What you'll pay to renew your Georgia driver's license

A standard Georgia driver's license renewal costs $32 if you renew by mail or online, or $35 if you renew in person at a Department of Driver Services office. The difference reflects the in-person service fee. These are the base renewal fees for a four-year license, which is what most Georgia drivers hold.

If you're renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), the cost is higher: $50 for a four-year renewal. Some drivers also add endorsements or corrections to their license during renewal, which may carry separate small fees — typically $5 to $10 per addition, depending on what you're changing.

Georgia does not charge different rates based on age, gender, or how long you've held your current license. The fee structure is the same whether you're renewing for the first time or the fifth time.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard Georgia driver's license renewal costs $32 online or by mail, or $35 in person at a DDS office.
  • Commercial driver's license (CDL) renewals cost $50 for a four-year license.
  • You can pay by credit card, debit card, or check when renewing online or by mail; in-person offices accept cash, card, and check.
  • The renewal fee covers a four-year license; Georgia does not offer shorter renewal periods at a reduced rate.

How to pay when you renew online

If you renew through the Georgia DDS website, you'll enter your payment information during the online transaction. Georgia accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover for online renewals. You can also pay by electronic check if you have a checking account and know your routing and account numbers.

The payment is processed when ready when you submit your renewal. You'll receive a confirmation number on screen and by email, which serves as your proof of payment. Keep this confirmation until your new license arrives in the mail, which typically takes 7 to 10 business days after approval.

How to pay when you renew by mail

Mailed renewal applications require payment by check or money order made payable to "Georgia DDS." Do not send cash through the mail. Include the check or money order in the same envelope as your completed renewal form and any required documents.

Mail your packet to the address listed on the renewal form or on the Georgia DDS website. Processing time for mailed renewals is longer than online — typically 3 to 4 weeks from the date DDS receives your packet. The fee is $32, the same as online renewal.

How to pay when you renew in person

When you visit a Department of Driver Services office for renewal, you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. The in-person fee is $35. You do not need to bring exact change; the office will process your payment at the counter and issue a receipt.

In-person renewal is the fastest option. You'll typically receive your new license on the spot or within a few days, depending on whether the office prints licenses on-site. Some DDS locations have longer wait times, so arriving early in the day or on a weekday morning usually means shorter lines.

What happens if you pay the wrong amount

If you send a check for less than $32 when renewing by mail, DDS will return your process without processing it. You'll need to resubmit with the correct payment. If you overpay, DDS will not refund the difference; the extra amount is kept as payment toward any future transactions or fees you may owe.

If you're renewing online and your card is declined, the system will notify you when ready and your renewal will not be submitted. You can update your payment method and try again. There is no additional fee for resubmitting.

Additional costs you might encounter

The $32 or $35 renewal fee covers only the license itself. If you need to change your name, address, or add a restriction or endorsement during renewal, some of these changes carry extra fees. A name change due to marriage or court order typically costs $5 to $10. Adding a REAL ID endorsement (if you haven't already) may require a separate fee, though many Georgia drivers already have this on their current license.

If you need a replacement license before your renewal is processed — for example, because your current license was lost or stolen — you'll pay a separate replacement fee of around $20 to $32, depending on whether you explore in person or by mail. This is in addition to any renewal fee you owe.

Where to find the exact current fee

The Georgia Department of Driver Services website (dds.georgia.gov) lists all current renewal fees and payment methods. Fees can change, though they do not change frequently. If you're renewing and want to confirm the exact amount before you start, the DDS website is the authoritative source.

You can also call the DDS customer service line at 678-413-8400 to ask about current fees or payment options. Wait times can be long during peak hours, so calling early in the morning or mid-week often connects you faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my renewal fee in installments?

No. Georgia DDS requires full payment of the renewal fee at the time you submit your process, whether online, by mail, or in person. There is no option to split the payment into multiple transactions.

What if I renew online but my card is declined?

The online system will tell you when ready that the payment failed and will not submit your renewal. You can log back in, update your card information, and try again. There is no penalty or extra fee for resubmitting.

Do I have to pay the in-person fee if I renew online?

No. Online renewal costs $32, and in-person renewal costs $35. You pay only the fee that matches the method you choose. The $3 difference reflects the cost of the in-person service at a DDS office.

Will I get a refund if I don't finish my renewal?

If you pay online but do not complete your renewal process, contact DDS to request a refund. Refunds are not automatic. If you pay by mail and then decide not to renew, contact DDS with your check number or money order receipt to stop payment or request a refund.

What if my check gets lost in the mail?

If you mailed a check more than four weeks ago and your renewal has not been processed, contact DDS with your check number and the date you mailed it. They can search their records and may issue a replacement or allow you to resubmit with a new check or renew online instead.