Georgia driver's license fees by license type

A Georgia driver's license costs between $32 and $87, depending on whether you're getting your first license, renewing an existing one, or replacing a lost card. The Department of Driver Services (DDS) sets these fees, and they vary based on how long your license is valid.

A standard Class D driver's license — the most common type for regular driving — costs $32 if you're renewing and your license hasn't expired. If you're getting your first license or your current one has expired, the cost is $87. The difference reflects that first-time and expired licenses require more processing steps, including vision and written tests.

If you need a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic flights), you'll pay the same $32 or $87 depending on renewal versus first-time, but you'll need to bring additional documents like a passport or birth certificate. The Real ID designation itself doesn't add a separate fee — it's included in the standard license cost.

Key Takeaways

  • A Georgia driver's license renewal costs $32 if your license is still valid, or $87 if it has expired or you're getting your first license.
  • Real ID-compliant licenses cost the same as standard licenses but require you to bring proof of citizenship and identity documents.
  • You can renew by mail, online, or in person at a DDS office, and the method you choose doesn't change the fee.
  • Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) and motorcycle endorsements have different fee structures and are not included in the standard $32 or $87 cost.

How to pay and where to renew

When you renew in person at a DDS office, you pay the fee directly at the counter using cash, debit card, or credit card. Most offices accept all three payment methods, though it's worth calling ahead if you're paying with a specific card type and want to confirm.

If you renew by mail, you'll include a check or money order with your renewal process. The DDS processes mail renewals at a central location, so your payment arrives with your paperwork. Online renewals through the DDS website also accept debit or credit cards at the time you submit your process.

You can find your nearest DDS office on the Georgia Department of Driver Services website. Offices are located in most counties, and wait times vary by location and time of day. Renewing online is often the fastest option if your license hasn't expired and you don't need to change your address or photograph.

What happens if your license has expired

Once your Georgia license expires, you cannot legally drive, and the renewal fee jumps to $87. The higher cost applies because expired licenses require you to retake the vision test and pass a written knowledge test, even if you've held a license for decades. This is a safety requirement, not a penalty.

You cannot renew an expired license by mail or online — you must go to a DDS office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of residency (like a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number. The office will administer the vision and written tests on the spot, and if you pass, you'll receive your new license within a few minutes or by mail within two weeks, depending on the office's process.

Commercial driver's licenses and endorsements

If you need a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) to operate a truck or bus, the cost is higher than a standard license. A CDL costs $87 for a four-year license or $65 for a two-year license. You must pass a written test specific to commercial driving, a skills test, and a medical examination, all of which take place at a DDS office.

Adding a motorcycle endorsement to an existing driver's license costs $20. You'll need to pass a motorcycle-specific written test and a riding skills test. If you want a motorcycle-only license without a car endorsement, that's a different process with its own fee structure.

Duplicate licenses and address changes

If you lose your license or need a duplicate for any reason, a replacement costs $20. You can order a duplicate online through the DDS website or request one in person at an office. Online orders arrive by mail in about two weeks.

Changing your address on your existing license is free if you do it online or by mail. You don't need to pay the renewal fee — you're straightforward updating your information. If you change your address in person at a DDS office, the staff will update your record at no charge.

How long your license is valid

A standard Georgia driver's license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. Your renewal date is printed on the front of your card. If you're over 64 years old, your license is valid for five years instead of eight, and the renewal fee remains the same at $32.

A Real ID license has the same validity period as a standard license — eight years for most people, five years if you're 64 or older. The expiration date doesn't change based on the Real ID designation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Georgia license online if it's expired?

No. Online renewal is only available if your license is still valid. If your license has expired, you must visit a DDS office in person to retake the vision and written tests. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.

Do I have to pay extra to get a Real ID license?

No. A Real ID license costs the same as a standard license — $32 for renewal or $87 for first-time or expired. You'll need to bring additional documents like a passport or birth certificate, but there's no separate fee for the Real ID designation.

What if I move to Georgia from another state?

You'll need to get a Georgia license, which costs $87 since it's your first Georgia license. You must pass the vision and written tests. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency in Georgia, and your Social Security number to a DDS office.

Is there a fee to change my address on my license?

No. Updating your address is free whether you do it online, by mail, or in person. You don't pay the renewal fee — you're only updating your information on your existing license.

How much does a motorcycle endorsement cost?

Adding a motorcycle endorsement to your existing driver's license costs $20. You'll need to pass a written test and a riding skills test at a DDS office. If you want a motorcycle-only license without a car endorsement, the fee is different.