Where to renew and what you'll need

Georgia lets you renew your driver's license in person at a Department of Driver Services (DDS) office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the Georgia DDS website. The fastest route depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you need a new photo, and how soon you need the renewed license in hand.

Before you go anywhere, gather these documents: your current Georgia driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you've changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Your license must not be suspended or revoked. If you're unsure of your status, call the DDS at 678-413-8400 before you make the trip. You can also check your license status on the Georgia DDS website by entering your driver's license number and date of birth.

Key Takeaways

  • Georgia offers three renewal routes: in-person at a DDS office, by mail for certain renewals, or online through the Georgia DDS website.
  • You will need your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address dated within the last 60 days.
  • In-person renewals take about 30 minutes at the office and your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • Online renewal is available only if your license is not expired and you do not need a new photo, and costs $32.
  • Mail renewal is an option only for certain renewals and takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time DDS receives your process.

Renewing in person at a DDS office

Walk into any DDS office with your documents and a completed process form DL 44 (you can fill it out at home or at the office). Bring your current license and the proof documents listed above. The office will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. The whole visit usually takes 20 to 40 minutes depending on how busy the office is.

You'll pay the renewal fee at the office — $32 for a standard five-year license or $64 for a ten-year license. You can pay by cash, check, or card. Your new physical license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your old license until the new one arrives.

To find the DDS office nearest you and check current wait times, visit the Georgia DDS website and use the office locator tool. Some offices are busier than others, and wait times vary by time of day and day of week. Calling ahead is not always an option, but arriving early in the morning or on a weekday afternoon often means a shorter wait.

Renewing online through the Georgia DDS website

Online renewal is the fastest option if you meet the requirements. Your license must not be expired, you must not need a new photo, and you must have a valid email address. You cannot renew online if you are changing your name, address, or other personal information, or if your license has been suspended or revoked.

Go to the Georgia DDS website, select "Renew Your License Online," and follow the prompts. You'll enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your information and ask you to review and confirm your current address and other details. Pay the $32 renewal fee by debit or credit card. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

Online renewal takes about 10 minutes total. You'll receive a confirmation email with a reference number. Keep that number in case you need to check on your renewal status or contact DDS with questions.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal is available only if your license is not expired and you do not need a new photo. Complete form DL 44, include a copy of your proof of address, and mail the packet to the address listed on the form (available on the Georgia DDS website). Do not mail your original license — mail a copy of the front and back.

Include a check or money order for $32 (five-year license) or $64 (ten-year license) made payable to "Georgia Department of Driver Services." Mail your packet to the address on form DL 44. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date DDS receives your process, plus mail time in both directions. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file.

Mail renewal is slower than in-person or online, so use this route only if you have time and your circumstances allow it. If your license expires before your new one arrives, you cannot legally drive, so plan accordingly.

What happens if your license is expired

If your Georgia license has been expired for less than two years, you can renew it using any of the three methods above — in person, online (if you don't need a new photo), or by mail. You'll pay the standard renewal fee and follow the same process.

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person at a DDS office. You'll need to take a new written test and a driving test, not just a vision test. Bring the same documents as above, plus proof that you have passed the written test (or be prepared to take it at the office). This process takes longer than a standard renewal — plan for 1 to 2 hours at the office.

Checking your renewal status and what to do if something goes wrong

After you renew, you can check the status of your new license on the Georgia DDS website by entering your driver's license number and date of birth. The status will show whether your process is being processed, has been approved, or has been mailed. If you renewed online or by mail, you can also use the confirmation number or reference number from your process.

If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days of your in-person renewal, or within 3 weeks of your mail renewal, contact the DDS at 678-413-8400. Have your confirmation number or reference number ready. The DDS can tell you whether your license has been mailed and provide a tracking number if it has.

If you need to drive before your new license arrives and your old license is expired, you cannot legally drive. In-person renewal is your fastest option because you can continue driving on your old license when ready after your appointment, even though your new license is still in the mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. If you live outside Georgia, you can renew by mail or online (if you meet the online requirements). You cannot renew in person unless you are physically in Georgia at a DDS office. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date DDS receives your process, plus mail time, so plan ahead.

What if my address has changed since my last license?

You must renew in person at a DDS office if you've changed your address. Bring proof of your new address dated within the last 60 days. You cannot change your address online or by mail during renewal.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

A new photo is taken automatically during in-person renewal. If you renew online or by mail, your old photo is used unless your license is more than eight years old, in which case DDS will require you to renew in person for a new photo.

What if my license was suspended or revoked?

You cannot renew your license while it is suspended or revoked. Contact the DDS at 678-413-8400 to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it. Once your license is restored, you can renew through any of the three methods.

How long is my renewed license valid?

A standard Georgia driver's license is valid for five years from the date of renewal. You can choose to renew for ten years instead, which costs $64 instead of $32. Both options are available in person, online, and by mail.