How to Renew Your Georgia Driver's License

The fastest way to renew in Georgia

You can renew your Georgia driver's license online through the Georgia Department of Driver Services website, by mail, or in person at a DDS office. Online renewal is the quickest option — you can complete it in about 10 minutes from home, and your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal at a DDS office is when ready if you need your license the same day, but you will wait in line.

Which method works for you depends on whether your license is still valid and what type of license you hold. Standard driver's licenses and ID cards can be renewed online or by mail. Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) must be renewed in person. If your license has been expired for more than 5 years, you cannot use online or mail renewal — you will need to visit a DDS office and may need to retake the written test.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Georgia DDS website takes 10 minutes and costs $32 for a 8-year license; your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
You need your current Georgia driver's license number, a valid email address, and a payment method (debit or credit card) to renew online.
Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed form, and a check or money order to the DDS; processing takes 2 to 3 weeks.
In-person renewal at any DDS office is free if you renew before your license expires, but you will need to bring your current license and proof of residency.
If your license expired more than 5 years ago, you cannot renew by mail or online and must visit a DDS office in person.

Online renewal: what you need and how to start

Go to the Georgia Department of Driver Services website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current Georgia driver's license number, your date of birth, and your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity using information on file with the state. Have a valid email address and a debit or credit card ready — the renewal fee is $32 for an 8-year license.

The online form takes about 10 minutes to complete. You will confirm your address, answer a few health questions, and pay the fee. You do not upload a new photo — Georgia uses your existing photo from your current license. Once you submit, you will receive a confirmation email. Your new physical license card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to use your current license until the new one arrives.

Online renewal is available only if your license is currently valid and you hold a standard driver's license or ID card. You cannot renew online if you have a CDL, if your license has been suspended or revoked, or if you need to change your name or address due to a legal document like a marriage certificate or court order.

Mail renewal: sending your documents and timeline

To renew by mail, read the DDS-43 form (process for Renewal of Driver's License or ID Card) from the Georgia DDS website. Fill it out completely, including your name, date of birth, address, and license number. Sign and date the form. Include your current Georgia driver's license and a check or money order for $32 made payable to the Georgia Department of Driver Services.

Mail the envelope to the address listed on the DDS website — there is a specific mailing address for renewals. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the DDS receives your envelope. Your new license will arrive by mail after processing is complete. Mail renewal uses your existing photo, so you do not need to provide a new one.

Mail renewal has the same restrictions as online renewal: your license must be currently valid, you cannot hold a CDL, and you cannot change your name or address without additional documents. If you are unsure whether mail renewal is an option for you, call the DDS customer service line before sending your documents.

In-person renewal at a DDS office

Visit any Georgia Department of Driver Services office with your current driver's license and proof of your current address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. Bring your Social Security number as well. If your license is not expired, renewal is free. If your license has been expired for 1 to 5 years, you pay $32. If it has been expired for more than 5 years, you pay $32 and must retake the written test.

You will take a new photo at the office. The DDS will process your renewal on the spot, and you will receive your new license card when ready. Bring your current license with you — the office will keep it. You can drive home with your new license the same day.

Wait times at DDS offices vary by location and time of day. Offices are typically less crowded on weekday mornings and more crowded on Fridays and after 3 p.m. You can find your nearest office and its hours on the Georgia DDS website. Some offices accept walk-ins; others require you to schedule an appointment online first. Check your local office's policy before you go.

What happens if your license is expired

If your license expired within the last 5 years, you can still renew online, by mail, or in person using the standard process described above. If your license expired more than 5 years ago, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must go to a DDS office in person, bring your current (expired) license and proof of address, and retake the written knowledge test. You will also need to pass a vision screening at the office. The renewal fee is still $32.

If your license has been expired for more than 5 years and you do not have it, bring a state ID card or other government-issued photo ID instead. The DDS can look up your license record using your name, date of birth, and Social Security number.

Fees and what they cover

A standard 8-year Georgia driver's license renewal costs $32, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. This is the fee for a regular driver's license or ID card. If you hold a CDL, the renewal fee is higher — check the DDS website for current CDL renewal pricing, as it varies depending on the type of CDL you hold.

The $32 fee covers your new license card and processing. It does not include any additional services like name changes, address changes, or organ donor registration updates. If you need to change your name or address, you will need to bring supporting documents (such as a marriage certificate or lease) and may face additional fees or requirements depending on the type of change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has been suspended or revoked?

No. You cannot renew online or by mail if your license is suspended or revoked. You must visit a DDS office in person. The office will tell you what you need to do to clear the suspension or revocation before you can renew. This may include paying fines, completing a defensive driving course, or waiting out a suspension period.

What if I need to change my name or address when I renew?

If you are changing your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must renew in person at a DDS office and bring the legal document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). You cannot change your name online or by mail. Address changes can be made online or by mail if you are renewing at the same time, but you may need to provide proof of your new address depending on the method you choose.

Do I need a new photo for my renewal?

Online and mail renewals use your existing photo from your current license. In-person renewals require a new photo taken at the DDS office. If you want a new photo for an online or mail renewal, you must renew in person instead.

How long can I drive on my expired license while I wait for my new one?

Once your current license expires, you should not drive. If you renew online or by mail, your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days or 2 to 3 weeks respectively. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, renew in person at a DDS office to get your license the same day.

What if my new license arrives damaged or with incorrect information?

Contact the Georgia Department of Driver Services customer service line with your license number and the issue. They can issue a replacement card. Replacement fees vary depending on the reason — if the error was made by the DDS, replacement is usually free. If the card arrived damaged through the mail, you may be charged a small replacement fee.

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.