Newcomer Information

Establishing Residency

The state of Georgia requires only that you live in Georgia -- then you are officially a resident.  Becoming a resident of Georgia will entitle you to the same rights as any other resident of the state. You will be able to vote in local and national elections if you are otherwise eligible to vote. You will be able to get a state driver's license or ID. You will also be subject to any state and local taxes. You may be eligible for state financial aid for college.

if for some reason you must prove your residency to another party, here are some steps you can take:

• Show your rental agreement if you need to prove your residency.
• Get a Georgia driver's license. Showing your license can help prove residency.
• Register to vote in your local area. Keep the registration form.
• Keep any utility bills in order to be able to prove residency.

Driver's License

Within 30 days after you move to Georgia, schedule an appointment with the Department of Driver Services, and gather your current license, proof of your Social Security number, two proofs of Georgia residency (bank statement, utility bill or rental contract) and proof of identity (birth certificate, passport or immigration card). Please create a Custom Checklist to be sure you arrive with the necessary documents. 

At the appointment, you’ll hand over your former license, pay the license fee and receive a temporary license. You may also choose to register to vote. Just a few weeks later your permanent license will arrive by mail.

Vehicle Registration

Transfer your driver's license first. Then, with your temporary driver's license, you can visit the Haralson County Tax Commissioner's Office to register and title your car. You'll need to fill out an application for a title and license plate, present proof of insurance, and pay for your registration and title in cash, check or money order.

Getting a Job

It should come as no surprise that looking for work can be a lot of work, especially if you are changing careers or have been out of the job market for a while. Choosing the right career and conducting an effective job search requires organization and a calculated effort. Whether just starting out or deciding on a new career, learn how to be successful. Visit the Georgia Department of Labor website for helpful information about finding a job and to search for job openings.

Learn More

Hunting and Fishing Licenses

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources' Wildlife Resources Division issues licenses for fishing privileges in fresh and saltwater, and for hunting.     A valid basic hunting or fishing license also provides access to state properties for other recreation such as hiking, birdwatching and similar activities.

Annual fishing or hunting licenses good for 365 days from purchase date cost $15 each for state residents. Discounted short-term licenses from one to 10 days are also available for residents and non-residents. A basic one day fishing license for non-residents is only $10. You can purchase a license online, in person at Wal-Mart at 404 US Highway 27 Bypass in Bremen or call 800-366-2661.

Saltwater fishing requires a free Saltwater Information Permit (SIP) in addition to a basic fishing license. The SIP is valid for 365 days. Mountain trout fishing requires a trout license in addition to the basic fishing license, and big game and migratory bird hunting (for example ducks and dove) requires additional licenses in addition to the basic hunting license. There are other requirements for fishing and hunting.

New Student Requirements

Georgia law requires that students attend a public or private school or a home study program from their sixth to their 16th birthdays. Public Kindergarten is available in every school system, but it is not mandatory.

A child must be 5 years old on or before September 1 to enter a public Kindergarten. The child must be 6 years old on or before September 1 to enter first grade. School systems must verify age before enrollment. Georgia provides a public Pre-Kindergarten Program for students who are 4 years old on or before September 1. This program is administered by Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning.

A child who was a legal resident of one or more states for a period of two years immediately prior to moving to Georgia and who was legally enrolled in either a public Kindergarten or first grade, or a private Kindergarten or first grade accredited by a state or regional association, would be eligible to enroll in Georgia schools, provided that the Kindergartner is five years old by December 31 or the first grader is six by that date.

Students enrolling in Georgia public schools for the first time will be asked by the school or school system to furnish a Social Security number. However, the Social Security Number is not required for enrollment in public schools. If they prefer, parents or guardians may sign a statement declining to provide the number without giving a reason. Students for whom Social Security numbers are not available will be assigned other student identification numbers.

A student, regardless of grade level, who has never been in a Georgia public school must provide certification of eye, ear and dental examinations on the Georgia Department of Human Resources Form 3300. Any child admitted to school without a certificate must present one within 120 calendar days. Forms may be obtained and completed at the local public health departments or physician offices.

Georgia Law requires children attending school (Kindergarten – 12th grade) to be age appropriately immunized with all the required vaccines at the time of first entry in school. A new entrant is a child entering a school in Georgia for the first time or entering after having been absent from a Georgia school for more than 12 months or one school year. All students, regardless of grade and including foreign exchange students, must have the Georgia Department of Human Resources Form 3231 immunization certificate marked “Complete for School” with some exceptions.

Register to Vote

Voter registration is a county function. Georgia counties issue precinct cards after reviewing and processing applications.

To register to vote you must:

• Be a citizen of the United States
• Be a legal resident of the county
• Be at least 17 1/2 years of age to register and 18 years of age to vote
• Not be serving a sentence for conviction of a felony involving moral turpitude
• Have not been found mentally incompetent by a judge

Please Click Here to Register to Vote Online | Learn More

Boat Registration

Registration is required for all mechanically-propelled vessels and sailboats over 12 feet in length used on waters of this state -- any waters within the territorial limits of Georgia and the marginal sea adjacent to Georgia and the high seas when navigated as a part of a journey or ride to or from the shore of Georgia. This definition does not include privately-owned ponds or lakes not open to the public.

Renew your boat registration or register a boat for the first time online by clicking here or calling 800-366-2661 where you can speak with a local representative who can help. You can also print and mail an application to:

Georgia Department of Natural Resources
P.O. Box 934943
Atlanta, GA 31193-4943