How to Get and Renew a Georgia Driver's License

What You Need to Get a Georgia Driver's License

Georgia issues driver's licenses through the Department of Driver Services (DDS), which operates offices in every county. To get your first license or renew an expired one, you will need to visit a DDS office in person — you cannot complete the process online or by mail. The office will require proof of identity, proof of Georgia residency, and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

Proof of identity means a valid passport, certified birth certificate, or military ID. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current Georgia address. You will also take a written test on traffic laws and a vision test at the DDS office. If you are under 18, you will need a parent or guardian to sign your process.

The fee for a regular driver's license is $32 for an eight-year license. If you want a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic flights after May 7, 2025), the fee is $35. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at most offices.

Key Takeaways

You must visit a DDS office in person with proof of identity, proof of Georgia residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN.
Georgia offers both standard driver's licenses and Real ID-compliant licenses, which cost $32 and $35 respectively and are valid for eight years.
You will take a written test and vision test at the DDS office; minors need a parent or guardian to sign the process.
Renewal can be done in person at a DDS office or online through the DDS website if your license is not expired and you have no medical restrictions.

How to Renew Your Georgia Driver's License

If your license is not yet expired and you have no medical restrictions, you can renew online through the DDS website without visiting an office. Online renewal takes about 10 business days, and your new license will be mailed to your address on file. The online renewal fee is $32 for a standard license or $35 for Real ID.

If your license is already expired, you have medical restrictions, or you want to change information on your license, you must renew in person at a DDS office. In-person renewal requires the same documents as a first-time license: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN. You will not need to retake the written test unless your license has been expired for more than five years, but you will take a new vision test.

In-person renewal typically takes 30 to 45 minutes at the office, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Your new license is usually mailed within two weeks. If you need your license sooner, some DDS offices offer expedited service for an additional fee.

Real ID Compliance and What It Means

A Real ID-compliant driver's license meets federal standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID license or another acceptable form of federal ID to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. A standard Georgia driver's license will no longer be accepted for these purposes after that date.

The Real ID license looks similar to a standard license but has a gold star in the upper right corner. The process process is the same as for a standard license, and the fee is only $3 more. If you already have a standard license and want to upgrade to Real ID, you can do so during renewal or by visiting a DDS office and paying the difference.

If you do not plan to fly domestically or enter federal buildings, a standard driver's license will remain valid for all other purposes, including driving and state identification.

DDS Office Locations and How to Schedule an Appointment

Georgia has DDS offices in all 159 counties. You can find your nearest office and check current wait times on the DDS website. Many offices now require appointments, which you can schedule online through the DDS website or by calling 678-413-8400. Some offices still accept walk-ins, but appointment holders are served first.

Scheduling an appointment online is faster than calling and lets you choose a specific date and time. The DDS website also shows which services are available at each location — some smaller offices may not offer all services, such as commercial driver's license testing. If you are unsure which office to visit or what documents you need, the DDS website has a document checklist tool organized by service type.

Wait times vary widely depending on the office and time of day. Urban offices tend to be busier during lunch hours and late afternoon. If you have flexibility, visiting early in the morning or mid-week usually means shorter waits.

What Happens If Your License Is Suspended or Revoked

A Georgia driver's license can be suspended or revoked for reasons including unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, accumulating too many points from traffic violations, driving under the influence, or medical conditions that make driving unsafe. A suspension is temporary; a revocation is permanent until you meet specific conditions to restore it.

If your license is suspended, you cannot legally drive. You can check the status of your license on the DDS website by entering your driver's license number and date of birth. If your license is suspended, the website will tell you the reason and what you need to do to restore it — usually paying fines, completing a defensive driving course, or providing medical clearance.

To restore a suspended license, you typically need to visit a DDS office with proof that you have met the restoration requirements. The restoration fee is $210. If your license was revoked, the process is more complex and may require a hearing or completion of a substance abuse program, depending on the reason for revocation.

Changing Your Name, Address, or Other Information

You can change your address on your Georgia driver's license online through the DDS website at no cost. Address changes take effect when ready and do not require a new physical license to be issued. If you need to change your name, you must visit a DDS office in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Changing your name on your license costs $32 for a standard license or $35 for Real ID. You will receive a new physical license in the mail within two weeks. Other changes, such as correcting your eye color or height, also require an in-person visit and a new license fee.

If you move out of Georgia, your Georgia license remains valid until it expires. You do not need to surrender it, but you should obtain a license from your new state within the timeframe required by that state's law.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Georgia driver's license if I do not have a Social Security number?

Yes. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can provide an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. You will need to bring documentation of your ITIN, such as a tax return or IRS letter. The process process is otherwise the same.

How long does it take to get a Georgia driver's license after I explore?

Your new license is mailed within two weeks of your visit to the DDS office. If you renew online, it takes about 10 business days. If you need your license sooner, some DDS offices offer expedited service for an additional fee, though availability varies by location.

What if I lose my driver's license or it is stolen?

You can report a lost or stolen license on the DDS website or by visiting a DDS office. You can request a replacement license for $32 (standard) or $35 (Real ID). A replacement license is mailed within two weeks. Until you receive it, you can request a temporary paper license at the DDS office to use while driving.

Do I need to take a driving test to renew my license?

No. When you renew your license, you take only a vision test, not a written or driving test — unless your license has been expired for more than five years, in which case you must retake the written test. If you are renewing online, you skip both tests.

What is the difference between a standard license and a Real ID license?

A Real ID license meets federal security standards and has a gold star in the upper right corner. It costs $3 more than a standard license. After May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID license to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. For driving and state ID purposes, both are equally valid.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.