Driver's Licenses

Before an international student, scholar or dependent applies for a Georgia driver's license, their arrival in the US has to be confirmed in multiple government databases. Before starting the application process, the student/scholar/dependent should wait until:

• Ten business days have passed since they arrived in the US.
• They have completed international student/scholar check-in.
  • Students: Complete International Student Check-in by submitting the "New Student Reporting" E-form in ISSS Link.
  • Scholars: Complete International Scholar Check-in by submitting the appropriate "Scholar Arrival" e-form in ISSS Link and attending an ISSS New Scholar Orientation.
• They have confirmed their SEVIS record has been registered (Fs and Js only);
  • After completing check-in, ISSS will review the e-form and activate the student/scholar's SEVIS record.
  • F-1 and J-1 students and scholars will receive an approval email notifying them that their check-in e-form was approved and their SEVIS record was registered/activated.
• Have received a social security number (SSN) or a letter of ineligibility/denial letter (SSAL 676) from the Social Security Administration (see below)

To apply for a driver's license, international students/scholars/dependents will need either a Social Security Number (SSN) or a letter of ineligibility for a social security number (also called an SSN denial letter or Form SSAL 676). In general, only noncitizens who have permission to work in the US can apply for a social security number.

Students/scholars/dependents who are eligible for a social security number will need to apply for one before applying for a Georgia driver's license. The individual will need to wait to receive their social security card in the mail before they can visit the Department of Driver Services (DDS).

Students/scholars/dependents who are not eligible for a social security number still have to visit a Social Security Administration office in order to get a letter of ineligibility/denial letter (SSAL 676). Once this letter is obtained, the individual can then go to a DDS office to apply for their driver's license.

Although not required, the Social Security Administration (SSA) encourages individuals to schedule an appointment in advance. 

SSA offices close to Emory's campus:

• Decatur office: 3554 Covington Hwy, Decatur, GA 30032
• Downtown Atlanta office:  401 W. Peachtree Street NW, Suite 2860, Fl. 28th, Atlanta, GA 30308
• Norcross office: 4365 Shackleford Road, Norcross, GA 30093

Use SSA's Social Security Office Locator to find another location.

1. Gather the following documents:
   • Immigration documents
     • Enabling document (I-20, DS-2019, or I-797)
     • Valid passport
     • Visa
     • I-94
   • Social security card or Form SSAL 676 (see above)
   • Home-country license, if you have one
   • Proof of residence.
     • Off campus: Bring an apartment lease and a secondary document, like a utility bill, that shows the student/scholar's name and local address.
     • On campus: Students can go to the Residence Life & Housing Operations in Raoul Hall to get a letter from Emory confirming their local address.
        
2. Prepare for the knowledge exam (on traffic laws including road signs) and road test (a driving skills test)
   • Visit DDS' Testing and Training page for more information. 
      
3. Schedule a road test and complete the online application
   • For more information, visit DDS' Get a (Class C) License in Georgia page.
      
4. Visit a DDS office
   • Bring the required documents (listed above)
   • Apply for a license by taking a vision test, the knowledge exam, and a road test 
      
5. Obtain a temporary and permament driver's license
   • Typically, the applicant will get a temporary driver's license at the DDS office.
   • The permanent license is mailed to the applicant and should be received within 45 days of receiving the temporary license. 

Notes

• For more information and a helpful, printable document checklist for non-US citizens, visit DDS' List of Acceptable Real ID Documents page.
• The DDS office in the South Dekalb Mall is accessible via the free Emory Shuttle. Visit Emory's Transportation & Parking Services website to view the schedule for the South Dekalb Mall Park and Ride.

If a student/scholar/dependent buys a car in Georgia, they have to register it with their county which requires the owner to have a valid Georgia driver's license or a state identification card.

Vehicle registration is handled by the tax commissioner's office in each county.

Tax Commissioner's Offices

A student/scholar/dependent's Georgia driver's license will expire on the end date listed on their immigration document (I-20, DS-2019, I-797). Therefore, if their stay in the US is extended, or they apply for a change of status with a new end date, they will need to renew their license.

If student/scholar/dependent's driver's license is expiring, but they have a pending application to extend their stay in the US, they might be able to request a 120-day extension of their driver's license. Important: To be eligible for the extension, the Georgia license must have expired or must be expiring within thirty days.

Scroll to the bottom of DDS' Information for Non-US Citizens page for more information.

Resources

• Georgia Department of Driver Services
  • How to Get a (Class C) License in Georgia
  • Information for Non-US Citizens
  • Drivers From Other Nations
  • Georgia Department of Driver Services Locations
  • List of Acceptable Real ID Documents
  • Testing and Training
  • Georgia Driver's Manual
• Social Security Office Locator

Need Help?

Students and scholars who have questions about the application process or are experiencing extensive delays should contact their ISSS advisor. ISSS advocates for change at all levels of the driver's license process, and ISSS might be able to help with an individual case.