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 when you renew or get your first license.

The actual amount you pay depends on what you are doing — renewing by mail costs less than renewing in person, and getting a replacement for a lost or damaged license costs more than a standard renewal. Some transactions also include fees for the vision test or fingerprinting if required.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard eight-year Georgia driver's license for adults costs $32, and a license for people under 21 costs $20.
  • Renewing by mail costs $20 and takes about two weeks, while renewing in person at a DDS office costs $32 and is faster.
  • A replacement license for a lost, stolen, or damaged card costs $20 and can be ordered online or in person.
  • Vision tests and fingerprinting fees are separate from the license fee and vary depending on whether you need them.

Renewal by Mail Versus In Person

If your license is not damaged and you have not changed your name or address, you can renew by mail for $20. You mail your current license to the Georgia Department of Driver Services along with the renewal form, and they send your new license back in about two weeks. This is the cheapest option if you can wait for the mail.

Renewing in person at a DDS office costs $32 and takes about 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the office is. You get your new license the same day or within a few days. If you need your license quickly or your address has changed, renewing in person is usually faster.

Replacement Licenses and Duplicate Copies

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, a replacement costs $20. You can order a replacement online through the Georgia DDS website, by mail, or in person at a DDS office. Online ordering is the fastest method — you can request a replacement and pay the fee without leaving home, though you will still need to wait for it to arrive by mail.

A duplicate copy of your current license (ordered while your original is still valid) also costs $20. Some people order a duplicate to keep at home or in a safe place so they have a backup if their wallet is lost.

Additional Fees You Might Pay

If you need a vision test because your vision has changed or you have not had one in a while, the DDS charges a separate vision test fee. The amount varies, but it is typically $10 to $15. If you are getting a commercial driver's license (CDL) or renewing one, fingerprinting is required, and that fee is separate from the license fee as well.

If you are changing your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you will need to bring documentation of the name change along with your renewal fee. The license fee itself does not change, but you may need to renew in person rather than by mail.

When Your License Expires and Renewal important date

Your Georgia driver's license expiration date is printed on the front of the card. You can renew up to one year before it expires, which means you can start the renewal process early if you want to avoid a rush. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it, but you may need to retake the vision test or written test depending on how long it has been expired.

Georgia does not charge a penalty or late fee if you renew after your license expires, but driving with an expired license is illegal. It is better to renew before the expiration date to avoid any legal issues.

Military and Senior Discounts

Georgia offers a reduced-cost license for people 65 and older. A senior license costs $16 instead of $32 and is valid for eight years, the same as a standard adult license. You will need to bring proof of age when you renew.

Active-duty military members and veterans may be able to renew by mail without paying the in-person fee, depending on their situation. Contact your local DDS office or check the Georgia DDS website to see if you may have access to for any military-related discounts or expedited processing.

Where to Pay and Payment Methods

You can pay for your Georgia driver's license at any DDS office in person using cash, check, or debit card. If you are renewing by mail, you can include a check or money order with your process. Online replacements can be paid with a debit or credit card through the DDS website.

The DDS does not accept credit cards at in-person offices, only debit cards, cash, and checks. If you are paying by check or money order, make it out to the Georgia Department of Driver Services. Some DDS offices also accept electronic payment if you call ahead, so it is worth asking when you visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Georgia license online?

You cannot renew a full license online, but you can order a replacement for a lost or damaged license through the DDS website. For a standard renewal, you must either renew by mail or visit a DDS office in person.

How long does a Georgia driver's license last?

A standard Georgia driver's license is valid for eight years if you are 21 or older. If you are under 21, your license expires on your 21st birthday. A senior license for people 65 and older is also valid for eight years.

What if I lost my license and need a replacement right away?

Order a replacement online through the Georgia DDS website and pay the $20 fee. It will arrive by mail in about one to two weeks. If you need it faster, visit a DDS office in person with your payment and proof of identity, and they can issue a temporary license while your replacement is being mailed.

Do I have to renew in person or can I always renew by mail?

You can renew by mail if your license is not damaged and your name and address have not changed. If you have moved, changed your name, or your license is damaged, you must renew in person at a DDS office.

Is there a fee to take the written test if I fail my renewal vision test?

The vision test itself has a separate fee, but retaking the written test is not charged as an additional fee. If you fail the vision test and need corrective lenses, you will be required to get glasses or contacts before your license is issued.