Georgia issues Real ID-compliant licenses, marked with a star in the upper right corner. To get one, bring specific original documents. This lesson also covers how you can pay, which changes are free, and when a replacement costs a full renewal.
Documents for a Real ID:
- Identity: an original or certified birth certificate, U.S. passport, naturalization certificate, I-551, etc.
- Your full Social Security Number (verified electronically with the Social Security office)
- Two documents showing Georgia residence, such as a utility or phone bill, dated within 6 months
- If your name differs from your identity document: a certified legal name-change document with seal
- Original immigration documents, each time you request license or ID service (if they apply)
Know the rule
A name-change document is required even if your name is already correct on your current license or ID.
Handbook p. 8 ↗Know the rule
Minors may present a passport, but proof of guardianship requires an original or certified birth certificate or certified court-ordered documents.
Handbook p. 8 ↗Know the rule
A gender update requires a court order or physician's letter certifying the change.
Handbook p. 8 ↗From this date you need a Real ID (star) card to fly within the U.S. or enter federal buildings
Handbook p. 8 ↗Know the rule
Customer Service Centers accept cash, Visa and Mastercard credit and debit cards with a bank logo, Discover, American Express and mobile pay. They do not accept checks, money orders or cashier's checks.
Handbook p. 7 ↗Know the rule
You get one free name or address change per issuance term, and other changes made at the same time are free too. Any later change requires a full renewal at regular cost.
Handbook p. 7 ↗Know the rule
A replacement is an exact duplicate (no changes). The fee chart lists it at $5.00, and it expires on the original expiration date.
Handbook p. 7 ↗Request a replacement this close to expiration and you must renew for a new term at full cost
Handbook p. 7 ↗Know the rule
For a motorcycle instructional permit, that full-renewal window is 30 days before the original expiration date.
Handbook p. 7 ↗Selected in-person fees
| Item | Term | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Driver's license (Class A, B, C, E, F, M) | 8 years | $32 |
| Provisional license (Class D) | 5 years | $10 |
| Instructional permit (A, B, C, M) | 1 year | $10 |
| Georgia ID card | 8 years | $32 |
| Limited permit | Up to 1 year | $32 |
| National Guard or combat veteran license | 8 years | No fee |
Know the rule
To renew a license that has been expired more than two years, you must pass a vision test, a driving test and a knowledge exam on road signs and rules, and meet Real ID requirements.
Handbook p. 8 ↗Put it into practice
You lose your license four months before it expires. That's within 150 days of expiration, so DDS won't issue a duplicate. You must renew for a new term at full cost.