Where to renew your Georgia driver license
You can renew your Georgia driver license in person at any Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) office, or online through the state's website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route is always available; the online route works only if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical restrictions, and your license is not expired by more than five years.
If you choose to renew online, you go to the official Georgia DDS website, log in with your driver license number and date of birth, and complete the renewal process from home. You'll receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you cannot renew online or prefer to do it in person, you'll need to visit a DDS office with the documents listed below.
DDS offices are located in every county. You can find your nearest office and check current wait times on the Georgia DDS website. Some offices are busier than others, so calling ahead or checking online can save you a trip during peak hours.
Key Takeaways
- Georgia lets you renew online if your license is current, not suspended, and has no medical restrictions — this takes 7 to 10 days by mail.
- In-person renewal at a DDS office requires your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number, and you walk out with a temporary license the same day.
- Your Georgia license is valid for eight years if you are under 65, or five years if you are 65 or older.
- You can renew up to six months before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the last minute.
- If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired by more than five years, you must renew in person at a DDS office.
What documents you need for in-person renewal
Bring your current Georgia driver license, even if it is expired. You also need proof of residency — a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail showing your current address will work. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.
You must also show proof of your Social Security number. This can be your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub with your full Social Security number on it. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration.
If your name has changed since your last license — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — bring the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Without it, you cannot change the name on your license.
The in-person renewal process at a DDS office
Walk in with your documents or use the online appointment system on the Georgia DDS website to book a time slot. When you arrive, you will check in and wait to be called. A DDS staff member will review your documents, take a new photo, and ask you to sign the back of your new license.
You will pay the renewal fee — currently $32 for an eight-year license if you are under 65, or $16 for a five-year license if you are 65 or older. Georgia accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed to you.
Your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license is legal to drive with during that time. If your permanent license does not arrive within two weeks, contact the DDS office where you renewed to check the status.
Online renewal step-by-step
Go to the Georgia DDS website and select "Renew Your License Online." You will need your current driver license number and your date of birth to log in. Once logged in, review your personal information and make any corrections — address, phone number, or emergency contact.
Answer the medical questions honestly. If you answer yes to any question about medical conditions or medications that affect your ability to drive, you will be directed to renew in person instead. If you pass the medical screening, you will be asked to confirm your address and review the renewal terms.
Pay the renewal fee using a debit or credit card. You will receive a confirmation number when ready. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
When your license expires and renewal important date
Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license. Georgia allows you to renew up to six months before that date, so you do not have to wait until the last minute. If you renew early, your new license will be valid for a full eight years (or five years if you are 65 or older) from the date you renew, not from your old expiration date.
If your license expires while you are out of state or unable to renew, you can still renew within a grace period. However, driving on an expired license is illegal in Georgia, so renew as soon as you can. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you must renew in person at a DDS office — online renewal will not be available to you.
What to do if your license is suspended or revoked
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it online or at a standard DDS office. You must contact the Georgia DDS directly to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it. Reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, DUI convictions, or accumulation of too many points.
Call the DDS at the number on their website or visit the office in person with documentation of what you have done to address the reason for suspension — for example, proof that you paid a fine or completed a required course. The DDS will tell you whether your license can be restored and what the process is. Restoration can take several weeks or longer depending on the reason for suspension.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Georgia license if I moved out of state?
No. Georgia requires you to be a resident to hold a Georgia driver license. If you have moved out of state permanently, you should get a license from your new state. If you moved temporarily but still live in Georgia, you can renew by mail or online as long as you update your address with the DDS first.
What if I lost my license and need to renew at the same time?
You will need to get a replacement license first, then renew it. Go to a DDS office with your documents and ask for a replacement. The staff will issue you a temporary license and mail you a permanent one. Once you receive it, you can renew online or in person at your next renewal date.
Do I have to take a new written test or driving test to renew?
No. Renewal in Georgia does not require a written test or road test unless you are renewing after a suspension or revocation. You will have your photo taken and sign your new license, but that is all.
How long does the temporary license last?
Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date you receive it at the DDS office. Your permanent license should arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days, so the temporary covers you while you wait.
What if I want to change my address during renewal?
If you renew online, you can update your address as part of the process. If you renew in person, tell the DDS staff member about your address change and bring proof of your new residency. The new address will appear on your renewed license.