What You Need to Know Before You Start

Georgia lets you renew your driver license online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Driver Services (DDS) office. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need a new photo. Most people can complete an online renewal in minutes without leaving home, but some situations require you to visit an office in person.

Your Georgia driver license expires on your birthday. You can renew it up to one year before the expiration date, and you have a grace period of up to 30 days after expiration to renew without penalty. After 30 days past expiration, you must renew in person and may face additional requirements.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Georgia DDS website takes about 10 minutes and costs $32 for a four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license.
  • You can renew by mail if your license is not expired and you do not need a new photo, but processing takes two to three weeks.
  • In-person renewal at a DDS office is required if your license is expired by more than 30 days, if you need a new photo, or if you have changed your name or address.
  • Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number to any in-person appointment.
  • DDS offices do not accept walk-ins; you must schedule an appointment online or by phone at 678-413-8400.

Renewing Online Through the Georgia DDS Website

Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is still valid and you do not need a new photo. Go to the Georgia DDS website at dds.georgia.gov and select "Renew Your License" from the homepage. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to log in.

The system will ask you to review your personal information, confirm your address, and choose your license type and term length. A four-year license costs $32; an eight-year license costs $64. You pay by debit card or credit card at the end of the transaction. Your new license will arrive by mail in seven to ten business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.

Online renewal is not available if your license expired more than 30 days ago, if you need to change your name or address, or if you need a new photo for any reason. If any of these explore, you must renew in person.

Renewing by Mail

Mail renewal works only if your license is not expired and you do not need a new photo. Request a renewal process by calling the DDS at 678-413-8400 or by visiting a DDS office. Fill out the process, include a check or money order for $32 (four-year) or $64 (eight-year), and mail it to the address on the form.

Processing takes two to three weeks after DDS receives your process. Your new license will arrive by mail after that. You can continue driving on your current license during this time. Mail renewal is slower than online renewal but requires no appointment and no visit to an office.

Renewing in Person at a DDS Office

You must renew in person if your license expired more than 30 days ago, if you need a new photo, if you have changed your name, or if you have changed your address. Schedule an appointment online at dds.georgia.gov or by calling 678-413-8400. Walk-ins are not accepted.

Bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease agreement, or recent bank statement with your name and address), and know your Social Security number. The DDS office will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. You will pay $32 for a four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

Your new license will be mailed to you within seven to ten business days. You can request a temporary paper license to drive while you wait, though this is not always available. Ask the office staff whether it is an option at your location.

What Happens If Your License Is Expired by More Than 30 Days

If your license has been expired for more than 30 days, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a DDS office in person. Schedule an appointment as soon as you can; offices fill up quickly, especially near the end of the month.

Bring the same documents you would bring for any in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The office will process your renewal the same way, and your new license will arrive within seven to ten business days. Driving on an expired license is illegal, so do not delay scheduling your appointment.

Changing Your Name or Address During Renewal

If you have changed your name or address since your license was issued, you must renew in person at a DDS office. You cannot make these changes online or by mail. Bring your current license, proof of your new name (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) or proof of your new address (a utility bill or lease in your new name), and your Social Security number.

The office will update your information, take a new photo, and process your renewal. The cost is the same as a standard renewal: $32 for four years or $64 for eight years. Your new license will arrive by mail within seven to ten business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while my renewal is being processed?

Yes. If you renewed online or by mail, you can drive on your current license until your new one arrives. If you renewed in person, you can also drive on your current license while waiting for the new one to arrive by mail. If your license is expired and you cannot renew online or by mail, you cannot legally drive until you complete an in-person renewal.

What if I need my license before the normal delivery time?

The DDS does not offer expedited mail delivery for renewed licenses. If you renewed in person, ask the office whether they can issue a temporary paper license you can use while you wait. Not all offices offer this, so call ahead to ask.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person?

Yes. The Georgia DDS requires appointments for all in-person services. Schedule online at dds.georgia.gov or call 678-413-8400. Walk-ins are not accepted, and offices do not have same-day appointments available during busy periods.

What if my address on file is outdated?

Update your address before renewing online. If you renew by mail or in person, bring proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement). The office will update your address and issue a license with the correct information.

Can I renew my license if it was suspended or revoked?

No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation with the DDS before you can renew. Call 678-413-8400 to find out the status of your license and what steps you need to take.