Where and how to renew your Georgia driver license
You can renew your Georgia driver license in person at any Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) office, or online through the Georgia DDS website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes at a DDS location. The online route, called Georgia Online Driver License Renewal, takes about 10 minutes from your computer and costs less, but only works if your license is not expired, you have no medical conditions on file, and your address hasn't changed since your last renewal.
If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot use the online system and must go to a DDS office in person. The same applies if you need to update your address, change your name, or add or remove medical restrictions. You will also need to appear in person if you want to change your photo or if your license was suspended or revoked.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works only if your current license is not expired, your address is the same, and you have no medical conditions — it costs $32 and takes 10 minutes.
- In-person renewal at a DDS office is required if your license is expired, your address changed, or you need a new photo — bring your current license and proof of residency.
- Georgia DDS offices are open Monday through Friday, and some locations offer Saturday hours; you can find your nearest office and check wait times on the Georgia DDS website.
- Your renewed license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days if you renew online, or you can walk out with a temporary paper license if you renew in person.
- The renewal fee is $32 for a four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license; online renewal is only available for the four-year option.
Online renewal step by step
Go to the Georgia DDS website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against Georgia's records. If verification succeeds, you will be asked to review your current license information and confirm that your address, name, and other details are correct.
Next, you will pay the $32 renewal fee using a credit or debit card. Georgia DDS does not accept cash, checks, or money orders online. After payment, you will receive a confirmation number by email. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You do not receive a temporary license when you renew online, so plan ahead if you need to show a valid license before your new one arrives.
In-person renewal at a DDS office
Bring your current Georgia driver license and one document that proves your current address. Acceptable proof of residency includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Your name must match the address document, or bring a second document showing your name change (such as a marriage certificate or court order).
You do not need an appointment at most DDS offices, but you can reserve a time slot online to skip the walk-in line. Go to the Georgia DDS website, select your nearest office, and book a time. Walk-in wait times vary by location and time of day; the website shows current wait times for each office. When you arrive, take a number and wait to be called. The process takes about 30 minutes. You will have your photo taken, answer a few questions, and pay the fee — $32 for a four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license. You will walk out with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you.
What happens if your license is expired
If your license expired less than two years ago, you can still renew by mail or in person using the standard process. If your license expired more than two years ago, Georgia treats this as a new license rather than a renewal, and you must go to a DDS office in person. You will need to bring proof of residency, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2), and proof of your date of birth (such as a birth certificate or passport).
You will also take a written knowledge test and a driving test at the DDS office. These tests are the same as those for a first-time license. The fee is the same as a standard renewal — $32 for four years or $64 for eight years. Plan for this visit to take longer than a standard renewal, usually 45 minutes to an hour.
DDS office locations and hours
Georgia has DDS offices in most counties. Most offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some closing for lunch between noon and 1 p.m. A few locations offer Saturday hours from 8 a.m. to noon. You can find your nearest office, check its hours, and see current wait times on the Georgia DDS website by entering your county or zip code.
Some offices are busier than others. Generally, mid-morning on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday has shorter waits than Monday mornings or Friday afternoons. If you book an appointment online, you will skip the walk-in line and be seen at your reserved time, though you may still wait a few minutes.
Fees and payment methods
A four-year Georgia driver license costs $32. An eight-year license costs $64. These are the only two options available. At a DDS office, you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Online, you can pay only with a credit or debit card. Georgia DDS does not accept money orders or prepayment by mail.
If you are a military member on active duty, you may be able to renew for free or at a reduced rate. Ask at your local DDS office or check the Georgia DDS website for current military discounts and the documents you need to show.
What to expect after you renew
If you renewed online or in person, your new license will be mailed to the address on file. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you renewed in person, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while you wait for your permanent license. Do not throw away the temporary license — you may need it if your permanent license is delayed.
If your new license does not arrive within 14 business days, contact the Georgia DDS office where you renewed (if you went in person) or call the DDS customer service line. Have your confirmation number or driver license number ready. DDS can check the status of your license and remail it if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Georgia driver license if I live out of state?
Yes. If you are a Georgia resident living temporarily out of state, you can renew online if your license is not expired and you meet the other online renewal requirements. If you cannot renew online, you will need to return to Georgia to renew in person at a DDS office, or you can mail in a renewal process — contact DDS for the mailing address and required documents.
What if my name changed since my last license?
You must renew in person at a DDS office. Bring your current license, proof of your name change (such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of residency. You will have a new photo taken and will receive a temporary license on the spot.
Do I need an eye exam to renew my Georgia driver license?
No. Georgia does not require an eye exam for renewal. However, if you have a medical condition that affects your vision or driving ability, DDS may require a report from your doctor. If you have medical restrictions on your current license, you must renew in person so DDS can review your medical status.
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. The renewal fee is the same, and your new license will be valid for four or eight years from the date you renew, not from the date your old license expired.
What if I lost my current license?
You will need to go to a DDS office in person. Bring proof of residency and proof of your date of birth. DDS will issue a replacement license on the spot. If you also want to renew (extend the expiration date), you can do both at the same visit for the standard renewal fee.