Where to renew your Cobb County driver's license
Cobb County residents can renew their Georgia driver's license at any of the county's Department of Driver Services (DDS) offices. The main office is located in Marietta, and there are additional locations throughout the county in areas like Kennesaw, Acworth, and Smyrna. You do not have to renew at the office closest to your home — any Cobb County DDS location will process your renewal.
Before you go to an office, check the Georgia DDS website for current hours and any service delays. Some locations have longer wait times during certain hours or seasons. You can also check wait times online before you leave home, which helps you plan when to visit.
Key Takeaways
- Georgia allows you to renew your driver's license in person at any Cobb County DDS office, or by mail if your license is not expired and you meet other requirements.
- You will need your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number to renew in person.
- In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes to an hour depending on wait times, and you receive a temporary license on the spot while your permanent one is mailed.
- Mail renewal costs less and takes longer — you send in your documents and receive your new license by mail in roughly two to three weeks.
- Your new license is valid for eight years if you are under 65, or five years if you are 65 or older.
In-person renewal at a Cobb County DDS office
To renew in person, bring your current Georgia driver's license, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If you have moved recently and your license still shows an old address, bring both your old proof of residency and your new one.
When you arrive, take a number and wait to be called. The DDS staff will verify your information, take a new photo, and collect your fee. Georgia charges $32 for an eight-year renewal if you are under 65. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to your address on file. The permanent license usually arrives within two to three weeks.
If your vision has changed significantly or you need to update other information on your license (such as your name or address), tell the staff member before they take your photo. Some changes can be made on the spot; others may require additional documents.
Mail renewal for Cobb County residents
You can renew by mail if your current license is not yet expired and you have not had any violations or suspensions in the past five years. To renew by mail, request a renewal form from the Georgia DDS website or call the main Cobb County office. You can also pick up a form at any DDS location.
Fill out the form, include a copy of your current license and proof of residency, and mail the packet to the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for $32 (or the appropriate fee for your age group). Do not send cash. Mail your renewal at least three weeks before your license expires to allow time for processing and delivery.
Mail renewal takes longer than in-person renewal — typically four to six weeks from the time the DDS receives your packet. You will not receive a temporary license, so your old license remains valid until your new one arrives. If your license expires before your new one arrives, contact the DDS office to ask about a temporary extension or renewal by phone.
What happens if your license has already expired
If your license is already expired, you cannot renew by mail. You must go to a DDS office in person. Bring the same documents you would for a regular renewal — your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The process is the same, and the fee is the same.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Georgia, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you are stopped by police, you can show them your temporary paper license as proof that you have renewed, but it is safer to wait until your permanent license arrives before driving regularly.
Fees and payment methods
A standard eight-year renewal costs $32 if you are under 65 years old. If you are 65 or older, a five-year renewal costs $20. These fees explore whether you renew in person or by mail. At a DDS office, you can pay with cash, debit card, or credit card. By mail, you must send a check or money order — the DDS does not accept cash through the mail.
If you need to renew early because your license is damaged or lost, the fee is the same. If you are renewing because your name has changed (due to marriage, divorce, or court order), you will need to bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change, and the fee remains $32.
How long your new license is valid
A renewed Georgia driver's license is valid for eight years from the date of issue if you are under 65 years old. If you are 65 or older, your license is valid for five years. The expiration date is printed on the front of your license. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, which is useful if you are planning a trip or want to avoid a rush closer to the expiration date.
Georgia does not send renewal reminders by mail, so mark your calendar or set a phone reminder when your license is about to expire. You can also check your license expiration date on the Georgia DDS website by entering your license number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Cobb County driver's license online?
Georgia does not offer online driver's license renewal. You must renew either in person at a DDS office or by mail. Some states offer online renewal, but Georgia has not implemented this option.
What if I have moved out of Cobb County but still have a Georgia license?
You can renew at any DDS office in Georgia, not just in Cobb County. If you have moved to a different county, you can renew at an office in your new county. You will need to update your address on your license, so bring proof of your new address.
How long does the temporary paper license last?
Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days. If your permanent license has not arrived by then, contact the DDS office to ask about an extension. In most cases, they will issue another temporary license or tell you when to expect your permanent one.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person at a Cobb County DDS office?
Most Cobb County DDS offices do not require appointments for renewal. You can walk in during business hours and take a number. However, some locations may offer appointment slots during busy times. Check the Georgia DDS website for your specific location's policy.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
Bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DDS will update your name during the renewal process. The fee is still $32, and the process takes the same amount of time as a regular renewal.