Where to go and what to bring

In Cobb County, you renew your driver's license at a Department of Driver Services (DDS) office. The county has two locations: one in Marietta on Powers Ferry Road and one in Kennesaw on Cobb Parkway. Both handle renewals during the same hours, typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours vary by location and season, so check the Georgia DDS website before you go.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change. You do not need an appointment at most Cobb County DDS offices, but arriving early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter waits.

The renewal fee is $32 for a standard four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license. You can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card at the office. Georgia does not accept checks or money orders at DDS locations.

Key Takeaways

  • Cobb County has two DDS offices in Marietta and Kennesaw, both open Monday through Friday during standard business hours.
  • Bring your current license, proof of residency dated within 60 days, and your Social Security card or number.
  • The renewal fee is $32 for a four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license, payable by cash or card at the office.
  • You can renew in person without an appointment, though arriving early reduces wait times.
  • If your vision has changed significantly or you have medical conditions affecting driving, the DDS may require a vision test or medical report.

What happens during your renewal visit

When you arrive at the DDS office, you will check in at the front desk and receive a number. A staff member will review your documents, verify your identity, and confirm your address. They will ask you to read a line on an eye chart to confirm your vision meets the minimum standard (20/40 in each eye, or 20/70 with correction). If you cannot read the required line, you will be asked to leave and return with an updated vision prescription from an eye doctor.

Next, you will sit for a new photograph. Wear something you are comfortable with — the photo will appear on your license for the next four or eight years. You cannot wear a hat, sunglasses, or head covering unless for religious reasons, and your face must be clearly visible. After the photo, you will sign the back of your new license at a terminal, and the office will issue it to you on the spot.

The entire process usually takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is. Your new license is valid when ready, and you can drive home with it.

Renewing by mail if you cannot visit in person

Georgia allows some drivers to renew by mail instead of visiting an office in person. You are not may be able to access for mail renewal if your license has expired more than two years ago, if you are under 18, if you have a commercial driver's license, or if you have certain medical conditions on your record. If you are unsure whether you may have access to, call the Georgia DDS at 678-413-8400 before requesting a mail renewal form.

To renew by mail, contact the Cobb County DDS office directly or visit the Georgia DDS website to request a mail renewal packet. You will need to return your current license, a completed renewal form, proof of residency, and the renewal fee. Mail your packet to the address provided in the form. Processing takes four to six weeks from the date the DDS receives your packet, and your new license will arrive by mail.

Mail renewal is slower than in-person renewal, so do not use this route if your license expires soon. If your license has already expired, you must renew in person at a DDS office.

What to do if your license has already expired

If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot straightforward renew it — you must explore for a new license. This requires an in-person visit to a DDS office and costs $32 for a four-year license. You will need to bring the same documents as a renewal (proof of residency, Social Security card, and current ID), plus you may be asked to retake the written knowledge test and the road test, depending on how long your license has been expired.

If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you can still renew it in person at a DDS office using the standard renewal process. Bring your expired license along with your other documents. The fee remains $32 or $64 depending on the license length you choose.

Renewing a commercial driver's license in Cobb County

Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) cannot be renewed by mail and require an in-person visit to a DDS office. You must bring your current CDL, proof of residency, Social Security card, and a current medical certificate from a Department of Transportation-certified medical examiner. The medical certificate must be dated within the last 12 months.

The renewal fee for a CDL is $32 for a four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license. You will not retake the written or road test unless your CDL has been expired for more than two years or you are renewing with a different class or endorsement. If you need to add or change endorsements (such as hazmat or passenger), you will need to pass the written test for that endorsement.

Special situations: name changes, address changes, and corrections

If your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring the legal document proving the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) along with your standard renewal documents. The DDS will update your name on your new license at no additional cost.

If you have moved within Cobb County or to a different Georgia county, bring your new proof of residency (dated within 60 days) to your renewal appointment. The DDS will update your address on your new license. If you have moved out of Georgia, you must explore for a new license in your new state — Georgia will not renew a license for someone who no longer lives in the state.

If there is an error on your current license (misspelled name, wrong birth date, or incorrect address), bring it to the DDS office during your renewal. Staff will correct it on your new license. If the error is on your Social Security record, the DDS may ask you to contact Social Security directly to fix it first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online?

Georgia does not offer online driver's license renewal. You must renew in person at a DDS office or by mail if you are may be able to access. The Georgia DDS website has a tool to check whether you can renew by mail.

What if I fail the vision test at the DDS office?

If you cannot read the required line on the eye chart, you will be asked to leave and return with an updated vision prescription from an eye doctor or optometrist. Bring the prescription to your next DDS visit, and staff will verify that it meets Georgia's vision standards before issuing your new license.

How long is my new license valid?

A standard Georgia driver's license is valid for four years from the date of issue. You can choose to pay extra for an eight-year license instead, which costs $64 instead of $32. The expiration date will be printed on your new license.

What if I lost my license and need to renew at the same time?

If your license is lost or stolen, you must explore for a replacement before you can renew. Visit a Cobb County DDS office with your proof of residency and Social Security card. The replacement fee is $20, and you can renew when ready after for the standard $32 or $64 fee, or the DDS may combine both into a single transaction.

Do I need an appointment to renew at a Cobb County DDS office?

Most Cobb County DDS offices do not require appointments for renewals. You can walk in during business hours and take a number. However, some offices may offer appointment scheduling during busy seasons — check the Georgia DDS website for your specific location.