Georgia lets you renew your driver's license up to one year before it expires

You can renew your Georgia driver's license as early as 12 months before your expiration date. The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) allows this window to give you flexibility — whether you're planning ahead, traveling internationally, or straightforward want to avoid the rush closer to your expiration date. There is no penalty for renewing early, and your new license will be valid for eight years from the date you renew (or five years if you're under 21).

The one-year window is firm. You cannot renew more than 12 months before your expiration date. If you attempt to renew earlier than that, DDS will reject your request and ask you to return when you fall within the may be able to access window.

Your expiration date is printed on the front of your current license. If your license expires on March 15, 2025, you can renew starting March 15, 2024. You do not need to wait until the actual expiration date — you can renew any day within that 12-month period.

Key Takeaways

  • Georgia allows you to renew your driver's license starting 12 months before your expiration date, with no penalty for renewing early.
  • Your new license will be valid for eight years from the renewal date (five years if you are under 21), so renewing early does not shorten the life of your new license.
  • You can renew in person at any DDS office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the Georgia DDS website if you are renewing a standard license.
  • Bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number; requirements vary slightly depending on your renewal method.
  • Processing times range from same-day (in-person) to two to three weeks (by mail), so plan accordingly if you need your license by a specific date.

How to check your exact renewal window

Your expiration date is the only number you need. Look at the front of your current Georgia driver's license — the expiration date appears in the lower right corner. Count back 12 months from that date, and that is the earliest day you can renew.

If you are unsure of your expiration date or cannot locate your license, you can call the Georgia DDS at 678-413-8400 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time). They can tell you your expiration date over the phone. You will need your driver's license number or Social Security number to verify your identity.

Renewing in person at a DDS office

In-person renewal is the fastest option and works for all license types. You can walk into any DDS office during business hours, complete your renewal on the spot, and receive a temporary paper license when ready. Your plastic card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Bring your current Georgia driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current Georgia address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that changed it — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

DDS offices are located throughout Georgia. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Georgia DDS website. Some offices accept walk-ins; others operate by appointment only. Calling ahead or checking online before you go can save you a trip.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal is available only if your current license is valid (not expired) and you are renewing a standard Class D license. You cannot renew by mail if you hold a commercial license, motorcycle endorsement, or any other special designation.

Request a mail renewal form from the Georgia DDS website or by calling 678-413-8400. Complete the form, include a copy of your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Georgia address. Mail everything to the address listed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks, and your new license will arrive by mail.

Mail renewal costs the same as in-person renewal. You will not receive a temporary license, so plan ahead if you need to drive before your new card arrives.

Renewing online through the Georgia DDS website

Online renewal is the most convenient option if you are renewing a standard Class D license and your current license is valid. You cannot renew online if you hold a commercial license, motorcycle endorsement, or if your license has been suspended or revoked.

Visit the Georgia DDS website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and Social Security number to log in. Follow the prompts to update your address if needed, review your information, and pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You will not receive a temporary license.

Online renewal is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The process typically takes 10 to 15 minutes. You will receive a confirmation number by email once your renewal is submitted.

What happens if you renew more than one year early

If you attempt to renew before the 12-month window opens, DDS will reject your request. You will be told to return when you are within 12 months of your expiration date. This applies regardless of whether you are renewing in person, by mail, or online.

There is no way around this rule. DDS does not make exceptions for travel, work, or other circumstances. If you need a license for international travel and your renewal window has not opened yet, you can explore for a passport instead, which does not require your driver's license to be current.

Renewal fees and what to expect after you renew

Georgia driver's license renewal costs $32 for an eight-year license (standard for adults 21 and older). If you are under 21, the cost is $20 for a five-year license. Fees are the same whether you renew in person, by mail, or online. Payment methods vary by renewal method: in-person accepts cash, check, or card; mail and online accept card only.

Once you renew, your old license remains valid until your expiration date. You do not need to destroy it or return it. When your new license arrives, keep it in a safe place. If your new license is lost or damaged before it arrives, contact DDS when ready — they can reissue it, though there may be an additional fee.

Your new license will have a new expiration date eight years from the date you renewed (five years if you are under 21). This means renewing early does not shorten the validity of your new license — you straightforward gain extra time on your old one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Georgia driver's license if I am out of state?

Yes, but your options depend on where you are. If you are still a Georgia resident, you can renew by mail or online. If you have moved out of state and changed your residency, you must renew in person at a Georgia DDS office or contact DDS to understand your options. You cannot renew by mail or online if you no longer live in Georgia.

What if my current license is expired — can I still renew early?

No. You can only renew early if your current license is still valid. If your license has already expired, you must renew it as a standard renewal, not an early one. The process is the same, but you may need to retake the written test or vision test depending on how long it has been expired.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person at a DDS office?

It depends on the office. Some DDS locations accept walk-ins during all hours; others require appointments. Check the Georgia DDS website or call your local office before you go. Making an appointment online or by phone can reduce your wait time significantly.

How long does it take to receive my new license after I renew?

In-person renewal: you receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal: two to three weeks. Online renewal: 7 to 10 business days. These timelines assume normal processing and do not account for mail delays.

Can I renew my license if my address has changed?

Yes. You can update your address during the renewal process, whether you renew in person, by mail, or online. Bring proof of your new Georgia address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days) if you renew in person. For mail and online renewal, you will be prompted to enter your new address.