Georgia Driver's License Costs & Fees 2026
Complete pricing guide for all Georgia DDS services. Updated rates for licenses, permits, renewals, and testing fees with available discounts.
Understanding the current Georgia driver's license costs for 2026 is essential for planning your visit to the DDS office. Georgia has updated its fee structure to reflect current administrative costs while maintaining reasonable pricing for essential driving services.
The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) offers various license types and services, each with specific pricing. Whether you need a new driver's license, renewal, or special endorsement, knowing the exact costs helps you prepare for your visit.
Current Georgia Driver's License Fees 2026
The following table shows all current Georgia DDS fees effective for 2026. These rates apply to all Georgia DDS offices and Customer Service Centers.
| Service Type | Fee | Valid Period |
|---|---|---|
| Class C Driver's License (Full) | $32.00 | 8 years |
| License Renewal (In-Person) | $32.00 | 8 years |
| Online License Renewal | $27.00 | 8 years |
| Learner's Permit (Class CP) | $10.00 | 2 years |
| Instructional Permit Renewal | $5.00 | 1 year |
| Knowledge Test Fee | $10.00 | Per attempt |
| Road Skills Test Fee | $20.00 | Per attempt |
| Duplicate License | $20.00 | Current validity |
Money-Saving Tip
Save $5 by renewing your license online instead of visiting an office. Online renewal costs $27 compared to $32 for in-person renewal.
Additional Georgia DDS Fees
Beyond basic driver's licenses, Georgia DDS offers various additional services with specific fee structures. Understanding these costs helps you budget for complete driving needs.
Commercial Driver License (CDL) Fees
- CDL Class A, B, or C: $35.00 (4 years)
- CDL Permit: $25.00 (6 months)
- CDL Knowledge Test: $10.00 per section
- CDL Skills Test: $40.00 (all required tests)
- Hazmat Endorsement: $86.50 (includes TSA background check)
- Other Endorsements: $10.00 each
Motorcycle License Fees
- Class M License: $32.00 (4 years)
- Class MP Permit: $10.00 (1 year)
- Motorcycle Skills Test: $20.00
- Motorcycle Knowledge Test: $10.00
Accepted Payment Methods
Georgia DDS accepts multiple payment methods for your convenience. Knowing your payment options helps ensure a smooth transaction during your visit.
In-Person Payment Options
- Cash (exact change recommended)
- Debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover)
- Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover)
- Cashier's checks
- Money orders (made payable to Georgia DDS)
Online Payment Methods
- Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover)
- Debit cards with Visa/MasterCard logo
- Electronic bank transfers (ACH)
Important Payment Information
Personal checks are not accepted at any Georgia DDS location. Additionally, online transactions may include small processing fees. Verify current service availability before your visit.
Available Discounts and Exemptions
Georgia offers several fee reductions and exemptions for qualifying individuals. These discounts can significantly reduce your total licensing costs.
Senior Citizen Discounts
- Drivers age 64 and older: 50% discount on license renewal
- Renewal fee for seniors: $16.00 instead of $32.00
- Valid for both in-person and online renewals
- Must provide valid proof of age
Military and Veteran Discounts
- Active duty military: Free license and renewals while on active duty
- Veterans with 100% disability: Free license services
- Must provide valid military ID or VA documentation
- Spouse discounts available for active duty families
Qualify for a discount?
Learn About DocumentationReal ID Enhanced License Costs
Georgia offers Real ID compliant licenses for federal identification purposes. Understanding Real ID costs helps you decide between standard and enhanced licensing options.
| Real ID Service | Additional Fee | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Real ID Driver's License | $0.00 | $32.00 |
| Real ID Renewal | $0.00 | $32.00 / $27.00 online |
| Upgrade to Real ID | $0.00 | Standard license fee |
Real ID Benefit
Georgia doesn't charge additional fees for Real ID compliance. The same $32 license fee applies whether you choose standard or Real ID enhanced licenses.
Testing Fees and Retake Costs
Understanding Georgia's testing fee structure helps you budget for potential retakes and plan your licensing timeline effectively.
Knowledge Test Information
- First attempt: $10.00 (included with permit fee)
- Retake attempts: $10.00 each
- No waiting period between attempts
- Must pass with 75% or higher score
- Available in multiple languages
Road Skills Test Details
- Initial test fee: $20.00
- Retake fee: $20.00 per attempt
- Minimum 1-day wait between failed attempts
- Vehicle and insurance required
- Test duration: approximately 20 minutes
Budget Consideration
Multiple test attempts can increase your total costs. First-time applicants should budget extra for potential retakes: knowledge test retakes ($10 each) and road test retakes ($20 each).
Georgia vs. Neighboring States Cost Comparison
Georgia's licensing fees remain competitive compared to surrounding states. This comparison helps you understand the value of Georgia's licensing services.
| State | License Fee | Validity Period | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia | $32.00 | 8 years | $4.00 |
| Alabama | $36.25 | 4 years | $9.06 |
| Florida | $48.00 | 8 years | $6.00 |
| North Carolina | $40.00 | 8 years | $5.00 |
| South Carolina | $25.00 | 8 years | $3.13 |
| Tennessee | $31.50 | 8 years | $3.94 |
Planning Your DDS Visit - Cost Considerations
Proper planning ensures you bring adequate payment and avoid multiple trips. Consider these cost-related factors when preparing for your Georgia DDS visit.
First-Time License Applicants Budget
- Learner's permit: $10.00
- Knowledge test (if retake needed): $10.00+
- Road test: $20.00
- Road test retakes: $20.00 each
- Full license: $32.00
- Minimum total: $62.00
- Budget recommendation: $100.00
License Renewal Budget
- Standard renewal: $32.00
- Online renewal: $27.00
- Senior discount: $16.00
- Vision test: Included
- Address change: No fee
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