Understanding the Gold & Black Stars on a Georgia Driver’s License

Ever looked at a Georgia driver’s license and wondered what that tiny gold or black star means? You’re not alone. Those symbols are more than decorative-they signal specific privileges or restrictions that can affect how you drive, renew, or even transfer your license. In this guide we’ll break down exactly what each star stands for, who qualifies, and what you need to do if you see one on your card.

What the stars actually are

When the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) issues a license, it can add a small star in the upper‑right corner of the front side. The color of the star tells you which special program the holder belongs to.

Georgia driver's license is the official identification card issued by the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS)-the state agency responsible for driver licensing, testing, and record‑keeping. The DDS adds a gold starto indicate a veteran or senior driver eligible for a reduced fee or a black starto show a driver with a disability who has earned a special accommodations endorsement.

Gold star: who gets it and why it matters

The gold star is a badge of honor and convenience. It shows that the holder belongs to one of the following groups:

• U.S. military veterans who have served on active duty and meet the DDS’s eligibility criteria.
• Senior citizens aged 65 or older who qualify for reduced license fees.

Both groups receive a fee waiver for the standard driver’s license renewal or initial issuance. The star itself does not change any driving privileges; it simply flags the holder for the discount.

Eligibility checklist for a gold star:

1. Provide proof of veteran status (DD214, military ID) or proof of age (birth certificate, passport).
2. Complete the standard DDS application form.
3. Pay the reduced fee (as of 2025, $10 for veterans, $5 for seniors).

If you already have a gold star and your status changes (for example, you move out of the senior age range), the DDS will remove the star during your next renewal.

Black star: what it signals and who qualifies

The black star is reserved for drivers who have a documented disability that requires specific accommodations. Typical scenarios include:

• Limited use of one hand or foot, requiring adaptive controls.
• Visual impairments that qualify for a restricted vision endorsement.
• Speech or cognitive conditions that need a hearing‑aid or a restricted‑time‑of‑day endorsement.

When a black star appears, it tells law enforcement and insurance companies that the driver holds a disabled driver endorsementan official notation allowing use of adaptive equipment or imposing certain driving limits. This can affect how insurance premiums are calculated and what restrictions are printed on the back of the license.

Steps to obtain a black star:

1. Obtain a medical evaluation from a licensed physician confirming the disability.
2. Submit a DDS‑approved “Disability Accommodation Request” form with supporting documentation.
3. Pass any required road‑test modifications (e.g., using a hand‑control vehicle).
4. Pay the standard fee (no discount unless you also qualify for a gold star).

Once approved, the black star appears on your license for the duration of the endorsement. If your condition improves or you no longer need the accommodation, you must request a removal during renewal.

Gold vs. black star: side‑by‑side comparison

Common misconceptions and pitfalls

Because the stars are tiny, they’re easy to miss. That leads to a few recurring mistakes:

• Assuming the gold star grants special driving rights. It only reduces fees; it does not affect speed limits or lane usage.
• Thinking a black star automatically lowers insurance premiums. Some insurers may offer discounts, but many treat the star as a risk factor that could raise rates.
• Forgetting to update the star status during renewal. If you’re no longer eligible for a gold star, the DDS will remove it; failing to report changes can lead to fines.

Keep your license up to date and double‑check the front side when you get it back from the DDS. If the star is missing or incorrect, call the DDS immediately to avoid future headaches.

How to verify the star on your own license

Follow this quick checklist during your next license pickup:

1. Hold the license with the front side facing you.
2. Locate the small star in the upper‑right corner, just above the barcode.
3. Note its color-gold (yellowish) or black.
4. Match the color to your eligibility (gold=veteran/senior, black=disability endorsement).
5. If the star is absent but you think you qualify, bring your proof of eligibility to the nearest DDS office.

This five‑step routine takes less than a minute and can save you from unnecessary trips later.

Next steps if you need a star or want to remove one

Whether you’re applying for the first time or updating an existing license, the process is straightforward:

• Visit a DDS office or schedule an appointment online.
• Bring the required documentation (military discharge papers, senior ID, medical report).
• Complete the appropriate form (Standard License Application, Veteran Discount Form, or Disability Accommodation Request).
• Pay the applicable fee.
• Receive your new card with the correct star within 7‑10 business days.

If you already have a star and need it removed, simply request a correction during renewal and provide evidence that the original eligibility no longer applies.