Where to renew and what documents you need

You can renew an expired Georgia driver's license at any Department of Driver Services (DDS) office in the state. The easiest route is often the one closest to your home — you can find the full list and hours on the Georgia DDS website. You will need to bring your expired license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number.

If your address has changed since your license expired, bring a document showing your new address. If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that proves it — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You do not need to bring your original Social Security card, but you do need to know your number.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew at any DDS office in Georgia with your expired license, proof of address, and Social Security number.
  • Georgia allows you to renew online if your license expired fewer than five years ago and you have not had any suspensions or restrictions.
  • In-person renewal usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot while your plastic card is mailed to you.
  • If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test and vision screening.
  • The renewal fee is $32 for a four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license, and you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

Renewing online if your license is not too old

Georgia offers online renewal through its website if your license expired fewer than five years ago and you have no active suspensions, restrictions, or violations on your record. The process takes about 10 minutes: you log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, answer a few questions about your address and name, and pay the renewal fee by debit or credit card.

You will receive a temporary paper license by email right away, valid for 30 days while your new plastic license is printed and mailed. The mailed card usually arrives within two to three weeks. This route works only if nothing about your license status has changed — if you have moved, changed your name, or had any violations, you must renew in person instead.

What happens when you renew in person

When you arrive at a DDS office, check in at the front desk and take a number. You will be called to a window where an agent will review your documents, take a new photo, and process your renewal. The whole visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is.

Before you leave, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. This temporary license has the same legal weight as your plastic license — you can drive with it, show it to police, and use it for identification. Your new plastic license will be mailed to the address you provided, usually within two to three weeks. If you do not receive it after four weeks, contact the DDS office where you renewed to check the status.

When you have to retake the written test or vision screening

If your license expired more than five years ago, Georgia requires you to retake the written knowledge test and pass a vision screening before you can renew. The vision test is quick — an agent will check your eyesight at the DDS office. The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving rules, and you can study using the Georgia Driver's Manual, available free on the DDS website.

You get three chances to pass the written test on the same day. If you fail all three, you will need to come back another day to try again. Many people pass on the first attempt if they spend 20 to 30 minutes reviewing the manual beforehand. There is no fee to retake the test.

Fees and payment methods

A four-year Georgia driver's license costs $32 to renew. An eight-year license costs $64. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at any DDS office. If you renew online, you can only pay by debit or credit card.

Some DDS offices have ATMs on-site if you need cash, but not all do — call ahead if you plan to pay by cash and want to be sure the office has an ATM. Checks should be made out to the Georgia Department of Driver Services.

What to do if your license was suspended or revoked

If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward renew it. You must first contact the DDS to find out why it was suspended and what steps you need to take to restore it. Suspensions can happen for unpaid traffic tickets, unpaid child support, medical reasons, or other violations. The restoration process varies depending on the reason.

Call the DDS at 678-413-8400 to speak with someone about your specific situation. They can tell you what documents you need and whether you have to pay a reinstatement fee. Once your license is restored, you can then renew it through the normal process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with an expired license while I wait for my renewal?

No, you cannot legally drive with an expired license. However, once you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days, and you can drive with that while your plastic card is mailed to you. If you renew online, your temporary license is emailed to you and is also valid for 30 days.

What if I moved and my address is wrong on my expired license?

Bring a document showing your new address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The agent will update your address during the renewal process. If you renew online, you can update your address in the system before you pay.

How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?

Most new licenses arrive within two to three weeks of your renewal. If you do not receive it after four weeks, contact the DDS office where you renewed to check whether it was mailed and to your correct address.

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

Most DDS offices do not require appointments for renewals — you can walk in and take a number. However, some offices in busy areas may have a reservation system. Check the DDS website for your local office to see if appointments are recommended or required.

What if I lost my expired license?

You can still renew without it. Bring your proof of address and Social Security number, and tell the agent that your license is lost. They will process your renewal the same way, though it may take a few extra minutes for them to verify your information in the system.