How to Renew Your Georgia Driver's License

What you need to do to renew in Georgia

Georgia lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Driver Services office. Which route you take depends on how much time you have and whether your license has expired. If your license is still valid, you can renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If it has already expired, you must renew in person.

Your license is valid for eight years from the date it was issued. Georgia sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration, though the notice is a reminder, not a requirement to act. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Georgia DDS website takes about 10 minutes and costs $32 if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address.
Mail renewal requires you to send in your current license, a completed form, and payment, and takes two to three weeks from the time the office receives your packet.
In-person renewal at a DDS office is required if your license has expired, and you will need your Social Security number, proof of residency, and a valid ID.
Georgia charges $32 for a standard eight-year renewal, with no additional fees for online or mail processing.
If you changed your address, you cannot renew online and must use mail or in-person renewal instead.

Renewing online through the Georgia DDS website

Online renewal is the fastest option if your license has not expired and your address on file is still correct. Go to the Georgia Department of Driver Services website, select "Renew Your License," and follow the prompts. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card).

The system will ask you to confirm your personal information and address. If anything has changed — including your address, name, or whether you wear corrective lenses — you cannot complete the renewal online and must use mail or in-person renewal instead. Once you submit, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal works if your license has not expired. Request a renewal form by calling the Georgia Department of Driver Services at 678-413-8400, or read the form from their website. Fill out the form completely, include your current license, and mail the packet along with a check or money order for $32 to the address listed on the form.

Processing takes two to three weeks from the day the office receives your packet, not from the day you mail it. Mail delivery adds another few days on each end. If you need your license faster, in-person renewal is quicker. Keep a copy of your confirmation number or receipt in case you need to check on your renewal status.

Renewing in person at a DDS office

In-person renewal is required if your license has expired, if you changed your address, or if you want to update your photo. Bring your current license (or expired license if it has been less than five years since expiration), your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

You will also need a valid ID if your current license is expired. A valid ID can be a passport, military ID, or state ID card. Visit the Georgia DDS office locator on their website to find the office nearest you and check their hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, though some have limited Saturday hours. Bring all documents with you; you cannot complete the transaction without them.

What happens if your license has already expired

If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead, which requires an in-person visit, a written test, and a road test. If your license expired five years ago or more recently, you can still renew it in person at a DDS office, but you cannot use online or mail renewal.

Bring the same documents you would bring for a standard in-person renewal: your expired license, Social Security number, and proof of address. The cost is still $32. Processing at the office usually takes 30 to 45 minutes, depending on how busy the location is.

Fees and payment methods

Georgia charges $32 for an eight-year driver's license renewal, regardless of which method you choose. Online and mail renewal accept debit or credit card, or check or money order (mail only). In-person renewal accepts cash, debit, credit card, and check.

There are no additional processing fees for online or mail renewal. If you are renewing in person and need a duplicate license mailed to a different address, that service costs extra and must be requested at the office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Georgia license if I moved out of state?

No. If you no longer live in Georgia, you cannot renew a Georgia license. You will need to obtain a license from your new state of residence. If you are temporarily out of state but still a Georgia resident, you can renew online or by mail as long as your address on file is still in Georgia.

What if I lost my license before it expired?

You will need to replace it first. Visit a DDS office with your Social Security number and proof of address. A replacement license costs $32. Once you have the replacement, you can renew it using any of the three methods when it is time.

How long does it take to get my license after I renew?

Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days for delivery by mail. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the day the office receives your packet, plus mail delivery time. In-person renewal is completed on the spot, and you receive a temporary paper license when ready; your plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Can I renew online if my name changed?

No. Name changes require in-person renewal or mail renewal. You will need to bring or send a document showing your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. In-person renewal is faster if you need the updated license quickly.

What if the renewal form I downloaded is different from the one on the website now?

Always use the most current form from the Georgia DDS website. Forms are updated periodically, and using an outdated version can delay processing. Check the website the day you plan to mail your renewal to make sure you have the latest version.

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.