasterCard, American Express and debit cards with the MasterCard or Visa logo. Instructional Permit (CP) $10 Provisional Driver s License (class D) $10 8
Getting Your First Georgia License Once you turn 18 years of age, you are ready to obtain your full privilege Class C license. Exciting isn t it? If you are kind of lost in the process, we will guide you through it. If you are a new Georgia resident, you will also find all the information that you need to get your GA license in a special section just for you. No matter which scenario you feel identified with, in Georgia, you must visit a DDS customer service center to obtain your first license. Find a list of locations here. CURRENT GEORGIA RESIDENTS If you are a current Georgia resident, there are three scenarios in which you may fit and that will determine what you need to do to apply: 1. If you just turned 18 and have a class D license, you must have held it for one year and one day before applying for a class C license. In addition, you must have not been convicted of any major traffic violations during that time. To obtain your class C license, you have to surrender your class D license or indicate in your application that you are not able to surrender it. You will not be required to submit any additional documentation or take any additional tests. 2. If you just reached the age of 18 and hold an Instructional Permit (CP), you must surrender your permit or indicate in your application that you are not able to surrender it. Additionally, you must pass the road test to prove that you are able to safely operate a vehicle. Refer to the road test section to learn more. You must also proof that you completed 40 hours of supervised road driving, including six hours of night driving. 3. If you are 18 years of age or more and have never held an Instructional permit or a provisional license, you have two options. You can apply for an instructional permit to get driving practice before applying for a class C license. Otherwise, you can immediately apply for a class C license. To do so, you must: Meet all the Secure ID Documentation Requirements. Take and pass the knowledge test. Go to the written test section to learn more. Take and pass the road sills test. Refer to the road test section to learn more. Sign an affidavit confirming that you completed the 40 hours of supervised road driving, including six hours of night driving. 9
NEW GEORGIA RESIDENTS New to Georgia? If you just became a resident and you wish to drive throughout the state, you have to apply to a driver s license or permit within 30 days of becoming a resident. There are four scenarios for new Georgia residents, see the requirements for each of them below: 1. If you do not have an out-of-state valid license or permit, you must follow the process for obtaining a license or permit for the first time. If you are under 18 years of age, see the teen drivers section. If you are 18 or older, refer to the current Georgia residents section. 2. If you are under 18 years of age and want to transfer your out-of-state driver license or instructional permit, you may be eligible to do it. However, the DDS must confirm if the state that issued your permit or license has comparable requirements to those of Georgia. Please call Customer Contact Center at 678-413-8400, 678-413- 8500, or 678-413-8600. If you are 18 or older and want to exchange your out-of-state driver license or permit for a Georgia one you must: Surrender your current (or expired for less than two years) and valid driver license or permit. If you are unable to surrender it, you must present a certified letter of clearance or a Driving History (dated within 30 days) from the state that issued it and it must show your license or permit s status as license. Be at least 18 years of age. You may 17 years of age if you have a valid license that is equivalent to Georgia Class C license. Present proof of your Social Security Number or proof that you are ineligible to obtain a Social Security Number. Provide one proof of identity. Provide one proof of citizenship or lawful presence in the United States. All the documents must be original or certified copies. Provide two proofs of Georgia residency. Pass a vision test. If your license is from a U.S. territory, you must pass the road and written tests. You must also pass the tests if your license has been expired for more than two years. 10
Please refer to the Secure ID Documentation Requirements to see a list of documents to proof SSN, identity, citizenship and residency. 4. If you have a driver license or permit from another country, you won t be able to transfer it; therefore, you must: Present your valid out-of-country license or permit. If you do not have it, provide a Motor Vehicle Report or a Driving History from the country that issued it (in English or translated by an approved DDS translator) dated within the last 30 days. Complete the knowledge, road and vision tests. Present documents to prove your identity, citizenship or lawful presence, Social Security Number, and residency. Go to Secure ID Documentation Requirements for a complete list of documents. If you are under 18 years of age, please go to the teen drivers section to learn more. VETERAN S DRIVER LICENSE Are you a veteran and want to get a Georgia license? Good news, there is a special license for you. In