Quick Answer
No. Georgia's Department of Driver Services (DDS) requires non-U.S. citizens to show valid immigration documents in person, and an ITIN doesn't count. DDS also says non-citizens who don't live in Georgia can't drive there without lawful status, and anyone who becomes a Georgia resident must get a Georgia license within 30 days.
Can You Get a Driver's License in Georgia Without Legal Status?
No. Georgia's Department of Driver Services (DDS) issues licenses only to applicants who prove lawful presence, and non-U.S. citizens must bring original immigration documents to a Customer Service Center each time they apply or renew. An ITIN is an IRS tax number, so it can't replace those documents.
Georgia has no driving privilege card or other license for residents without status. See DDS information for non-U.S. citizens.
Who Can Get a Georgia Driver's License?
Citizens, green-card holders and non-citizens whose documents show current lawful status can get a Georgia license, including DACA recipients with a valid Employment Authorization Document. DDS reviews the original documents in person at a Customer Service Center and asks to see them again for every later license or ID service.
- U.S. citizens and permanent residents
- Visa holders with documents showing an authorized stay
- Asylees and refugees
- DACA recipients and others with a valid Employment Authorization Document
Can I Drive in Georgia With a License From Another State?
Not without lawful status. Georgia's DDS says non-U.S. citizens who aren't Georgia residents may not drive in Georgia without lawful status in the United States, whatever license they hold. Anyone who lives in Georgia must switch to a Georgia license within 30 days, which again requires lawful presence.
So a license from Virginia or another state that licenses residents regardless of status doesn’t authorize a non-citizen without lawful status to drive in Georgia. Source: Georgia DDS.
Can I Drive in Georgia With a License From My Country?
Yes, as a visitor with lawful status. Georgia's DDS lets non-U.S. citizens with a valid foreign license drive for tourism or business, and an officer may ask for a passport or visa. You count as a Georgia resident after 30 days in the state, or once you take a job and enroll children in school.
An International Driving Permit only translates your license; carry it with the original.
What Are Your Options in Georgia Without a License?
Georgia's DDS licenses only people with lawful presence, and driving without a license is a misdemeanor under O.C.G.A. §40-5-20, which in Georgia can mean up to 12 months in jail and a $1,000 fine. That leaves a status with a work permit, a move out of state, or living without a car.
- Know the penalty. O.C.G.A. §40-5-20 requires a valid license to drive.
- No neighbor licenses all residents. None of the 5 states bordering Georgia issues licenses regardless of status; the closest that do are Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and D.C., and you would have to live there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can undocumented immigrants get a driver's license in Georgia?
No. Georgia's Department of Driver Services requires proof of lawful presence, and Georgia has no license or driving card for residents without status.
Can I use an ITIN for a Georgia driver's license?
No. An ITIN is an IRS tax number. DDS requires original immigration documents from non-U.S. citizens.
Can DACA recipients get a Georgia driver's license?
Yes. A DACA recipient with a valid Employment Authorization Document can apply, bringing the original documents to a DDS Customer Service Center.
Can I drive in Georgia with a Virginia license if I'm undocumented?
No. Georgia's DDS says non-U.S. citizens who aren't Georgia residents can't drive in Georgia without lawful status in the United States.