Georgia driver's license renewal by mail, online, or in person
Georgia lets you renew your driver's license through three routes: online at the DDS website, by mail using a renewal notice, or in person at a Georgia Department of Driver Services office. Which route you can use depends on your license type, how much time is left before expiration, and whether you need a new photo. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office.
Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. It contains a barcode and instructions for online renewal. If you do not receive one, you can still renew online using your driver's license number and date of birth, or request a renewal packet by mail from DDS.
The fee for a four-year renewal is $32. A five-year renewal costs $42. You pay by credit card online, by check or money order by mail, or by cash, check, or card in person. Processing times vary: online renewals typically complete within two weeks, mail renewals take three to four weeks, and in-person renewals are usually finished the same day.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Georgia DDS website is the fastest option and requires only your license number, date of birth, and a payment method.
- Mail renewal uses the notice sent to your address and takes three to four weeks; you mail a check or money order along with the completed form.
- In-person renewal at a DDS office is necessary if your license has been lost or stolen, if you need a new photo, or if you have a commercial driver's license.
- Your renewal notice arrives about 60 days before expiration and contains the barcode and instructions needed for online or mail renewal.
- Georgia issues four-year licenses for $32 and five-year licenses for $42; the fee is the same regardless of which renewal method you choose.
Who can renew online or by mail
Online and mail renewal are open to most drivers renewing a standard Class D license. You cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), or if you need a new photo due to a significant change in appearance.
Drivers over 65 years old can renew online or by mail, but Georgia does not require vision tests for this age group during renewal. If you have a medical condition that affects your driving or if DDS has flagged your record for review, you may be directed to renew in person instead.
If you lost your license or it was stolen, you must renew in person and pay a replacement fee in addition to the renewal fee. Bring a police report if your license was stolen.
Renewing online through the DDS website
Go to the Georgia Department of Driver Services website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and pull up your record.
Review your personal information for accuracy. If your address, name, or other details have changed, update them during this step. You cannot change your address online if you have moved out of state; contact DDS by phone or mail for that change.
Choose your renewal term: four years or five years. Pay the fee by credit card or debit card. The system will display a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, usually within two weeks. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Renewing by mail with your renewal notice
When your renewal notice arrives, follow the instructions on the back. Sign the notice where indicated and include a check or money order for the renewal fee. Do not send cash through the mail. Write your driver's license number on the check or money order.
Mail the signed notice and payment to the address printed on the form. Georgia DDS processes mail renewals at a central location, and your new license will be mailed to your address on file. This process takes three to four weeks from the date DDS receives your packet.
If you did not receive a renewal notice, you can request one by calling the DDS customer service line or by visiting a DDS office. You can also renew online without the notice if you have your license number and date of birth.
Renewing in person at a DDS office
Visit any Georgia Department of Driver Services office with your current driver's license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and payment. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your full Social Security number if your name has changed since your last license.
DDS offices operate by appointment in most locations. You can schedule an appointment online through the Georgia DDS website or by calling customer service. Walk-in service is available at some offices, but wait times can be long. Check the office locator on the DDS website to find the nearest location and its hours.
A DDS employee will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is printed and mailed. The new license arrives within two weeks.
What happens if your license expires before renewal arrives
If you renew online or by mail and your new license has not arrived by your expiration date, you can still drive legally. Georgia allows a grace period of up to 30 days after expiration if you have a pending renewal. Keep your confirmation number or receipt from your renewal submission as proof.
If you are stopped by law enforcement, show your old license and your renewal confirmation. Most officers will accept this as evidence of a pending renewal. If your renewal is delayed beyond 30 days, contact DDS customer service to track your license or request a replacement.
Do not wait until your license is about to expire to renew. Start the process at least 30 days before expiration to avoid driving with an expired license.
Changing your name, address, or other information during renewal
If your address has changed and you are renewing online, you can update it during the renewal process. The new address will appear on your renewed license. If you are renewing by mail, write your new address on the renewal notice before mailing it back.
If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or legal order, you must renew in person. Bring your current driver's license, proof of the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of residency. DDS will issue a new license with your updated name.
Changes to your vision correction requirement, medical conditions, or organ donor status can be made during in-person renewal. Online and mail renewal do not allow you to update these fields.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Georgia license if I live out of state?
Yes, you can renew online or by mail from anywhere. You cannot change your address to an out-of-state address during online renewal; contact DDS by phone or mail to update your address if you have moved. Your renewed license will be mailed to the address on file in Georgia.
What if I need my license before the new one arrives?
If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. If you renew online or by mail, you can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need a replacement urgently, visit a DDS office and request an expedited license for an additional fee.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
Online and mail renewal use your existing photo. You get a new photo only if you renew in person. If your appearance has changed significantly or you are unhappy with your current photo, visit a DDS office to renew and request a new photo.
What if my renewal process is rejected?
DDS will mail you a notice explaining why your renewal was not processed. Common reasons include incorrect information, an outstanding traffic ticket, or a suspended license. Follow the instructions in the notice to correct the issue or contact DDS customer service for details.
Can I renew early before my license expires?
Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. Online and mail renewal are available anytime. In-person renewal can be done early at any DDS office. Your new license will have a new expiration date based on the renewal term you choose.