How to Renew Your Georgia Driver's License

Georgia driver's license renewal: what you need to do

Georgia lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Driver Services office. Which method you can use depends on your age, how long your license has been expired, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most people under 65 with a valid or recently expired license can renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person.

The renewal process takes different amounts of time depending on the method. Online renewal is the fastest — you can complete it in minutes and receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal at a DDS office is when ready if you bring all required documents, though wait times at offices vary by location and time of day.

Key Takeaways

Georgia offers online renewal for most drivers under 65 whose licenses are not expired by more than five years, and the process takes about 10 minutes.
You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method to renew online or by mail.
If you need to change your address, add a Real ID designation, or renew after a five-year gap, you must go to a Department of Driver Services office in person.
The Georgia DDS website shows office locations and current wait times, and you can schedule an appointment online to avoid long lines.

Online renewal through the Georgia DDS website

The Georgia Department of Driver Services website at dds.georgia.gov is where you start an online renewal. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, Social Security number, and a debit or credit card. The system verifies your identity using information from your existing license record and asks you to confirm your current address. If your address has changed, you cannot complete the renewal online — you must renew by mail or in person.

Online renewal costs $32 for a four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license. The fee is charged to your card when ready. After you submit, you receive a confirmation number by email. Your new license is printed and mailed to the address on file, arriving within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Online renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you are 65 or older, if you have a commercial driver's license, or if you need to add a Real ID star. You also cannot renew online if your name has changed since your last renewal — you must visit an office with a certified copy of the document showing the change (marriage certificate, court order, or similar).

Mail renewal and when to use it

Mail renewal is available through the Georgia DDS if you meet the same requirements as online renewal: your license is not expired by more than five years, you are under 65, and your address has not changed. You request a renewal form from the DDS website or by calling 678-413-8400. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for $32 (four-year) or $64 (eight-year), and mail it to the address printed on the form.

Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the DDS receives your envelope. You do not receive a confirmation that your form arrived, so there is no way to track progress. If your renewal does not arrive within four weeks, contact the DDS to confirm receipt. Mail renewal is slower than online renewal but useful if you do not have a debit or credit card or prefer not to use one online.

In-person renewal at a DDS office

You must renew in person if your license expired more than five years ago, if you are 65 or older, if you need to change your address, if you have a commercial license, or if you want to add a Real ID star. You can also choose in-person renewal even if you are not required to — some people prefer it because they receive their new license when ready.

Bring your current Georgia driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). If you are renewing after a long gap or your name has changed, bring a certified copy of the relevant document. Payment is $32 for four years or $64 for eight years, accepted in cash, check, or card.

The DDS office network includes locations in most Georgia counties. You can find the office nearest you and check current wait times on the DDS website. Many offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which significantly reduces wait time. Walk-ins are accepted but may wait 30 minutes to over an hour depending on the office and time of day. Offices are typically less busy on weekday mornings and mid-week.

Real ID and what it means for renewal

Georgia's Real ID star is an optional designation on your driver's license that marks it as compliant with federal Real ID standards. You need a Real ID-compliant license to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If your current license does not have the star and you want to add it during renewal, you must renew in person at a DDS office.

To add Real ID, bring your current license, proof of Social Security number, proof of address, and an original or certified copy of a document proving your legal name and date of birth (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers). The cost is the same as a standard renewal: $32 or $64 depending on the term you choose. The new license with the Real ID star is issued when ready.

Address changes and what to do if you have moved

If you have moved since your last license was issued, you cannot renew online or by mail — you must visit a DDS office in person. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), proof of Social Security number, and payment. The office updates your address in the system and issues your new license on the spot.

You do not have to wait for your license to expire to change your address. You can update your address at any time by visiting a DDS office, and you will receive a new license with the updated information. This is useful if you move before your renewal date and want to avoid a second trip to the office later.

Timeline and what to expect after you renew

The timeline depends on your renewal method. Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days from submission to delivery. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the DDS receives your form. In-person renewal is when ready — you leave the office with your new license in hand. You can drive on your current license until your new one arrives (for online and mail) or until it expires (if you renewed in person).

If you do not receive your new license within the expected timeframe, contact the DDS at 678-413-8400 or through the website. Have your confirmation number ready if you renewed online. The DDS can check the status of your renewal and reissue if necessary, though reissue may take additional time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?

If it expired fewer than five years ago, you can renew online, by mail, or in person. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a DDS office. Bring your expired license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address.

What happens if I drive with an expired license while waiting for my renewal?

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Georgia. If you renewed online or by mail, you can drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If your current license is already expired, you must renew in person or wait until your new license arrives before driving.

Do I need to take a new photo for renewal?

For online and mail renewal, your photo from your current license is used. For in-person renewal, the DDS takes a new photo at the office. If you want a new photo during online or mail renewal, you must renew in person instead.

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. The new license will be valid for four or eight years from the date you renew, not from the expiration date of your old license.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

You must renew in person at a DDS office and bring a certified copy of the document showing the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Online and mail renewal are not available when your name has changed.

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.