You can renew an expired Georgia license in person, by mail, or online depending on how long it has been expired
Georgia allows you to renew an expired driver's license through three main routes: online through the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) website, by mail, or in person at a DDS office. Which route you can use depends on how long your license has been expired and whether you need a Real ID-compliant license. If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you have the most options. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a DDS office.
The process itself is straightforward: you provide your current information, pay the renewal fee, and submit any required documents. For most people, the online or mail route takes one to two weeks from submission to receiving the renewed license in the mail. In-person renewals are typically completed the same day, though you will receive your physical card by mail within one to two weeks.
Key Takeaways
- Licenses expired fewer than five years ago can be renewed online, by mail, or in person; licenses expired more than five years ago require an in-person visit to a DDS office.
- Online renewal through the Georgia DDS website is the fastest route for most people and costs the same as other methods.
- You will need your Social Security number, current address, and payment method (credit or debit card) to renew online.
- If you need a Real ID-compliant license or want to change your name or address, you may need to renew in person or provide additional documents by mail.
- Your renewed license will arrive by mail within one to two weeks of approval; you can use your renewal receipt as a temporary license until it arrives.
Online renewal through the Georgia DDS website
The Georgia DDS website (dds.georgia.gov) offers online renewal for most people whose licenses expired fewer than five years ago. You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, date of birth, and a valid credit or debit card. The process takes about 10 minutes and costs the standard renewal fee (which varies depending on the length of your renewal period).
After you submit your information online, the DDS system verifies your identity and processes your payment. If everything checks out, you will receive a confirmation email with a receipt number. Your renewed license will be mailed to the address on file within one to two weeks. You can use your renewal receipt as proof of a valid license until the physical card arrives.
Online renewal is not available if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you need to change your name or address, or if you want to upgrade to a Real ID-compliant license. In those cases, you will need to renew by mail or in person.
Mail renewal and what documents to include
To renew by mail, you must request a renewal process from the Georgia DDS or read it from their website. Fill out the process completely, sign it, and mail it along with your payment and any required documents to the address listed on the form. The DDS processes mail renewals in the order they are received, which typically takes two to three weeks from the time they receive your envelope.
Required documents depend on your situation. If you are renewing with no changes to your name or address, you usually only need the completed process and payment. If you are changing your name, you must include an official document showing the change (such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). If you are changing your address, include proof of residency such as a utility bill or lease dated within the past 60 days.
If you want a Real ID-compliant license by mail, you must also submit proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate or passport) and proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form). Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal, so use this route only if you cannot renew online or in person.
In-person renewal at a Georgia DDS office
You must renew in person if your license expired more than five years ago, if your license has been suspended or revoked, or if you want to upgrade to a Real ID-compliant license. Visit any Georgia DDS office with your expired license, proof of Social Security number, and payment. If you are upgrading to Real ID, also bring proof of citizenship and proof of residency.
DDS offices are located throughout Georgia. You can find the office nearest you and check current wait times on the Georgia DDS website. Most offices operate Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some offer extended hours. Bring all required documents with you; missing documents will delay your renewal.
In-person renewal is completed the same day. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within one to two weeks. This route is fastest if you need your license when ready, since you can drive legally on the temporary license while you wait for the permanent one.
Documents you need for each renewal route
| Renewal Route | Required Documents | Real ID Upgrade |
|---|---|---|
| Online | Driver's license number, Social Security number, date of birth | Not available online |
| By Mail | Completed process, payment, expired license | Add proof of citizenship and Social Security number |
| In Person | Expired license, proof of Social Security number, payment | Add proof of citizenship and proof of residency |
Renewal fees and payment methods
Georgia renewal fees depend on the type of license and the length of your renewal period. A standard driver's license renewal typically costs between $32 and $35 for an eight-year renewal. A Real ID-compliant license costs slightly more. You can pay online with a credit or debit card, by mail with a check or money order, or in person with cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
If you are renewing by mail, make your check or money order payable to the Georgia Department of Driver Services. Do not send cash through the mail. If you are renewing online or in person, you can use Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover.
What to do if your license has been suspended or revoked
If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it through the normal process. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation by contacting the Georgia DDS directly. Suspensions are often related to unpaid traffic fines, unpaid child support, or failure to appear in court. Revocations are more serious and typically result from DUI convictions or accumulating too many points.
Call the Georgia DDS at 678-413-8400 to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it. Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can renew through any of the three routes described above. This process can take several weeks or longer depending on the reason for the suspension or revocation.
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, if you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. If you renew online or by mail, you can use your renewal receipt as proof of a valid license, though some law enforcement officers may not accept it. To be safe, renew in person if you need to drive when ready.
How long does it take to receive my renewed license in the mail?
Most renewed licenses arrive within one to two weeks of approval. Online renewals are typically approved within one business day, so you can expect your card within one to two weeks of submitting online. Mail renewals take two to three weeks for the DDS to process, plus one to two weeks for delivery. In-person renewals are approved when ready, with the card arriving within one to two weeks.
What if I moved and my address changed since my license expired?
If you are renewing online, you can update your address during the online process. If you are renewing by mail, include proof of your new address such as a utility bill or lease dated within the past 60 days. If you are renewing in person, bring the same proof of residency. You cannot change your address at a DDS office without renewing your license, so handle the address change as part of your renewal.
Do I need a Real ID-compliant license to renew?
No. A standard driver's license is still valid for driving. However, starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of identification to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If you want to upgrade to Real ID during your renewal, you must renew in person or by mail and provide proof of citizenship and Social Security number.
What if I lost my expired license and cannot find it?
You can still renew without your expired license. If renewing online, you only need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth. If renewing by mail or in person, contact the Georgia DDS to request a replacement or proceed without it. The DDS can look up your information in their system, though the process may take slightly longer.