How to Renew Your Georgia Driver's License

Where to renew and what documents you need

You can renew your Georgia driver's license in person at any Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) office, or online through the Georgia DDS website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route requires your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. If you're renewing online, you'll need your current license number, date of birth, and Social Security number — but you can only use the online option if your license is not expired and you haven't had any address changes since your last renewal.

Georgia offers a third option: mail renewal for certain drivers. You can mail in your current license along with the renewal form (DL 44) and a check or money order for the renewal fee. However, mail renewal is only available if your license is not expired and you haven't moved. The form is available on the DDS website, and you'll mail it to the address listed on the form.

Key Takeaways

Georgia allows online renewal if your license is not expired and your address hasn't changed, which is the fastest option with no office visit required.
In-person renewal at a DDS office requires your current license, proof of residency dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number.
Mail renewal is available only if your license is not expired and your address is the same, using form DL 44 and a check or money order.
Your renewed license is valid for eight years from the date of renewal, or until age 64 if you're over 56 at renewal.

How long your renewed license lasts

A renewed Georgia driver's license is valid for eight years from the date you renew it. The exception is if you're between ages 56 and 64 at the time of renewal — in that case, your license expires on your 64th birthday instead. This means if you renew at age 60, your license will expire when you turn 64, not eight years later.

Georgia does not currently offer a renewal period longer than eight years for standard driver's licenses. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew by mail or online; you must renew in person at a DDS office and may need to retake the written test and vision test.

Fees and payment methods

The renewal fee for a Georgia driver's license is $32 for an eight-year renewal. This fee applies whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. If you renew in person at a DDS office, you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. For mail renewal, you must send a check or money order — the DDS does not accept credit or debit cards by mail.

If you're renewing online, you'll pay the $32 fee using a credit or debit card during the transaction. Some DDS offices may charge an additional service fee if you use certain payment methods, so check with your local office if you have questions about accepted payment types.

Online renewal step-by-step

To renew online, go to the Georgia DDS website and select the online renewal option. You'll need your current driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number. The system will verify your information against DDS records. If everything matches, you'll pay the $32 renewal fee with a credit or debit card.

After you complete the online renewal, the DDS will mail your new license to the address on file. This process typically takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you submit your renewal. You can continue to drive using your current license until the new one arrives. If you need to renew before your current license expires and you have an address change, you cannot use the online option — you must renew in person or by mail.

In-person renewal at a DDS office

To renew in person, visit any DDS office with your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. Proof of residency must be an original document dated within the last 60 days — acceptable documents include utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, or bank statements showing your current address. A photocopy or digital image is not accepted.

Wait times at DDS offices vary by location and time of day. Many offices are busiest on weekday mornings and on Fridays. Some DDS locations allow you to schedule an appointment online through the Georgia DDS website, which can reduce your wait time. When you arrive, you'll be asked to verify your information, pay the $32 fee, and have your photo taken for the new license. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

What happens if your license is expired

If your Georgia driver's license has been expired for less than two years, you can renew it using any of the three methods — online, by mail, or in person — as long as you meet the other requirements (no address change for online and mail renewal). You do not need to retake any tests.

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person at a DDS office. You'll need to bring your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The DDS may require you to retake the written test and vision test, depending on how long your license has been expired and your age. Call your local DDS office before you go to confirm what tests, if any, you'll need to take.

Renewing before your license expires

Georgia allows you to renew your driver's license up to one year before it expires. This means if your license expires on December 15, you can renew it starting December 15 of the previous year. Renewing early is useful if you have an upcoming trip or want to avoid the rush near your expiration date.

If you renew early, your new license will have a new expiration date eight years from the date of renewal (or your 64th birthday if you're between 56 and 64). Your old license becomes invalid once your new license is issued, even if the old one hasn't expired yet. You should destroy the old license to prevent confusion or misuse.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Georgia license if I've moved to another state?

No. If you've moved out of Georgia, you should obtain a driver's license from your new state of residence. If you still live in Georgia but have moved to a new address, you can renew in person or by mail, but not online — the online option requires no address change.

What if I lost my current license and need to renew?

You cannot renew online or by mail if you don't have your current license. You must visit a DDS office in person and bring proof of residency and your Social Security number. The DDS will issue a replacement license, which counts as your renewal. The fee is still $32.

How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?

The DDS typically mails renewed licenses within 7 to 10 business days of your renewal date, whether you renewed online, by mail, or in person. Delivery time depends on your address and the postal service. You can continue to drive using your current license until your new one arrives.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person at a DDS office?

Appointments are not required, but many DDS offices allow you to schedule one online to reduce wait time. Walk-ins are accepted at all offices. Check the Georgia DDS website to see if your local office offers online scheduling.

What if my name has changed since my last renewal?

If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must renew in person at a DDS office. Bring your current license, proof of your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), proof of residency, and your Social Security number. You cannot renew online or by mail with a name change.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.