The fastest way to renew your Georgia license
You can renew your Georgia driver's license online through the Georgia Department of Driver Services website if you meet certain conditions: your license must not be expired by more than two years, you must have a valid email address, and you cannot have any medical or legal restrictions on your license. The online process takes about 10 minutes and costs $32. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
If you do not meet the online requirements — for example, if your license expired more than two years ago or you have restrictions — you must renew in person at a Driver Services office. In-person renewal takes 30 to 45 minutes and costs the same $32 fee.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Georgia Department of Driver Services website works only if your license expired within the last two years and has no medical or legal restrictions.
- You will need your current Georgia driver's license number, a valid email address, and a payment method (debit or credit card) to renew online.
- In-person renewal at a Driver Services office is required if your license expired more than two years ago or if you need to update your address, name, or other information.
- Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days for online renewal, or you can request it at the office for in-person renewal.
What you need before you start
For online renewal, have your current Georgia driver's license number ready and access to a valid email address. You will also need a debit or credit card to pay the $32 renewal fee. The system will ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions based on your driving record and personal history.
For in-person renewal, bring your current Georgia driver's license and proof of your current address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a court order or marriage certificate showing the change.
Renewing online step by step
Go to the Georgia Department of Driver Services website and select "Renew Your License" from the main menu. Enter your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will ask you several security questions to confirm your identity — these are based on information from your driving record and credit history.
Review your current information on the screen. If your address, phone number, or email has changed, update it now. Confirm that you are not requesting any changes to your license class or restrictions. Accept the terms and conditions, then proceed to payment. Enter your debit or credit card information and submit. You will receive a confirmation email when ready. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Renewing in person at a Driver Services office
Find your nearest Driver Services office on the Georgia Department of Driver Services website. Many offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce your wait time. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointment holders are served first.
Bring your current Georgia driver's license and proof of your current address. If your name has changed, bring the legal document showing the change. Tell the staff member that you are renewing your license. They will take a new photo, verify your information, and collect the $32 fee. You can request your new license by mail (7 to 10 business days) or pick it up at the office the same day if the office has a printing station. Not all offices print licenses on-site, so ask when you arrive.
When you cannot renew online
If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person. The Georgia Department of Driver Services treats licenses expired beyond two years as lapsed rather than straightforward expired, which requires an in-person visit and identity verification that the online system cannot handle.
You also cannot renew online if your license has medical restrictions (such as corrective lenses required), legal restrictions (such as an ignition interlock device), or if you need to change your license class. In these cases, visit a Driver Services office and explain what needs to change. Staff will guide you through the process, which may include a vision test or other requirements depending on the change you are making.
Address changes and other updates
If you moved and need to update your address, you can do this during online renewal if your license is not expired by more than two years. straightforward enter your new address when prompted and proceed with the renewal. Your new license will reflect the updated address.
If you are renewing in person, tell the staff member about your address change before they process your renewal. Bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If you moved but are not renewing your license yet, you can update your address separately by visiting a Driver Services office or calling 678-413-8400.
What happens after you renew
Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days if you renewed online or requested mail delivery at an office. The envelope will have your name and address on it. Open it carefully — your new license is inside along with a temporary paper license you can use while you wait for the plastic card to arrive.
Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one by cutting it in half. You do not need to return it to the state. If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the Georgia Department of Driver Services at 678-413-8400 to check the status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Georgia license if I live out of state?
Yes, if your license is not expired by more than two years and has no restrictions, you can renew online from anywhere. If you need to renew in person, you must visit a Georgia Driver Services office in person — there is no mail-in option for in-person renewals.
What if I lost my license and need to renew?
You cannot renew online if you do not have your license number. Visit a Driver Services office with proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID) and proof of address. Staff will look up your information and issue a replacement license. This is treated as a replacement rather than a renewal and may have different fees.
Do I need a new photo for online renewal?
No. Online renewal uses your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a Driver Services office.
How much does it cost to renew?
Renewal costs $32 whether you renew online or in person. This is the standard fee for a four-year renewal. Payment is by debit or credit card online, or by cash, check, or card at an office.
What if my name changed since my last license?
If you married, divorced, or legally changed your name, bring the court order or marriage certificate to a Driver Services office. You cannot update your name through online renewal — you must renew in person. The staff will update your name and issue a new license with the correct name.