Where to go and what you need to bring
Cobb County has three Department of Driver Services (DDS) offices where you can renew your driver's license in person. The main office is at 1355 South Cobb Drive in Marietta. There is also a location at 2851 Cobb Parkway Southeast in Smyrna and one at 4400 Austell Road in Austell. You do not have to go to the office in your specific city — any Cobb County DDS location will process your renewal.
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 was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change. You will also need to pass a vision test at the office, so bring any glasses or contacts you wear while driving.
If you are renewing a license that has been expired for more than two years, you will need to retake the written knowledge test and the road test, not just renew by mail or online. This is treated as a new license process rather than a renewal.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew at any of the three Cobb County DDS offices without an appointment, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
- Bring your current license, proof of residency dated within 60 days, and your Social Security card or document showing your number.
- The renewal fee is $32 for a four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license, paid in cash, check, or card at the office.
- If your license expired more than two years ago, you must retake both the written test and the road test instead of renewing.
- Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the in-person visit.
Walk-in hours and what to expect when you arrive
All three Cobb County DDS offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the last person admitted at 4:30 p.m. They are closed on weekends and state holidays. You do not need an appointment — you arrive, take a number, and wait your turn. Wait times are typically shortest early in the morning on weekdays and longest in the afternoon and on Fridays.
When you arrive, check in at the front desk and tell the staff member you are renewing your driver's license. You will be given a number and directed to a waiting area. When your number is called, a DDS examiner will verify your documents, take a new photo, and administer the vision test. The entire process usually takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is that day.
Bring all documents in original form — photocopies are not accepted for proof of residency or your Social Security card. If any of your documents are in a language other than English, bring an official English translation as well.
The cost and payment methods
A four-year driver's license renewal costs $32. An eight-year renewal costs $64. You pay at the office on the day you complete your renewal. Cobb County DDS offices accept cash, checks, and debit or credit cards. There is no online payment option — you must pay in person at the office.
If you are a Georgia resident age 65 or older, you may be able to renew for free or at a reduced rate. Ask the DDS staff when you arrive whether you meet the criteria for a senior renewal discount.
When your new license will arrive
After you complete your renewal at the office, your new license will be mailed to the address on file with the DDS. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use while you wait for the plastic card to arrive in the mail.
If you do not receive your new license within 10 business days, contact the Cobb County DDS office where you renewed. Have your temporary license and the date you completed your renewal ready when you call. The DDS can check the status of your card and remail it if there was a delivery problem.
What to do if your license is suspended or revoked
If your Georgia driver's license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it at the DDS office. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation through the Georgia Department of Driver Services. Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or a DUI conviction.
Contact the DDS at 678-413-8400 to find out why your license is suspended and what steps you need to take to restore it. Once your suspension or revocation is lifted, you can then proceed with your renewal at a Cobb County office. The DDS staff can tell you whether you need to submit additional documents or pay a reinstatement fee before you can renew.
Renewing by mail if you cannot visit an office
Georgia allows renewal by mail only if your license is not expired and you meet specific conditions. You must have a valid, unexpired license, be a Georgia resident, and have no medical conditions or restrictions that require an in-person vision test. You cannot renew by mail if your address has changed, your name has changed, or if you need a new photo.
To renew by mail, contact the Cobb County DDS office or visit the Georgia DDS website to request a mail renewal form. Complete the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address provided. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks after the DDS receives your form. Your new license will be mailed to you separately.
If you are unsure whether you are may be able to access for mail renewal, call the Cobb County DDS at 678-413-8400 and describe your situation. The staff can tell you whether mail renewal is an option for you or whether you must visit an office in person.
What happens if you miss your renewal important date
Georgia allows a grace period of up to 30 days after your license expires. During this time, you can still renew at a DDS office without retaking any tests. After 30 days, your license is considered expired, and you must retake the written knowledge test and the road test to get a new license.
If your license has been expired for more than two years, you are treated as a new driver and must complete the full process process, including the written test, road test, and vision test. This takes longer than a standard renewal and may require multiple visits to the DDS office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online in Georgia?
Georgia does not offer online driver's license renewal. You must renew in person at a DDS office or by mail if you meet the may be able to access requirements. The mail option is available only if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address or name.
Do I need an appointment at the Cobb County DDS office?
No appointment is required. All three Cobb County offices operate on a walk-in basis. You arrive during business hours, take a number, and wait for your turn. Arriving early in the morning typically means shorter wait times.
What if I lost my Social Security card?
You can bring another document that shows your Social Security number instead, such as a tax return, W-2 form, or Social Security statement. The DDS will accept any official document that displays your number. You do not have to have the card itself.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket?
An outstanding traffic ticket does not prevent renewal. However, if you have unpaid fines associated with a ticket, your license may be suspended, which would block renewal. Contact the Cobb County DDS to check your license status before you visit an office.
How long is a renewed Georgia driver's license valid?
A four-year license is valid for four years from the date of issue. An eight-year license is valid for eight years. You choose which term you want when you renew and pay the corresponding fee at the office.