order to obtain it, you must first get the Certificate of Eligibility (DS- 516) from the State Department of Veterans Services. To apply, you must meet the following requirements: Present evidence of honorable, active duty service in the Armed Forces of the U.S or evidence of a minimum of 20 years of service in the National Guard to any office of the State Department of Veterans Services. All this information is contained on your copy of the Armed Forces separation papers (Form DD-214). Present the DS-516 certificate and proof of identity, lawful presence and residency at any DDS customer service center. You must proof you were a Georgia resident and that you lived there at the time of enlistment or induction, or that you were enlisted or commissioned elsewhere and have been a resident of Georgia for at least two consecu tive years prior to the date of application. If you have served during a period of active conflict, you are eligible for a free license. This will be denoted on your DS-516. Pass a vision test. 11
HONORARY DRIVER LICENSE To obtain a honorary driver license, you must be the spouse of a disabled honorably separated veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces who doesn t have a driver license, or if your honorably separated veteran spouse died and you haven t gotten married. In addition, you must have had residency in Georgia at the time of your enlistment or induction into the service or at least two consecutive years before you apply for the ID card. Do you qualify? Then you will have to: Present proof of identity, residential address, full social security number, and U.S. citizenship or proof of lawful presence in the United States. Find the checklist of documents here. If you are the unmarried surviving spouse, provide the death certificate to Veterans Services to obtain the Certificate of Eligibility (DS-516). Present the original Certificate of Eligibility (DS-516). You can get this at the Georgia Department of Veterans Services if you provide your spouse s Armed Forces Separation Papers (DD-214). All the documents must be in English, let the DDS Official at your local DDS Office know you need a translator Fees The fees of the licenses will depend on the term you choose. There are five-year and eight-year licenses. If you pay at the DDS, you may use credit or debit card, cash, money order and checks. If you pay online, you can only use Visa, MasterCard, American Express and debit cards with the MasterCard or Visa logo. Find the prices below: Driver s License Class C $20 Five years Driver s License Class C Eight years $32 Veteran License (Combat Veteran) Five or eight years No fee Veteran License (Non-combat) Class C Five years 12
Renewing Your License Is it time to renew your license already? Remember that the license will expire depending on the term you choose when you got it, five or eight years. You may renew your license up to 150 days before it expires or up to two years after. You will receive your license approximately seven days after you request the renewal. If you also changed the address, it will take from 14 to 21 days to process. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must take and pass the vision, knowledge and road tests before renewing your license. If this is your first renewal, you must do it in person, if not, you may do it online or you may apply to renew by mail. RENEWING IN PERSON If you are renewing your license for the first time, you must do it at a DDS Customer Service Center. You will have to: Complete a driver s license/id card application. Take a new photo Pass a vision test if you are over 64 years of age. Present proof of identity, residential address, Social Security, U.S. citizenship or lawful presence in the U.S. Please go here to see a checklist of the Secure ID documentation. The documents must be original or certified copies. RENEWING ONLINE You are able to use the online services only if this is not your first renewal. You may be eligible to renew online only if: You have a Secure ID compliant license. To confirm, check that it has a gold star printed in the upper right corner. You only hold a regular non-commercial license. Your license has not been expired for more than two years. Your driver s license is not suspended, cancelled or revoked. You are 64 years or younger. You are Georgia resident. You are a U.S. Citizen. 13
You have a credit or debit card (Visa, Master card, American Express or Discover Card). If you are 59 years or older, you are only eligible for a five-year license. To renew online go to the online services and login. If you don t have an account, just click on create ne now and then follow the prompts. Your license will arrive by mail 14 days after you complete your request online. RENEWING BY MAIL The option to renew by mail is limited to very specific situations. If you don t apply, use the online or in person method. You may use the mail-in renewal if: You are stationed out of state in the military and your dependents are stationed with you. You are attending school out of Georgia, and your dependents that are with you. You are temporarily working out of state, and your dependents that are with you. You are physically incapacitated and unable to visit a DDS Customer Service Center. If you qualify, please find the mail-in application package here. It takes 10 days to be processed. Since applications are processed on a first-come, first-serve basis, try to submit your package at least 30 days before your license expires. Fees The fees of the licenses will depend on the term you choose (fiveyear or eight-year). If you pay at the DDS, you may use credit or debit card, cash, money order and checks. If you pay online, you can only use Visa, MasterCard, American Express and debit cards with the MasterCard or Visa logo. If you renew online, you will get a $5 discount applied. Driver s License Class C Five years $20 Driver s License Class C Eight years $32 Veteran License (Combat Veteran) Five or eight years No fee Veteran License (Non-combat) Class C Five years $20 14
