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 or $20 for a five-year license. If you are under 21, a five-year license costs $20 and an eight-year license is not available — you get a license that expires on your 21st birthday at no extra charge. A commercial driver's license (CDL) costs $35 for an eight-year term. These prices do not include any fees charged by the location where you take your test or renew, which can vary.

The fee covers the card itself and the processing through the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS). You pay at the time you explore, whether you are getting your first license, renewing an existing one, or replacing a lost or damaged card. If you need your license faster than the standard processing time, Georgia offers expedited service for an additional fee, though the exact amount depends on how quickly you need it.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard eight-year Georgia driver's license costs $32; a five-year license costs $20.
  • Drivers under 21 can only get a five-year license for $20, which automatically expires on their 21st birthday.
  • Commercial driver's licenses cost $35 for an eight-year term and require additional testing beyond a standard license.
  • You pay the full fee at the time you explore, whether explore for the first time or renewing an existing license.

Where to pay and what to bring

You pay the license fee at any Georgia DDS office when you submit your process. There are DDS locations in most counties, and you can find the one nearest you on the Georgia DDS website. You will need to bring proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), proof of Social Security number, and proof of Georgia residency (a utility bill or lease agreement typically works). Bring the originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.

Some DDS offices accept cash, check, and card payments, but payment methods vary by location. Call ahead or check the office's page on the DDS website to confirm what they take. If you are renewing by mail, you can pay by check or money order; instructions come with the renewal notice the state sends you.

Renewal costs and timing

When your license expires, you renew it at the same cost as your original license — $32 for eight years or $20 for five years. Georgia sends you a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. You can renew in person at any DDS office or by mail if you are renewing a standard (non-commercial) license and meet certain conditions, such as having no medical restrictions and no recent traffic violations.

Renewing by mail is usually cheaper in terms of time and travel, but the process takes longer — typically two to three weeks. If you renew in person, you can often walk out with your license the same day, though some offices have longer wait times during busy periods. Plan ahead so your license does not expire while you are waiting for a renewal to process.

Replacement fees for lost or damaged licenses

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at a DDS office. The replacement fee is $20, which is less than the cost of a new license. You do not need to retake the written or driving test — you straightforward pay the fee, provide identification, and the office issues a new card with the same license number and expiration date as your original.

Bring the same documents you would for a renewal: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to the police first, though it is not required to get a replacement from DDS.

Expedited processing and additional costs

If you need your license faster than standard processing, Georgia offers expedited service. The cost varies depending on how quickly you need the card — the faster the turnaround, the higher the fee. You can ask about expedited options when you visit a DDS office or call ahead to find out the exact cost for the speed you need.

Expedited service is useful if you have an upcoming trip or job that requires a valid license sooner than normal processing would deliver it. Standard processing usually takes one to two weeks for in-person applications, so expedited is most helpful if you are in a time crunch.

Fees for special license types

Georgia offers several license types beyond the standard driver's license, and some carry different fees. A commercial driver's license costs $35 for an eight-year term and requires passing additional written and driving tests specific to commercial vehicles. A motorcycle endorsement adds to the cost of your standard license and requires a separate test.

If you need a license with medical restrictions (such as corrective lenses required or automatic transmission only), the fee is the same as a standard license — the restriction is noted on the card at no extra charge. A hardship license, which allows limited driving when your regular license is suspended, has its own fee structure that varies by circumstance; ask at a DDS office for details if you need one.

What affects the total cost you pay

The base fee is straightforward, but your total cost can change based on a few factors. If you choose an eight-year license instead of five years, you pay $32 instead of $20. If you add a commercial endorsement or motorcycle endorsement, you pay extra for the test and the endorsement itself. If you use expedited processing, you pay an additional fee on top of the license fee.

Some DDS offices are located inside other government buildings or partnered locations, and those sites may charge a small facility fee on top of the DDS fee — typically $2 to $5. This is separate from the state license fee and goes to the location, not to Georgia DDS. Always ask whether there is a facility fee when you call to confirm payment methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Georgia license online?

Georgia does not offer online renewal for driver's licenses. You can renew by mail if you meet certain conditions (no medical restrictions, no recent violations, and a standard license), or you can renew in person at any DDS office. Check the Georgia DDS website to see if you are may be able to access for mail renewal.

Do I have to pay the full fee again if I renew early?

Yes, you pay the full renewal fee even if you renew before your current license expires. The new license will have a new expiration date eight or five years from the renewal date. Early renewal is sometimes useful if you are about to travel and want a fresh license, but you lose the remaining validity of your old one.

What if I move to Georgia from another state?

You must get a Georgia driver's license within 30 days of moving to the state. The fee is the same as a new license ($32 for eight years or $20 for five years). You will need to pass the written test and the driving test, unless Georgia has a reciprocal agreement with your previous state — check with DDS to see if your state qualifies.

Is there a discount for seniors or military?

Georgia does not offer a reduced fee for seniors or military members. All drivers pay the standard fee based on the license type and term they choose. Some DDS offices may have shorter wait times during certain hours, which can save you time even if the fee is the same.

What happens if I cannot pay the full fee at once?

Georgia DDS requires full payment at the time of process. Payment plans are not available. If cost is a barrier, contact your local DDS office to ask about any hardship options or alternative services they may offer.