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Georgia driving lesson · Tests, Renewals and Records

Replacements, address and name changes, and driving records

A 4-minute lesson from the Georgia course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.

Read time
4 minutes
Course unit
Tests, Renewals and Records
Checkpoint questions
3
Source pages
16, 17

Lost your license, moved, or changed your name? DDS has rules and deadlines for each, and many tasks can be done online. You can also get a copy of your driving record, the Motor Vehicle Report (MVR).

Know the rule

You can get a replacement license or ID online (after an identity authentication process) or at a Customer Service Center with proof of identity. This section lists the fee as $10.00 online or in person.

Handbook p. 16 ↗

Proof of identity for a replacement (one of these):

  • Certified birth certificate with a raised or impressed seal
  • Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship
  • Expired Georgia license, permit, ID card or interim
  • Valid U.S. passport or passport card
  • Consular Report of Birth Abroad
  • Non-citizens: valid foreign passport with valid I-94, or valid I-551
Handbook p. 16 ↗

Know the rule

To get a new number on a replacement card, you need a police report showing the license was stolen, unless your license number matches your Social Security Number.

Handbook p. 17 ↗

Know the rule

DDS Online Services let you renew, replace, change your address, book a road test, view your MVR and check points; some services require completed Real ID documents.

Handbook p. 16 ↗
60 days

To update your address with DDS after you move (in person or online)

Handbook p. 17 ↗

Know the rule

DDS mail is not forwarded by the U.S. Postal Service. In person, bring proof of the new address; online, it's verified through USPS.

Handbook p. 17 ↗
60 days

To get a new license after changing your name by marriage or other legal action

Handbook p. 17 ↗

Know the rule

Name changes must be done in person, with a certified marriage license application (Georgia marriages), marriage license, state marriage certificate or court order. A free replacement is issued once per term.

Handbook p. 17 ↗

Know the rule

You may use a hyphenated surname if you married in Georgia on or after November 1, 1982, and bring the certified marriage license application showing that choice.

Handbook p. 17 ↗

Motor Vehicle Reports (MVR)

Motor Vehicle Reports (MVR)
ReportFee
3-year$6.00
7-year$8.00
Lifetime$8.00
Handbook p. 17 ↗

Know the rule

A non-certified MVR can be downloaded online. A certified copy is sold in person (with ID) or by mail (form DDS-18 or a letter with your name, license number, date of birth and address).

Handbook p. 17 ↗

Know the rule

To get someone else's MVR in person, you need their completed DDS-18 naming you, and you must show your own ID.

Handbook p. 17 ↗

Know the rule

At any license or ID transaction, DDS must ask males age 18 whether they've registered with the U.S. Selective Service System.

Handbook p. 17 ↗

Put it into practice

You marry on May 1 and take your spouse's last name. Within 60 days, go in person to a DDS center with a certified copy of your marriage certificate to get a license in your new name.

Check your understanding

Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.

Within how many days after you move must you update your address with DDS?
  1. 10 days
  2. 30 days
  3. 60 days
  4. 90 days

Answer: 60 days

If you move, you must update your address with DDS within 60 days, in person or online.

Handbook p. 17 ↗
How must a name change on a Georgia license be completed?
  1. Online through DDS Online Services
  2. By mailing a marriage certificate to DDS
  3. By phone with the Customer Contact Center
  4. In person at a DDS Customer Service Center

Answer: In person at a DDS Customer Service Center

Name changes must be completed in person at a DDS Customer Service Center.

Handbook p. 17 ↗
The U.S. Postal Service forwards DDS correspondence to your new address after you move.
  1. True
  2. False

Answer: False

DDS correspondence is not forwarded by USPS, so you must update your address with DDS.

Handbook p. 17 ↗
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