How to Renew Your Georgia Driver's License

What You Need to Do to Renew in Georgia

Georgia lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Driver Services office. Which route you take depends on how much time you have, whether your license is still valid, and what type of license you hold. Most people can complete an online renewal in minutes without leaving home, but some situations require an office visit.

Your license is valid for eight years from the date it was issued. Georgia sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for the notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Georgia DDS website takes about 10 minutes and costs $32, but only works if your license is not suspended, you have not changed your name, and you still live in Georgia.
Mail renewal requires you to send in your current license, a completed form, and payment, and takes two to three weeks from the time the office receives your materials.
In-person renewal at a DDS office takes 30 minutes to an hour and is required if your license is suspended, if you need a Real ID, or if you have changed your name or address since your last renewal.
You will need either a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to renew, and you must provide proof of Georgia residency if you have moved.
Georgia does not mail renewal notices to addresses outside the state, so if you have moved out of Georgia, you must renew in person or contact DDS directly before attempting online renewal.

Online Renewal Through the Georgia DDS Website

The fastest and cheapest way to renew is online at the Georgia Department of Driver Services website. You log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, review your information, pay the $32 renewal fee with a credit or debit card, and receive a temporary digital license on screen. Your physical license arrives by mail in seven to ten business days.

Online renewal is only available if all of these are true: your current license is not suspended or revoked, you have not changed your name since it was issued, you still live in Georgia, and your license is not a commercial license. If any of these do not explore to you, you must renew by mail or in person.

You will need your current Georgia driver's license number and your date of birth to start. If you do not remember your license number, you can look it up on the DDS website using your Social Security number and date of birth. The temporary digital license you receive is valid for driving when ready while you wait for your physical card.

Mail Renewal and What to Send

To renew by mail, you need to send your current license, a completed DL 44 form (process for Driver's License or Learner's Permit), and a check or money order for $32 to the address listed on the DDS website. Do not send cash. Include a return envelope with your address and postage if you want your old license back; otherwise, DDS will destroy it.

The DL 44 form is available on the Georgia DDS website as a PDF you can print and fill out by hand. You can also request a form by calling the DDS customer service line or visiting a DDS office. Mail your materials to the address on the form — there is a separate mailing address for renewals.

Processing takes two to three weeks from the day the DDS office receives your envelope. Your new license will arrive by mail. If you need to drive before it arrives, you can request a temporary license at a DDS office in person, or in some cases DDS will issue one by mail if you call and explain the urgency.

In-Person Renewal at a DDS Office

You must renew in person if your license is suspended or revoked, if you want to add a Real ID star to your license, if you have changed your name since your last renewal, or if you have moved and need to update your address. You can also choose in-person renewal even if you are not required to — some people prefer it because they walk out with a temporary license the same day.

Bring 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 Georgia address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Visit the DDS office locator on the Georgia DDS website to find the office nearest you and check its hours. Some offices take walk-ins; others require you to book an appointment online or by phone. Processing takes 30 minutes to an hour. You will pay $32 for a standard renewal or $35 for a Real ID. You receive a temporary license on paper that day and your physical license by mail in seven to ten business days.

Real ID and What It Means for Your Renewal

A Real ID is a federal standard that allows your driver's license to be used for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. Georgia began issuing Real ID licenses in 2009, and you can add the Real ID star to your license during renewal if you want to. It costs $3 extra and requires an in-person visit to a DDS office.

To get a Real ID, you need to bring proof of your identity (your current license), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Georgia address. If you have changed your name, bring the certified document showing the change. You do not need Real ID to drive in Georgia — it is only required if you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal building without a passport.

If you renew online or by mail, your new license will not have the Real ID star. You can add it later by visiting a DDS office and paying the $3 fee, or you can wait and add it during your next renewal.

What Happens If Your License Is Suspended or Revoked

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must visit a DDS office in person. A suspension is usually temporary — it might be due to unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or a medical condition. A revocation is more serious and typically results from multiple violations or a serious offense.

Before you go to the office, contact DDS to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what you need to do to clear it. You may need to pay fines, complete a court requirement, or provide medical documentation. The DDS customer service line can tell you what documents to bring. Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can renew in person at any DDS office.

Timeline and What to Expect After You Renew

If you renew online, your temporary digital license is valid when ready and your physical license arrives in seven to ten business days. If you renew by mail, processing takes two to three weeks from receipt, then another seven to ten days for mail delivery. If you renew in person, you get a temporary paper license the same day and your physical license in seven to ten business days.

Your new license will have the same number as your old one unless you have changed your name. The expiration date will be eight years from the date you renew. You can drive on your temporary license or digital license while you wait for your physical card to arrive.

If your physical license does not arrive within two weeks of the expected delivery date, contact DDS customer service. Bring your temporary license or digital license as proof of renewal if you are stopped by police before your physical card arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have moved out of Georgia?

No, you cannot renew online or by mail if you no longer live in Georgia. You must either renew in person at a Georgia DDS office before you move, or contact DDS to find out whether you can renew by mail from out of state. Most states require you to get a new license in your new state rather than renew a Georgia license.

What if I lost my current license and need to renew?

You cannot renew by mail or online without your current license number. Visit a DDS office in person and bring proof of your identity, Social Security number, and Georgia address. You will need to report the lost license and pay for a replacement, which costs $32. The office will issue you a temporary license and mail your new one within seven to ten business days.

Do I have to renew before my license expires, or can I renew after?

You can renew up to one year before your license expires. If your license has already expired, you can still renew, but you may face additional requirements or fees depending on how long it has been expired. Contact DDS or visit an office to find out what you need to bring.

How much does it cost to renew a Georgia driver's license?

A standard eight-year renewal costs $32. If you want to add or upgrade to a Real ID, add $3 to the cost. Payment is by check, money order, or credit or debit card depending on which renewal method you choose. Cash is not accepted by mail.

What if I changed my name since my last license?

You must renew in person at a DDS office and bring a certified copy of the document showing your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Your new license will show your current legal name. Online and mail renewal are not available if your name has changed.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.