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How to get a driver's license in Georgia as an immigrant

Everything a new arrival in Georgia needs to know, from driving on a foreign license to the documents the DMV accepts from non-citizens. Facts are quoted from official sources.

Quick answers

Drive on a foreign license?
Visitors with a valid foreign license do not need a Georgia license unless they become residents; police may ask for your passport or visa.
Deadline after moving
30 days after becoming a Georgia resident
License exchange without tests
2 countries
License without immigration status
No
No SSN?
Provide your SSN; if you are not eligible for one, complete the Certification of Social Security Denial Status (Form DDS-351).

Driving on a foreign license

Visitors with a valid foreign license do not need a Georgia license unless they become residents; police may ask for your passport or visa. Deadline after moving: 30 days after becoming a Georgia resident.

Exchanging a foreign license

  • South Korea
  • Taiwan

DDS says it recognizes licenses from countries with a reciprocal agreement but names only these two. South Korea licenses need a License Certification Letter from the South Korean Consulate. Exchange is for a Class C license; vision test still required; DDS verifies the license with the issuing country.

If your country is not on the list

Drivers from countries without a reciprocal agreement must pass Georgia's written (knowledge), road and vision tests.

Georgia recognizes driver licenses issued by countries that have a reciprocal agreement with the Georgia DDS. dds.georgia.gov

Documents for non-citizens

Examples of accepted immigration documents:

  • Permanent Resident Card (I-551) or I-551 stamp in unexpired foreign passport
  • Employment Authorization Document (I-766)
  • Unexpired foreign passport with valid I-94 or I-797A Notice of Action
  • I-20 (F/M status) or DS-2019 (J status) with valid I-94
  • I-797C Notice of Action for pending I-485 (dated within 5 years)
The driver must be a United States citizen or have lawful status in the United States. dds.georgia.gov

Social Security number

Provide your SSN; if you are not eligible for one, complete the Certification of Social Security Denial Status (Form DDS-351).

An applicant must provide either a Social Security number or Certification of Social Security Denial Status. dds.georgia.gov

Proof of residency

Two documents from separate sources showing your Georgia residential address, e.g. lease, mortgage, utility bill, vehicle registration or insurance; most dated within 6 months; P.O. boxes not accepted.

P.O. Boxes do not prove residency. dds.georgia.gov

Step by step

  1. Submit the online License/ID/Permit Form before visiting a DDS Customer Service Center.
  2. Gather identity and lawful status documents, your SSN (or Form DDS-351), and two proofs of Georgia residency; all documents must be in English.
  3. If your license is from South Korea or Taiwan, bring it (plus the consulate certification letter for Korea) and pass only the vision exam.
  4. Otherwise, pass the vision exam and the knowledge exam at the Customer Service Center.
  5. Schedule and pass the road skills test (applicants 18 or older can apply directly for a Class C license).
  6. Have your photo taken and pay the license fee ($32 for an 8-year Class C license).

Fees

Class C regular license: $32 (8 years). Learner's permit (Class CP): $10.

Regular Driver's License (Class A, B, C, E, F, M) | 8 Years | $32 dds.georgia.gov

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Checked against official sources on October 27, 2026. Rules change: confirm with the DMV before your visit. This is not legal advice.