Updating Your License Information Did you recently move, change our name or have gone through a physical appearance change? Then, you will have to update the information at the DDS. You have one free name or address change during the term of your original (first) driver license. To be eligible, you must request the change at least 150 before the expiration of the license. Remember that you need to maintain your information updated with the DDS. CHANGE YOUR NAME You can only change your name in person at any DDS Customer Service Center location. Find all the locations here. By law, you must update your name within 60 days of the change. Docs If you changed your name from the original birth record or passport, you must present certified legal documents that support your name change such as: Marriage certificate Divorce decree Adoption papers Legal name change (court decree) All the documents must be in English. Let the DDS Official at your local DDS Office know you need a translator. Same sex marriage certificates are not accepted for name changes in Georgia. If you married in Georgia on or after November, 1982 and wish to hyphenate your surname and married name, you must present a certified copy of your marriage license that reflect the hyphenated surname. If your surname changed due to a marriage outside of Georgia, you may obtain a license with the hyphenated married surname. To do so, present a certified copy of the marriage license or a marriage certificate from the state where it was issued. 15
CHANGE YOUR NAME If you are a Georgia resident, you must notify the DDS to update your address change within 60 days of moving. You may also update your address when you renew your driver s license. There are two methods to change your address: online and in person. See below the requirements for each of them. Online To update your address online you must 1. Be a US Citizen. 2. Be a Georgia resident. 3. Have created or updated a DDS Online Service Account after June 1, 2013. 4. Hold only a non-commercial driver license. If your license is revoked, canceled or suspended, you cannot update your address online. To change your address online go to the Address Change application of the online services, login and follow the instructions. In Person If you are not eligible to change your address online or if you prefer visiting a DDS Customer Service Center, you must comply with the Secure ID requirements. If you don t have a Secure ID license, you must provide two proofs of residential address. If you do have a Secure ID license, you will only be required to present one. The documents must show your name and current address. Examples of documents proving residential address are: Utility bills Social Security documentation Homeowner insurance policy Rent payment receipt For a complete list click here. Find a list of the DDS customer service locations here. CHANGE YOUR PHYSICAL APPEARANCE DETAILS You must ensure the DDS has all the following physical appearance details up-to-date: Weight Height Eye color Gender 16
You must visit a DDS CSC to update your physical details. If you want to update your gender, you must present a court order or a physician s letter that certifies your gender change. The document must state your name, date of birth, the date when your gender was changed and other relevant information. Fees The first time that your change your address or within 150 days of the expiration date of your license, you won t pay a fee. If you already received your free change since your last renewal, you may be charged for your additional address or name change. The DDS will let you know how much you must pay. There is no fee to change your physical appearance details. 17
Replacing Lost or Stolen Driver License Your license got lost or stolen and you are unsure on what to do? We will guide you through the step by step process and you will have your license replacement in your hands in no time. You may replace your driver s license at a DDS customer service location or through the online services. You must do it in person if this is your first time replacing a license. Your replacement should arrive within 14 days of your application and after you receive your temporary license. If you have not received it after 30 days, call 678-413-8400, 678-413-8500, or 678-413-8600. To obtain a replacement you must either bring one document (original or certified copy) from Category A or two from Category B. If you think you might be a victim of driver Tip If your license was stolen and you reported it to the police, you can request a new driver s license number by presenting the police