Get a Georgia ID

Information for non US Citizens

To obtain a Georgia driver's license, identification card, or any other service provided by Georgia Department of Driver Services, a non US citizen must comply with the following eligibility requirements:

Previous Licenses or Instructional Permits: An applicant must surrender all previous driver’s licenses and instructional permits to DDS upon application for a Georgia license. A copy of the Out of Country/International license is forwarded to the nearest Consulate, and the license is destroyed.

Social Security Number Requirements: An applicant must provide either a Social Security number or a letter of ineligibility for a Social Security number (Form SSAL 676). Federal law requires that states collect social security numbers (SSN) from driver’s license applicants under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996.

• Letter of Ineligibility - You must obtain a letter of ineligibility, Form SSAL676, from the Social Security Administration if the Department of Homeland Security has not given you permission to work in the United States.
• Social Security Numbers Based on Work Authorization: Non-citizens who have permission from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to work in the United States can apply for a Social Security number. To apply for a Social Security number or for further details on social security numbers for non-citizens visit, www.ssa.gov.

See the Department of Driver Services for more information.

Please also note that in order to apply for a Georgia Driver's License, you must provide either a SSN or a form which states that you are not eligible for a SSN. You must obtain your SSN or the form declaring you ineligible before visiting the Georgia Department of Driver's Services to apply for a Driver’s License. There are a number of new restrictions on obtaining a Driver’s License; please visit the following webpage for current information: http://www.emory.edu/ISSP/survival/handbook/transportation/license.htm

It is also helpful if you can bring an international driver's license before leaving your home country and your home country driving license with you for additional identification. To open a checking account you are required to have two forms of photo identification, so having a driver’s license in addition to your passport will be helpful.

If you are going to apply for a Georgia driver's license you will need to surrender your home country license or your international driver's license. If you do not want to give up your home country license, you must bring an international driver's license with you.