What you pay for a Georgia driver's license
A Georgia driver's license costs $32 for an eight-year license if you are 21 or older. If you are under 21, the license costs $20 and expires when you turn 21. These are the base fees charged by the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) when you get a new license or renew an existing one.
The fee covers the card itself, the background check, and the processing. You pay this amount whether you renew in person at a DDS office or through the mail, though mail renewal is only available if your license is not expired and you meet other conditions. If you need a replacement card because yours was lost, stolen, or damaged, you pay the same renewal fee.
Some DDS locations charge an additional $5 service fee if you pay with a credit or debit card instead of cash or check. Not all locations impose this fee, so ask before you pay. A few counties also operate their own tag and title offices that handle driver's license transactions; these offices may charge slightly different fees, so call ahead if you are renewing in a county office rather than a DDS location.
Key Takeaways
- A standard Georgia driver's license for adults costs $32 and is valid for eight years.
- Licenses for people under 21 cost $20 and expire on the holder's 21st birthday.
- Replacement cards for lost, stolen, or damaged licenses cost the same as a renewal.
- Some DDS locations add a $5 fee if you pay by card instead of cash or check.
- You can renew by mail if your license is not expired, but in-person renewal is always an option.
When your license expires and when to renew
Your Georgia driver's license expires eight years from the date it was issued if you are 21 or older. The expiration date is printed on the front of your card. You can renew up to one year before the expiration date, so you do not have to wait until the last moment.
If your license has already expired, you must renew in person at a DDS office. You cannot use mail renewal once your license is past the expiration date. Bring your expired license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of your Social Security number. The DDS website lists all required documents by transaction type.
If you are under 21, your license expires on your 21st birthday. You will need to renew it in person at a DDS office after you turn 21 if you want a standard adult license. Bring your expired license, a birth certificate or passport, and proof of your current address.
Renewing by mail versus in person
Mail renewal costs the same as in-person renewal — $32 for adults — but you can only use it if your license is not expired and you meet specific conditions. Your license must be a standard (not commercial) license, you must have no medical restrictions, and you must not have changed your name or address since your last renewal. You also cannot have any outstanding violations or suspensions on your driving record.
To renew by mail, read the DL 44 form from the DDS website, fill it out, and mail it with your current license, a check or money order for $32, and a photocopy of your proof of residency. Mail your packet to the address listed on the form. Processing takes about two to three weeks after DDS receives your packet.
In-person renewal at a DDS office is faster — you usually walk out with your new license the same day, though some locations are busier than others. You can pay by cash, check, or card (with the possible $5 card fee). Walk-ins are accepted, but you can also schedule an appointment online through the DDS website to skip the line.
Getting a commercial driver's license
A commercial driver's license (CDL) costs more than a standard license. A CDL Class A or Class B license costs $60 for an eight-year license. A CDL Class C costs $50. These fees are separate from any testing or training you may need to pass the CDL exam.
You must pass a written knowledge test and a skills test (driving test) to get a CDL. The knowledge test covers general driving rules, hazmat materials, air brakes, and other topics depending on your endorsement. You can take the knowledge test at any DDS office. The skills test must be scheduled separately and is conducted by a DDS examiner or an approved third-party tester.
If you fail either test, you pay a retest fee of $7 for the knowledge test or $20 for the skills test each time you retake it. There is no limit on how many times you can retake the tests, but you must pass both before your CDL is issued.
Duplicate licenses and ID cards
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a duplicate card for the same $32 renewal fee (or $20 if you are under 21). You do not pay extra for a duplicate — the fee is identical to a regular renewal. You will need to provide proof of your identity and residency, just as you would for a standard renewal.
Georgia also offers a Real ID-compliant driver's license, which meets federal requirements for air travel and entry to federal buildings. A Real ID license costs the same $32 as a standard license, but you must provide additional documents to prove your identity and residency. These documents typically include a birth certificate, passport, or passport card, plus proof of your Social Security number and current address.
If you already have a standard Georgia license and want to upgrade to Real ID, you can renew early and pay the $32 fee to get the Real ID version. The Real ID logo appears as a gold star in the upper right corner of the card.
Where to renew and what to bring
You can renew your license at any DDS office across Georgia. The DDS website has a location finder that shows office hours, services offered, and whether appointments are available. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, though some have extended hours or Saturday appointments.
For in-person renewal, bring your current license (or expired license if it is past expiration), proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change.
Processing times vary by location and how busy the office is. Most people complete an in-person renewal in 15 to 30 minutes, though you may wait longer during peak hours. If you schedule an appointment online, you will typically wait less time. Your new license is printed on the spot and you can use it when ready, though the physical card arrives in the mail within one to two weeks if you need the official document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Georgia license if I moved out of state?
No. You must be a Georgia resident to hold a Georgia driver's license. If you have moved to another state, you need to get a license from that state. You can surrender your Georgia license to any DDS office or straightforward let it expire. Some states offer reciprocal agreements that waive certain testing requirements if you hold a valid license from another state, so check with your new state's DMV.
What if I have a suspended or revoked license?
You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with DDS. This usually means paying any outstanding fines, completing a required course, or waiting out the suspension period. Contact DDS directly to find out what steps you need to take before you can renew.
Do I have to renew in person if my license is expired?
Yes. Mail renewal is only available if your license is not expired. Once your license passes the expiration date, you must go to a DDS office in person with your expired license and required documents. You cannot drive with an expired license, so plan to renew before the expiration date if possible.
What happens if I renew late?
If your license has expired, you can still renew it at any time by visiting a DDS office in person. There is no penalty fee for renewing late, and the new license will be valid for eight years from the date you renew. However, you cannot legally drive with an expired license, so renew as soon as possible after expiration.
Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my new one?
Yes. When you renew in person at a DDS office, you receive a temporary paper license that is valid when ready. You can use this temporary license to drive while you wait for your physical card to arrive in the mail. The temporary license is valid for 45 days, which gives you time to receive your permanent card.