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. Online renewal is the fastest route if you are renewing early or on time — it takes about 10 minutes and costs $32. If your license has already expired, you must renew in person. Mail renewal exists but is slower and requires you to submit documents by post; most people skip it for online or in-person options.

Your renewal window opens 6 months before your license expires and closes on the expiration date itself. Georgia will mail your new license to the address on file, which usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the process. You can drive on your old license until the new one arrives.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Georgia DDS website works if your license is not yet expired and you have not had a name change, address change, or vision correction change since your last renewal.
In-person renewal at a DDS office is required if your license has already expired, and you will receive your new license when ready or within a few days depending on the office.
You will need your current Georgia driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card for online; cash, check, or card in person).
Mail renewal is available but takes 4 to 6 weeks and requires you to mail in your current license and a completed form; most people use online or in-person instead.
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, so update your address before you renew if you have moved.

Online Renewal Through the Georgia DDS Website

Start at the Georgia Department of Driver Services website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current driver's license number, your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and pull up your record.

Online renewal is only available if your license is not expired, you have not changed your name, you have not changed your address, and your vision correction status has not changed. If any of those conditions do not explore to you, you must renew in person instead. The fee is $32, paid by debit or credit card at the end of the process.

After you submit, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address currently on file with the DDS. If you need to update your address before renewing, do that in person at a DDS office or call the DDS to request an address change first.

In-Person Renewal at a DDS Office

Visit a local Department of Driver Services office with your current Georgia driver's license and proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form works). Bring a payment method: cash, check, debit card, or credit card. The renewal fee is $32.

In-person renewal is required if your license has expired, if you have changed your name or address, or if your vision correction has changed. You will also need to pass a vision test at the office. Some offices issue your new license on the spot; others mail it within a few days. Call ahead to your local office to confirm their process and current wait times.

To find your nearest DDS office, use the office locator on the Georgia DDS website. Many offices operate by appointment only, so check whether you need to book a time slot before you go. Walk-in hours vary by location.

Mail Renewal (Slower Option)

Mail renewal is available but takes 4 to 6 weeks from the time the DDS receives your materials. You will need to complete Form DL 44 (process for a Georgia Driver's License), include your current driver's license, and mail both to the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for $32 (the DDS does not accept credit cards by mail).

Mail your materials to the DDS address shown on Form DL 44. Keep a copy of the form and your payment receipt for your records. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your current license unless you also submit a change-of-address form.

Because mail renewal is slow and requires you to send your current license through the post, most people choose online or in-person renewal instead. Use mail renewal only if you cannot visit an office and your license is not yet expired.

What Happens If Your License Has Already Expired

Once your license expires, you cannot use online renewal. You must go to a DDS office in person with your current (expired) license, proof of your Social Security number, and payment. The process is the same as in-person renewal, but you will be renewing an expired license rather than renewing early.

Driving with an expired Georgia license is illegal. If you are stopped by police, you can face a fine. Renew as soon as you notice your license has expired, or plan to renew before the expiration date to avoid this situation.

Address Changes and Other Updates

If you have moved since your last license was issued, update your address before or during your renewal. For online renewal, you cannot change your address in the system — you must renew in person or call the DDS to request an address change first, then do online renewal afterward.

If you have changed your name (through marriage, divorce, or legal petition), you must renew in person. Bring your current license and a document proving the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DDS will not process a name change online.

If your vision has changed or you now need corrective lenses, you must renew in person and pass a vision test at the office. Do not attempt online renewal if your vision correction status has changed.

Fees and Payment Methods

A Georgia driver's license renewal costs $32. Online renewal accepts debit and credit cards only. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Mail renewal requires a check or money order — the DDS does not accept credit cards by mail.

The $32 fee covers a 4-year renewal (for drivers under 65) or an 8-year renewal (for drivers 65 and older). Renewal fees do not vary by method; you pay the same amount whether you renew online, in person, or by mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Georgia license online if I just moved?

No. Online renewal requires that your address has not changed. If you have moved, you must renew in person at a DDS office. You can update your address during the in-person renewal process.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?

The DDS mails your new license within 7 to 10 business days after you complete online renewal. You can drive on your old license until the new one arrives. If you need your license sooner, renew in person at a DDS office instead.

What if I lost my current Georgia driver's license?

You cannot renew online or by mail without your current license number. Go to a DDS office in person with proof of your Social Security number and payment. The office will look up your record and issue a replacement or renewal.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person at a DDS office?

Many Georgia DDS offices require appointments, but some accept walk-ins during certain hours. Check the office locator on the Georgia DDS website or call your local office to confirm their process and current availability.

Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?

Yes, but you must renew in person at a DDS office. You cannot use online or mail renewal for licenses that have been expired for any length of time. Bring your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and payment.

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.