report. DOCUMENT CATEGORIES Category A Use this category only if you are replacing a non-secure ID driver license. Non-secure means that it doesn t have a gold star in the upper right hand corner. You only need one document from this category: U.S. Passport or Passport Card (expired for less than 10 years) Certified copy of a birth certificate (hospital certificates are not acceptable) Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240, DS-1350 or FS 545) Valid and non-expired Permanent Resident Card (form I-551) Valid and non-expired Employment Authorization Document (EAD), Form I-766 or Form I-688B Valid and non-expired Foreign Passport with a valid unexpired U.S. visa affixed accompanied by the approved I-94 form proving your most recent admittance into the U.S Certificate of Naturalization (Form N-550 or N-570) Certificate of Citizenship (Form N-560 or N-561) Valid or expired Military Identification Card 18
Category B You can only use this category if you are replacing a Secure ID license. Confirm it is Secure ID by looking for a gold star in right the upper right hand corner. You must present two of these documents: Original or certified copy of Marriage License. (same sex marriage is not allowed) Original Social Security card Previous year income tax return Current auto, home, life or health insurance policy Current automobile registration receipt Voter registration card Military orders Fees You can only request a replacement with the same term of your original license. If you request a replacement within 150 days of the expiration date of your license, it will be processed as a renewal and you will have to pay the fees according to the terms ($20 five-year, $32 eight-year). If not, the replacement fee is $5. If you pay at the DDS, you may use credit or debit card, cash, money order and checks. If you pay online, you can only use Visa, MasterCard, American Express and debit cards with the MasterCard or Visa logo. 19
Reinstating Your Driver License Keep this in mind: Driving is a privilege, not a right! And it is a privilege that you may lose. In Georgia, there are three ways in which you may lose your driving privileges: Cancellation: If you don t give the correct or required information the DDS needs for your license application, they can cancel your driver s license. You may apply again once your complete the requirements. Revocation: In Georgia, your license is revoked if: o You are declared a habitual violator for any third conviction of a mandatory suspended offense within five years. Your license will be revoked for five years. o You refuse to have your driving skills or knowledge of driving rules re-examined. o There is enough evidence to declare you incompetent or unfit to drive because you are incapacitated due to a disease, mental or physical disability, or by alcohol or drug addiction. If your license is revoked, your driving privileges is terminated and removed until the revocation period ends. When the revocation expires, you may apply for a new driver s license. Suspension: When you are convicted for a traffic offense, your license may be suspended. If it is, your driving privileges will be temporarily removed for a specific period of time. Once the suspension expires, you may reinstate your driver s license. Tip There are many other convictions that can cause your license suspension. Make sure you research to avoid them. Learn more about suspensions here. TYPES OF SUSPENSIONS Reinstating your license will have different requirements depending on the type of suspension. There are many offenses that can cause your license suspension. The most common are: Child support, driving under the influence (DUI), failure to appear (FTA), no proof of insurance, point violations and super speeder. We will provide general information about this common suspension types. Child Support If you fail to meet your child support obligations, the Department of Human Services (DHS) will notify the DDS and your license will be suspended. The DDS will send you a notice to warn you of the suspension and to offer you a grace period to catch up with the 20
obligations before actually suspending your license. Your suspension will remain until you pay your obligations. To reinstate your license, the DHS must send a release to the DDS. Learn more here. Driving Under the Influence (DUI) When you are 21 or older and convicted of DUI, your license or driving privileges may be suspended or revoked from 120 days up to five years. The term of the suspension will depend on your driving record. If you are convicted in another state, your license may also be suspended or revoked. Your license may be reinstated if: This is your first offense. Your suspension was for 120 days. You present a certificate of completion of a DDS approved DUI Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Program. Pay the reinstatement fee. If you want additional information regarding DUI, you will find a detailed table of information at DUI section this of the DDS website. Failure to Appear (FTA) If you fail to appear in court and don t pay a traffic citation, your license will be suspended for FTA. The FTA suspension will be effective 28 calendar days after the DDS receive the FTA notice. The court will submit a release to the DDS, once it is received and you pay the applying fees, your driving privileges will be immediately reinstated. No Proof of Insurance No matter who the owner is, if you are caught operating a vehicle registered in Georgia without proof of insurance, your license will be suspended. If this is your first offense, you may reinstate your license if: It was suspended for 60 days. You show proof of insurance. You pay the reinstatement fee. If you have multiple convictions you may reinstate your license if: You have been suspended for 90 days. Pay the reinstatement fees. In addition you must: In addition you must: Present a Georgia Safety Responsibility Insurance Certificate (SR- 22A). You must keep the coverage for three years (or) Keep a SR-22/SR-22A Non-Owners Insurance Policy for three years from the conviction date. You also have to prepay in full every six 21
