Where to renew and what you need to bring

You can renew your Georgia driver's license at any Department of Driver Services (DDS) office across the state, or by mail if you meet certain conditions. The fastest option is usually an in-person visit, which takes 15 to 30 minutes once you're called to the window. You'll need to 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 number.

If your license is still valid or expired less than two years ago, you may be able to renew by mail without visiting an office. Mail renewal takes four to six weeks from the time DDS receives your process. You cannot renew by mail if your license has been suspended, if you need to update your address, or if you're renewing for the first time after turning 18.

Key Takeaways

  • In-person renewal at a DDS office takes 15 to 30 minutes and requires your current license, proof of residency, and Social Security number.
  • Mail renewal is available only if your license is still valid or expired less than two years ago, and takes four to six weeks.
  • Your new license costs $32 for an eight-year renewal, or $20 for a four-year renewal if you're over 65.
  • You can find your nearest DDS office and check wait times on the Georgia DDS website before you go.
  • If your license has been suspended or you need to change your address, you must renew in person.

In-person renewal at a DDS office

Walk into any DDS office during business hours with your current license, proof of residency, and Social Security number. You'll check in at the front desk, take a number, and wait to be called. When it's your turn, a clerk will verify your information, take a new photo, and process your payment. Bring cash, a debit card, or a credit card — all are accepted.

Most DDS offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours on certain days. Saturday hours vary by location. The Georgia DDS website lists every office location, phone number, and current wait time. Checking the wait time before you leave home can save you a trip during peak hours — early morning and mid-week tend to be less crowded than late afternoon and Friday.

Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need to drive out of state before your new license arrives, bring a receipt showing you renewed — most states will accept it as proof.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal is only available if your current license is still valid or expired less than two years ago. You cannot renew by mail if your license has been suspended, revoked, or cancelled, or if you need to change your address or name. read the DDS mail renewal form from the Georgia DDS website, fill it out completely, and mail it with your current license and a check or money order for $32 (or $20 if you're over 65).

Mail your completed form and payment to the address listed on the DDS website. Do not mail your license to a local DDS office — it must go to the central processing location. Include a copy of your proof of residency if your address on file has changed since your last renewal. DDS will process your process and mail your new license back to you within four to six weeks.

Keep your current license until the new one arrives. If you need to renew urgently and mail renewal is too slow, you'll need to visit a DDS office in person instead.

What happens if your license is suspended or expired more than two years

If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it — you must first resolve the suspension with DDS. Call the DDS customer service line or visit an office to find out why your license was suspended and what steps you need to take. Suspensions are usually tied to unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or failure to maintain insurance. Once you've resolved the issue, you can renew normally.

If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew by mail and must visit a DDS office in person. Bring the same documents you would for a standard renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The fee is still $32 for an eight-year license.

Cost and how long your new license lasts

A standard eight-year driver's license renewal costs $32. If you're 65 or older, you can renew for four years instead of eight, and the cost is $20. Your new license will be valid for the full term you choose — eight years or four years — from the date it's issued, not from the date you applied.

Payment must be made at the time of renewal, whether you're renewing in person or by mail. DDS accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at offices. For mail renewal, send a check or money order only — do not send cash through the mail.

Changing your address or name during renewal

If you need to change your address, you must renew in person at a DDS office. Bring your current license, proof of residency at your new address (dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. The clerk will update your address in the system and issue your new license with the correct information.

If you've changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must also renew in person. Bring your current license, a certified copy of the document proving your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), proof of residency, and your Social Security number. DDS will update your name and issue a new license.

Finding a DDS office and checking wait times

The Georgia DDS website has a complete list of all driver's license offices statewide, including their addresses, phone numbers, and hours of operation. Many offices now display live wait times on the website, so you can see how busy an office is before you go. If you're near multiple offices, checking wait times can help you choose the least crowded one.

If you have questions about your specific situation — such as whether you're may be able to access for mail renewal or what documents you need — call the DDS customer service line. They can answer questions about your account and direct you to the right office or process for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it's been suspended?

No. You must first contact DDS to resolve the suspension. Call customer service or visit an office to find out why it was suspended and what you need to do to clear it. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew normally.

What if I don't have proof of residency?

Proof of residency must be dated within the last 60 days and show your current address. Acceptable documents include utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, and insurance policies. If you've just moved and don't have a dated document yet, contact DDS to ask about alternatives before you visit an office.

How long can I drive on my old license after I renew?

You can drive on your current license until your new one arrives in the mail, which usually takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive out of state before the new license arrives, bring the receipt from your renewal transaction — most states will accept it as proof of a valid license.

Can I renew online?

Georgia does not offer online renewal for driver's licenses. You can renew in person at any DDS office or by mail if you meet the requirements. Mail renewal is the closest option to online renewal, though it takes four to six weeks.

What if I lose my license before the new one arrives?

Visit a DDS office and report it lost. You can request a replacement license at the same time. Bring your proof of residency and Social Security number. There may be an additional fee for a replacement, so ask at the office.