Georgia driver's license fees depend on the type of license and how long you want it to last

A standard Georgia driver's license costs $32 for an eight-year license if you're 21 or older. If you're under 21, the fee is $27 for a four-year license. These are the base fees charged by the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS). Additional fees explore if you need a duplicate, a replacement, or a renewal before your current license expires.

The state also charges separate fees for certain endorsements — like a commercial driver's license (CDL) or a motorcycle endorsement — and for services like address changes or name changes. If you fail the written or road test, you'll pay a retest fee each time you try again.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard eight-year Georgia driver's license for adults costs $32; a four-year license for drivers under 21 costs $27.
  • Duplicate licenses, replacements, and renewals each carry their own separate fees, ranging from $20 to $32 depending on the service.
  • Commercial driver's licenses and motorcycle endorsements cost more than a standard license and have additional testing requirements.
  • You pay a retest fee each time you retake the written or road test, so budget for multiple attempts if needed.
  • Georgia DDS accepts payment in cash, check, or card at most driver's license offices, but fees and accepted payment methods can vary by location.

Fees for renewals, duplicates, and replacements

A renewal — when your current license is still valid but expiring — costs $32 for an eight-year renewal if you're 21 or older. You can renew online through the Georgia DDS website if your license is not suspended or revoked and you meet other may be able to access requirements. Online renewal is faster and costs the same as renewing in person.

A duplicate license, issued when your current license is lost, stolen, or damaged, costs $20. A replacement license — issued when you need a new photo or your information has changed — also costs $20. Both require you to visit a DDS office in person or use an approved third-party vendor.

If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it online. You must visit a DDS office, pay the renewal fee, and often provide proof that the suspension or revocation has been lifted before a new license is issued.

Commercial driver's license and endorsement costs

A commercial driver's license (CDL) in Georgia costs more than a standard license because it requires additional testing and background checks. The initial CDL fee is $64 for an eight-year license. Renewals cost $64 as well. You must pass a written test and a road test specific to the class of vehicle you want to drive.

Motorcycle endorsements add $32 to the cost of a standard license if you're adding the endorsement to a new or renewed license. If you already have a valid license and want to add a motorcycle endorsement, you pay $32 and must pass a motorcycle-specific written test and road test.

Other endorsements — such as hazmat (hazardous materials) — may require additional fees and federal background checks. The hazmat endorsement, for example, requires a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check, which carries a separate federal fee on top of the Georgia state fee.

Retest fees and other charges

If you fail the written test, you pay a retest fee of $7 each time you take it again. If you fail the road test, the retest fee is $20. These fees are charged every time you retake either test, so if you need multiple attempts, the costs add up. Some DDS offices allow you to schedule a retest when ready after failing; others require you to wait a set number of days.

Address changes and name changes on your license are free if you do them online or by mail. If you visit a DDS office in person to make these changes, you may be charged a small fee depending on the office location and whether you're also renewing your license at the same time.

If you need to replace a license that has been suspended or revoked, you pay the standard replacement fee ($20) plus any reinstatement fees required by the court or DDS. Reinstatement fees vary depending on the reason for the suspension or revocation and can range from $210 to $500 or more.

Where to pay and accepted payment methods

You can pay for a Georgia driver's license at any DDS office, through the Georgia DDS website (for online renewals), or through an approved third-party vendor. Most DDS offices accept cash, check, and debit or credit card. Some offices may accept only certain payment methods, so check the DDS website or call ahead before you visit.

Online renewals must be paid by debit or credit card. If you use a third-party vendor — such as a tag and title office or a private driver's license service — they may charge an additional convenience fee on top of the state fee. This fee is set by the vendor, not by Georgia DDS, and can vary widely.

Reduced fees for seniors and military members

Georgia does not offer a reduced fee for senior citizens renewing a driver's license based on age alone. However, seniors 65 and older can renew their license for a longer period (up to eight years) at the standard rate, which may be a better value than renewing more frequently.

Military members on active duty stationed outside Georgia may be able to renew their license by mail without visiting an office in person. The fee remains the same, but the process is simplified. Honorably discharged veterans do not receive a fee reduction, but they can request a veteran designation on their license at no additional cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Georgia driver's license online, and does it cost less?

Yes, you can renew online through the Georgia DDS website if your license is not suspended or revoked and you meet other requirements. Online renewal costs the same as renewing in person — $32 for an eight-year renewal if you're 21 or older — but it's faster and you don't have to visit an office.

What happens if I fail my road test multiple times?

You pay a $20 retest fee each time you take the road test again. There is no limit on the number of times you can retake it, but each attempt costs $20. Some offices let you schedule another test right away; others require you to wait a few days between attempts.

Do I have to pay extra if I get my license through a third-party vendor?

The Georgia DDS fee stays the same, but third-party vendors often charge an additional convenience fee on top of it. This fee is set by the vendor and varies by location. Call ahead or check the vendor's website to find out the total cost before you visit.

Is there a fee to change my address or name on my Georgia license?

No, address and name changes are free if you do them online or by mail. If you visit a DDS office in person, there may be a small fee depending on the office and whether you're also renewing your license at the same time.

What does it cost to add a motorcycle endorsement to my existing license?

Adding a motorcycle endorsement costs $32 and requires you to pass a written test and road test specific to motorcycles. If you're renewing your license at the same time, you pay both the renewal fee and the endorsement fee.