Find additional information here. Points Violations The point system in Georgia has convictions that range from two to six points. If you are over 21 accumulate 15 or more points in 24 months or less, your license will be suspended. You will also be suspended if you are under 21 and are convicted of a four point violation or if you are under 18 and accumulate four points in 12 months. You may find all the convictions and respective points here. To reinstate your license you must: Complete a DDS approved defensive driving course. This is a six -hour course that will teach you about attitudes and behaviors to drive safely. You may find a list of approved DDS courses here. Pay the reinstatement fee (s). Super Speeder You will be given a $200 fine if the DDS is notified of your conviction for speeding at 75 mph or more on a two-lane road or highway. It also applies if you are speeding at 85 mph or more on any road or highway in Georgia. You have a period of 120 days to pay the fee to the DDS. If you do not pay, your license will be suspended and you will have to pay the reinstatement fee in addition to the $200 fee if you want to reinstate your license. LIMITED DRIVING PERMIT In some special situations such as suspension due to DUI or the first offense in point s violation, you may be eligible to obtain a limited driving permit while your license is suspended. The limited driving permit will allow you to: Drive to your job. Receive scheduled medical attention or obtain prescribed drugs. Go to a college or school in which you are enrolled as a student. Attend sessions or support meeting of alcohol or other drugs treatment. Attend a driver education program or alcohol or drug assessment and treatment program. The DDS will tell you the places you can drive to, the routes, the times and the vehicles. You cannot use this permit to drive a commercial vehicle. If you violate any GA law or are convicted for violating the restrictions of the permit, it will be suspended too. In addition, the suspension of your driving privileges will be extended for six more months. Request the limited driving permit at a DDS customer service center. 22
Fees and Payment Methods Here are the limited permit fees: Limited permit fee (1 year) $25 Limited permit renewal $5 Limited permit replacement $20 Find below the fees for the most common convictions. There are certain factors that may change the fees such as having multiple convictions or the conviction date. You may contact the DDS to confirm your fee. You will receive a discount if you pay by mail and if you are eligible to pay online. CONVICTION BY MAIL IN PERSON Child Support Non-Compliance $25.00 $35.00 DUI (First Offense for Age 21 and Over $200.00 $210.00 Failure to Appear (FTA) $90.00 $100.00 No Proof of Insurance (First Offense) $200.00 $210.00 No Proof of Insurance (Second/More) $300.00 $310.00 Points Violation (First Offense) $200.00 $210.00 Points Violation (Second Offense) $300.00 $310.00 Points Violation (Third Offense) $400.00 $410.00 Pay by Mail You must send the Official Notice of Suspension you received from the DDS. If you didn t receive one, provide your full name, date of birth, driver license number, address, and Social Security number. Include all the required documentation such as the DUI or defensive driving course certificate. Submit your payment using a check, money order, or cashier check, payable to the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS). If you want to pay by credit card, include a credit card authorization form. 23
Submit to: Department of Driver Services (DDS) Validation Unit Post Office Box 80447 Conyers, Georgia 30013 Pay Online You are eligible to pay online only if your license was suspended due to a Failure to Appear (FTA) or a Super Speeder conviction. To pay, go to the online services application, click on continue after reading the instructions and enter the required information. If you pay online, you can only use Visa, MasterCard, American Express and debit cards with the MasterCard or Visa logo. Pay in Person If you prefer paying in person you must: 1. Present proof of identity such as your birth certificate or passport. Find a checklist of Secure ID documents here. 2. Present all the reinstatement documents e.g. the Official Notice of Suspension, the DUI or the Defensive Driving course certificate. 3. Take money for the reinstatement fees. To process, you may visit your closest Customer Service Center location. At the DDS, you may use credit or debit card, cash, money order and checks. 24
