Where to renew and what you'll need
You can renew your Georgia driver's license in person at any Department of Driver Services (DDS) office, or online through the Georgia DDS website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route works for almost everyone; the online route is faster but only available if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed.
For an in-person renewal, 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 address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.
If you're renewing online, you'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against state records and send your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs less, but only works if your license is not expired and you have no medical restrictions.
- In-person renewal at a DDS office requires your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address.
- A standard renewal license is valid for eight years; you can renew up to one year before your expiration date.
- DDS offices accept payment by cash, check, debit card, or credit card; online renewal accepts credit and debit cards only.
- If you renew in person, you'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your plastic card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Online renewal step by step
Go to the Georgia DDS website and select "Renew Driver's License Online." You'll be asked to enter your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will pull up your record and ask you to confirm your address and emergency contact information.
Review the vision and medical questions on the form. If you answer no to all of them, you can proceed to payment. The renewal fee is $32 for an eight-year license. After you pay, you'll receive a confirmation number by email. Your new license will arrive by mail; you can use your confirmation number as proof of renewal if you're stopped by police before the plastic card arrives.
If the system tells you that you don't meet the requirements for online renewal, you'll need to visit a DDS office in person. This usually happens if your license has already expired, if you have medical restrictions, or if your address on file doesn't match your current address.
In-person renewal at a DDS office
Find your nearest DDS office on the Georgia DDS website and check its hours before you go. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, though some have extended evening hours. You do not need an appointment; walk-ins are accepted, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
Bring all required documents in original form—photocopies are not accepted. Hand them to the clerk at the counter. You'll be asked to verify your address and answer vision and medical questions. If you pass the vision screening (or bring glasses or contacts if you need them), you'll pay the renewal fee and receive a temporary paper license when ready. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
The renewal fee is $32 for an eight-year license. DDS offices accept cash, personal checks, debit cards, and credit cards. If you're over 65, you may be able to renew for a shorter period (four years) at a lower cost; ask the clerk whether that option is available to you.
When your license is expired or will expire soon
If your license has already expired, you cannot renew online—you must go to a DDS office in person. Bring the same documents you would for a standard renewal. The process is the same, and the fee is the same, whether your license expired last month or five years ago.
You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. If you're within that window, you can start the process now and your new license will be valid for eight years from the date you renew, not from the date your old one expired. This means if you renew three months early, your new license will be good for eight years and three months total.
What happens if you drive with an expired license
Driving with an expired Georgia driver's license is against the law. If you're stopped by police, you can be cited and fined. The fine amount varies but typically ranges from $100 to $200 for a first offense. An expired license can also complicate insurance claims if you're in an accident.
If your license expired within the last year, you can still renew it at any time without penalty. There is no grace period, so renew as soon as you notice the expiration date has passed.
Renewing by mail or through a third party
Georgia does not offer renewal by mail. You must renew either online or in person at a DDS office. Some third-party vendors like tag offices and certain grocery stores can handle vehicle registration renewals, but they cannot renew driver's licenses—only DDS can do that.
If you cannot visit a DDS office yourself, you can authorize someone else to submit your documents on your behalf. That person will need a signed letter from you giving them permission, along with a copy of your ID. However, you will still need to appear in person for the vision screening before your license can be issued, unless you have a medical condition that prevents you from doing so. In that case, contact your local DDS office to discuss options.
Cost and payment methods
A standard eight-year renewal license costs $32. If you're 65 or older, you may be able to renew for four years at a lower cost; check with your local DDS office. The fee is the same whether you renew online or in person.
Online renewal accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. In-person renewal accepts cash, personal checks, debit cards, and credit cards. DDS offices do not accept money orders or traveler's checks. If you pay by check, write it to the "Georgia Department of Driver Services."
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have a medical condition?
If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely, you may still renew, but you cannot do it online. Visit a DDS office in person. The clerk will ask you about your condition and may require a medical form signed by your doctor before issuing your license. Some conditions result in restrictions on your license, such as corrective lenses required or daylight driving only.
What if my address changed since my last license?
If you renewed online, you can update your address during the online process. If you're renewing in person, bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days) and the clerk will update it for you. If your address changed but you haven't renewed yet, you can update it at any DDS office without renewing your license.
How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?
After you renew in person or online, your new plastic license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You'll receive a temporary paper license at the DDS office (if you renewed in person) or a confirmation email (if you renewed online) that you can use as proof of renewal until the plastic card arrives.
Can I renew if my name changed?
Yes. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your address, and the document showing your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). You must renew in person; online renewal is not available if your name has changed since your last license.
What if I lost my license or it was stolen?
If your license is lost or stolen, you need a replacement, not a renewal. That is a different process handled at DDS offices. Contact your local office or visit the Georgia DDS website for information about replacements.