How to Renew Your Georgia Driver's License

Renew in person at a Georgia DDS office or by mail, depending on your license type and how long it has been expired

Georgia offers three renewal routes: in-person at a Department of Driver Services office, by mail if your license is not expired and meets other conditions, or online through the Georgia DDS website if you are renewing a standard license that is not expired. The fastest route is usually online — it takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewal at a DDS office takes about 30 minutes to an hour depending on wait times, and you receive a temporary license to use when ready. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks for processing plus shipping time.

Your renewal method depends on three things: whether your current license is expired, what type of license you hold, and whether you have had any address changes or name changes since your last renewal. A standard Class D driver's license can be renewed online or by mail if it is not yet expired. A commercial driver's license (CDL) or a license that has been expired for more than two years requires in-person renewal. If you have moved, changed your name, or need to correct information on your license, you must renew in person.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Georgia DDS website is the fastest option if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address or name.
In-person renewal at any DDS office lets you walk out with a temporary license the same day, even though your permanent license arrives by mail later.
Mail renewal is an option only if your license is current and you meet Georgia's requirements, and it takes 2 to 3 weeks plus shipping.
You will need your current Georgia driver's license, proof of residency, and payment for the renewal fee, which varies by license type.
If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot use the online or mail route and must renew in person with a vision test.

Online renewal through the Georgia DDS website

Go to the Georgia DDS website and select the renewal option. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and pull up your existing record. You then review your information, confirm that nothing has changed (address, name, medical conditions), and pay the renewal fee by debit card or credit card.

Online renewal costs $32 for a four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license. Your new license is mailed to the address on file and arrives in 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. Online renewal is not available if your license is expired, if you have a CDL, or if you need to update any information on your license.

In-person renewal at a DDS office

Find your nearest DDS office on the Georgia DDS website and check their hours. You can walk in without an appointment at most locations, though some offices now use an online appointment system. Bring your current Georgia driver's license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment for the renewal fee.

At the office, you will have your photo taken, pass a vision test, and sign your new license. The office will give you a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. The permanent license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewal is required if your license is expired, if you have a CDL, if you have changed your address or name, or if you need to correct any information on your license. The renewal fee is the same as online: $32 for four years or $64 for eight years.

Mail renewal by sending documents to Georgia DDS

Mail renewal is available only if your license is not expired and you meet Georgia's other conditions. You cannot use mail renewal if you have a CDL, if your license has been expired for any length of time, or if you need to update your address or name. To renew by mail, print the renewal form from the Georgia DDS website (Form DL-44), fill it out completely, and mail it with your current driver's license, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and proof of residency.

Send your packet to the Georgia Department of Driver Services at the address listed on the form. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks, and your new license is mailed to the address on your current license. You can continue to drive on your current license during this time. Mail renewal is slower than online or in-person, so use it only if you prefer not to visit an office or do not have internet access.

What to bring and what it costs

For any renewal method, you need your current Georgia driver's license and payment for the renewal fee. If you are renewing in person, you also need proof of residency dated within the last 60 days — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance bill with your name and current address. If you are renewing by mail, you need the same proof of residency plus a check or money order.

The renewal fee is $32 for a four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license. You can pay by debit card or credit card for online renewal, and by check or money order for mail renewal. In-person renewal accepts cash, debit card, credit card, and check. If you are over 65, Georgia offers a reduced-fee renewal option — ask at the DDS office or check the website for current pricing.

If your license is expired or has been expired for more than two years

If your license expired less than two years ago, you can still renew online or by mail as long as you have not changed your address or name. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DDS office. You will need to pass a vision test and have a new photo taken. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment for the renewal fee.

If your license has been expired for a very long time or you cannot locate it, bring a government-issued photo ID (passport, military ID, or state ID) and proof of residency instead. The DDS office will look up your record and process your renewal. There is no additional penalty fee for renewing an expired license — you pay the standard renewal fee only.

What happens if your address or name has changed

If you have moved since your last renewal, you must renew in person at a DDS office. You cannot use online or mail renewal when your address has changed. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment for the renewal fee. The office will update your address and issue a new license with the correct information.

If you have changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must also renew in person. Bring your current driver's license, a certified copy of the document that shows your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), proof of residency, and payment for the renewal fee. The office will update your name and issue a new license. You cannot use online or mail renewal for a name change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Georgia driver's license online if I have a commercial driver's license?

No. Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) must be renewed in person at a Georgia DDS office. You will need to pass a vision test and have a new photo taken. Bring your current CDL, proof of residency, and payment for the renewal fee.

How long does a Georgia driver's license take to arrive after I renew online?

Your new license is mailed to the address on file and arrives in 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need to drive out of state before your new license arrives, bring your current license with you.

What if I do not have proof of residency for in-person renewal?

Proof of residency must be dated within the last 60 days and show your name and current address. Acceptable documents include utility bills, leases, mortgage statements, bank statements, and insurance bills. If you do not have any of these, contact your local DDS office to ask what alternative documents they accept.

Can I renew my Georgia driver's license if I am out of state?

Yes, if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address or name, you can renew online from anywhere. If you need to renew in person, you must visit a Georgia DDS office in person. Some states allow mail renewal for residents living out of state — check the Georgia DDS website for current policy.

Is there a fee to renew a Georgia driver's license if I am over 65?

Georgia offers a reduced-fee renewal option for drivers over 65. The exact fee varies, so check the Georgia DDS website or call your local office for current pricing. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at the reduced rate.

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.