Getting a Georgia ID Card A Georgia ID card works as your main photo identification if you are a non-driver. If you just moved to Georgia and you don t want to get a GA driver s license, you may also get an ID card instead without surrendering your out-of-state license. No matter what your situation is, continue reading and you will learn all you need before going to the DDS. HOW TO APPLY The Georgia DDs offers six types of ID cards for different needs. The application requirements will vary among the type of ID you wish to request. Find the details of each of them below. State ID Card This card is for people of all ages who are old enough to sign their name or make a mark that works as a signature. To apply you need to provide: Proof of identity, residential address, full social security number, and U.S. citizenship or proof of lawful presence in the United States. See the checklist of documents here. To surrender your out-of-state license, permit or ID card in case you have one. If you lost it or it got stolen, provide a copy of your driving or motor vehicle record. All the documents must be in English. Let the DDS Official at your local DDS Office know you need a translator Veteran s ID Card Do you have honorable active duty service in the U.S. Armed Forces? Or 20 years of service in the National Guard? Then, you are eligible to apply for a veteran s ID card. You must also have had residency in Georgia at the time of your enlistment or induction into the service or at least two consecutive years before you apply for the ID card. You are not eligible if you have an unexpired license from another state. To apply, you must present: Proof of identity, residential address, full social security number, and U.S. citizenship or proof of lawful presence in the United States. See the checklist of documents here. The original Certificate of Eligibility (DS-516). You need to request it to the Georgia Department of Veterans Services and they will ask you for your Armed Forces Separation Papers (DD-214). All the documents must be in English. Let the DDS Official at your local DDS Office know you need a translator 25
Honorary ID Card If you are the spouse of a disabled honorably separated veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces and he or she doesn t have a driver license you may apply for an honorary ID card. You may also apply if your honorably separated veteran spouse died and you are not married. To be eligible, you must have had residency in Georgia at the time of your enlistment or induction into the service or at least two consecutive years before you apply for the ID card. You cannot apply if you have an unexpired license from another state. To apply, you must: Present proof of identity, residential address, full social security number, and U.S. citizenship or proof of lawful presence in the United States. See the checklist of documents here. If you are the unmarried surviving spouse, present the death certificate to Veterans Services to obtain the Certificate of Eligibility (DS-516). Provide the original Certificate of Eligibility (DS-516). The Georgia Department of Veterans Services will give it to you is you present your spouse s Armed Forces Separation Papers (DD-214). All the documents must be in English. Let the DDS Official at your local DDS Office know you need a translator Georgia Voters ID Card You are eligible to get a Georgia voters ID card if: You are at least 18 years of age. You are already registered to vote in Georgia or applying to register to vote as part of the application for an ID card. You don t have any other acceptable form of identification to vote. You don t have an unexpired driver s license or ID card issued in Georgia. If you are eligible, you must present: Proof of identity, residential address, full social security number, and U.S. citizenship or proof of lawful presence in the United States. See the checklist of documents here. The original Certificate of Eligibility (DDS-579). You may request it at the DDS. All the documents must be in English. Let the DDS Official at your local DDS Office know you need a translator 26
ID Card for Persons with Disabilities You can request a handicapped ID card if you: Have a permanent or temporary disability or an urgent medical condition. A physician verified your Eligibility for Placement of the Disability on your certificate of eligibility. This doesn t apply if the permanent disability is obvious. You are old enough to sign your name, or make a mark indicating your legal signature. You don t have an unexpired license from another state or country. To get your ID card you need: Proof of identity, residential address, full social security number, and U.S. citizenship or proof of lawful presence in the United States. See the checklist of documents here. The original Certificate of Eligibility (DDS-579) verified by a physician (if applicable). You may request it at the DDS. All the documents must be in English. Let the DDS Official at your local DDS Office know you need a translator Indigent ID Card If you are interested in applying for an indigent ID card you must: Qualify for indigent status Be old enough to sign your name, or make a mark indicating your legal signature. Not have an unexpired license from another state or country. If you apply, you have to: Provide proof of identity, residential address, full social security number, and U.S. citizenship or proof of lawful presence in the United States. See the checklist of documents here (and) The voucher obtained from an approved Indigent Resource Provider (non-profit agency). All the documents must be in English. Let the DDS Official at your local DDS Office know you need a translator 27
