Automobile Registration
Motor Vehicle Division
1200 Tradeport Boulevard.
Hapeville, GA 30354
(404) 675-6135
motorvehicleinquiry@dor.ga.gov

You have thirty-days (30) from the purchase or transfer date or the date you establish residency in this state to register and obtain a Georgia tag or tag transfer for your vehicle. If you fail to register during this thirty-day (30) period, you will be subject to fines if stopped by law enforcement. You must apply for a Georgia driver’s license within 30 days of moving to the State. Applicants in the metro-Atlanta area may schedule an appointment to obtain a Georgia license. View the current fee information online.

Requirements
1. Exchange a Valid Out of State License for A Georgia License (or an expired out of state license if not expired more than 2 years)

Have a valid out of state license in your possession to surrender or have in your possession an expired out of state license that has not been expired for more than two years to surrender.

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Your social security number will be verified with the Social Security Administration. You do not have to have the actual card with you unless you are applying for a CDL but information must be consistent with both Agencies to be issued a license.
• Provide proof of Georgia residency by presenting a bank statement issued within the past 45 days; a utility bill issued within the past 45 days; current valid rental contracts and/or receipts for payments made within the last 45 days for rent payments with valid Georgia residence address; or an employer verification (letter from employer on company letterhead stating applicants full name and home address).
• Provide proof of identity such as an original birth certificate; certificate of birth registration; certified copy of birth certificate, certified copy of court records (adoption, name or sex change); certified naturalization documentation; immigration ID Card, valid passport or a military identification card issued by the United States armed forces.
• Provide proof of citizenship, which for most customers is satisfied using a birth certificate issued by a U.S. state or territory or immigration documentation. All documents must be originals and cannot be faxed copies.
•  You will take an eye exam.

2. Learner’s Permit

A person surrendering an out of state learner’s permit for a Georgia permit or first driver’s license must meet all other licensing requirements (Teen and New Drivers) including written and road skills tests for a Provisional License or any other permits.

3. Under Age 18 with valid out of state license

Please call the Customer Service Number at (678) 413-8400 for specific information since the state of issuance may have different requirements for those under age 18 than the teen driving requirements in Georgia.

Teenage Driving
As a new resident in Georgia you will be happy to know that the state has a graduated driver’s license program for young drivers ages 15 to 18. Teenage & Adult Driver Responsibility Act (TADRA) was established in Georgia by a collaborative effort of highway safety advocates, legislators, law enforcement officials, educators, businesses and media in the wake of a high number of fatal vehicle crashes involving young, inexperienced drivers. TADRA, enacted on July 1, 1997, led to a 44.5 percent decline in teenage speed-related crashes in 18 months, which was five times less than the rate of drivers over age 24. The law significantly changes the way young motorists earn and maintain the privilege of driving by providing a controlled means for new drivers to gain experience, and by reducing high-risk driving situations. While the law does focus on young drivers, it also contains important provisions that affect drivers over 21,  particularly in the area of DUI prevention and enforcement.

Three-Step Process in TADRA
TADRA involves an intense, three-step educational process that allows the young driver to gain more experience behind the wheel:

STEP ONE – INSTRUCTIONAL PERMIT is granted to 15-year olds upon successfully passing a written examination. The driver with this permit must be accompanied by a passenger who is at least 21 years old and possesses a valid Class C driver’s license at all times while driving.

STEP TWO – INTERMEDIATE LICENSE (Class D) The license is granted to drivers between 16 and 18 years of age who have held an Instructional Permit for 12 months and passed a driving test. The Intermediate License has the following restrictions:

1. No driving between the hours of 12 a.m. and 6 a.m. No exceptions.

2. No driving with any non-family passengers for the first six months. After the first six months, no more than three non-family passengers that are under 21 years of age.

3. On or after January 1, 2002, anyone who obtains an initial Class D license must have completed:
a) An approved driver education program and, in addition, a cumulative total of at least 20 hours of supervised driving (6 hours at night),

OR

b) A cumulative total of at least 40 hours of supervised driving (6 hours at night).

** These requirements also apply to an applicant for an initial Class C driver’s license who has not previously been issued a Class D license.

STEP THREE – A FULL LICENSE (Class C) driver’s license is granted to drivers ages 18 years of age and older who hold the class D license and have incurred no major traffic convictions during the previous 12 months. The following violations must not occur during this period:

1. DUI

2. Eluding a police officer

3. Drag racing

4. Reckless driving

5. Hit and run

6. Any violation that assesses four or more points on the driver’s license

** Drivers under the age of 18 years in a 12-month license suspension period must not incur a violation point count over four points

** Georgia has a zero tolerance for underage drunk driving. Convicted drivers with a blood-alcohol content level of .08 grams or higher will face a 12-month license suspension on the first offense.