HOW TO RENEW YOUR ID Your ID will expire five or eight years after the issuance, depending on the term you chose. You may renew it up to 150 days before it expires or up to two years after. It will arrive approximately seven days after you request the renewal. If you also changed the address, it will take from 14 to 21 days to process. Renewing in Person If you are renewing your license for the first time, you must do it at a DDS Customer Service Center. You will have to: Complete a driver s license/id card application. Take a new photo Present proof of identity, residential address, Social Security, U.S. citizenship or lawful presence in the U.S. Please go here to see a checklist. The documents must be original or certified copies. Renewing Online You are eligible to renew online only if: You have a Secure ID compliant license. To confirm, check that it has a gold star printed in the upper right corner. Your ID has not been expired for more than two years. You are 64 years or younger. You are Georgia resident. You are a U.S. Citizen. You have a credit or debit card (Visa, Master card, American Express or Discover Card). Eligible? Then, go to the online services and login. If you don t have an account, just click on create ne now and then follow the prompts. Renewing by Mail You may only use the mail-in renewal if: You are stationed out of state in the military and your dependents are stationed with you. You are attending school out of Georgia, and your dependents that are with you. You are temporarily working out of state, and your dependents that are with you. You are physically incapacitated and unable to visit a DDS Customer Service Center. 28
If you are eligible, find the mail-in application package here. 10 days to be processed. Since applications are processed on a first-come, first-serve basis, try to submit your package at least 30 days before your license expires. HOW TO REPLACE YOUR ID What do I do if my ID got lost or stolen? We will walk your through the process. Nothing to worry! If this is your first time replacing your ID, you must do it at a DDS customer service location. If it is not the first time, you may also do it through the online services. Your replacement will take approximately 14 days to arrive after you receive your temporary license. If after 30 days you have not received it, call 678-413-8400, 678-413-8500, or 678-413-860. To replace your ID you must either bring one document (original or certified copy) from Category A or two from Category B. If your ID was stolen and you reported it to the Tip If you think you might be a victim of ID fraud, please go here. Category A Use this category only if you are replacing a non-secure ID driver license. You only need one document from this category: U.S. Passport or Passport Card (expired for less than 10 years) Certified copy of a birth certificate (hospital certificates are not acceptable) Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240, DS-1350 or FS 545) Valid and non-expired Permanent Resident Card (form I-551) Valid and non-expired Employment Authorization Document (EAD), Form I-766 or Form I-688B Valid and non-expired Foreign Passport with a valid unexpired U.S. visa affixed accompanied by the approved I-94 form proving your most recent admittance into the U.S Certificate of Naturalization (Form N-550 or N-570) Certificate of Citizenship (Form N-560 or N-561) Valid or expired Military Identification Card 29
Category B Use this category only if you are replacing a Secure ID license. You have to present two of these documents: Original or certified copy of Marriage License Original Social Security card Previous year income tax return Current auto, home, life or health insurance policy Current automobile registration receipt Voter registration card Military orders HOW TO UPDATE YOUR ID If you need to update any information on your GA ID, you have one free name or address change during the term of your original (first) ID. To get the free update, you must request the change at least 150 before the expiration of the license. Change your Name According to Georgia law, you must update your name within 60 days of the change. This can only be done at a DDS Customer Service Center location. Find all the locations here. To change your name, you must present certified legal documents that proof your name change such as: Marriage certificate Divorce decree Adoption papers Legal name change (court decree) All the documents must be in English. Let the DDS Official at your local DDS Office know you need a translator. Same sex marriage certificates are not accepted in Georgia. If you married on or after November, 1982 in Georgia and want to hyphenate your surname and married name, present a certified copy of your marriage license reflecting the hyphenated surname. If you got married outside of Georgia, you may obtain a license with the hyphenated married surname if you provide a certified copy of the marriage license or a marriage certificate from the state where it was issued. 30