Where to renew and what you need before you start
You can renew your Georgia driver license in person at any Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the Georgia DDS website. The fastest route depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you need a new photo, and how soon you need the renewed license in hand.
Before you go anywhere, gather these documents: your current Georgia driver 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 the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing online or by mail, you will also need a valid payment method.
Your license expires on your birthday. You can renew it up to one year before the expiration date, so you do not have to wait until the last moment. However, if your license has already expired, you must renew in person — you cannot use the mail or online options.
Key Takeaways
- Georgia lets you renew online, by mail, or in person, but expired licenses must be renewed in person at a DDS office.
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs less than in-person renewal, but you keep your current photo and cannot change your address or name.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and works only if your license is not expired and you do not need a new photo or address change.
- In-person renewal at a DDS office takes 30 to 45 minutes on average and is required if your license has expired, you need a new photo, or you are changing your name or address.
- You will need your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address dated within the last 60 days.
Renewing online through the Georgia DDS website
Online renewal is the fastest and cheapest option if your license is still valid and you do not need to change your photo, name, or address. Go to the Georgia DDS website, select "Renew Your License," and follow the prompts. You will enter your driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity.
The fee for online renewal is $32 for a four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license. You can pay by debit card or credit card. Once you submit your renewal, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will arrive by mail in seven to ten business days. You can use your current license until the new one arrives.
Online renewal does not work if your license has expired, if you want to change your photo, if you need to update your name or address, or if you have a commercial driver license (CDL). If any of these explore to you, use the mail or in-person option instead.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal works if your license is still valid, you do not need a new photo, and you do not need to change your name or address. read the DL 44 form from the Georgia DDS website or pick one up at any DDS office. Fill it out completely, including your current license number and the expiration date.
Mail your completed form along with a check or money order for $32 (four-year license) or $64 (eight-year license) to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Include a copy of your proof of address. You do not need to send your current license — keep it until your new one arrives.
Processing takes two to three weeks from the date Georgia DDS receives your envelope. Your new license will arrive by mail. If you do not hear back within four weeks, contact the DDS office to confirm they received your renewal. Mail renewal is slower than online renewal but works if you prefer not to use the internet or do not have a debit or credit card.
Renewing in person at a DDS office
In-person renewal is required if your license has expired, if you need a new photo, if you are changing your name or address, or if you have a CDL. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address. If your name has changed, bring the document that shows the change.
Walk into any Georgia DDS office during business hours. You will take a new photo and answer questions about your driving record and medical history. The staff will process your renewal on the spot. The fee is $32 for a four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed to you. Your new license typically arrives within seven to ten business days. If you need your license sooner, ask the DDS office whether they offer expedited printing — some offices can print your license on site for an additional fee.
What happens if your license has expired
If your license expired more than a few months ago, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to a DDS office in person. Bring all the same documents you would for a regular in-person renewal. The process is the same, but you may be asked additional questions about why the license expired.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Georgia, even if you have a renewal in progress. If you are stopped by police, you can show them your temporary paper license from the DDS office as proof that you have begun the renewal process, but this does not may provide you will avoid a citation. Renew as soon as you can.
Changing your name or address during renewal
You can only change your name or address if you renew in person at a DDS office. If you are changing your name, bring the document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DDS staff will update your record and print your new license with the correct name.
If you are changing your address, bring proof of your new address dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. The DDS staff will update your address in the system, and your new license will be mailed to your new address. If you are changing both your name and address, bring documents for both.
Finding a DDS office and checking wait times
Georgia has DDS offices in most counties. Use the office locator on the Georgia DDS website to find the office nearest you and see its hours of operation. Some offices are busier than others — offices in larger cities often have longer wait times than rural offices.
Wait times vary by time of day and day of week. Mornings on weekdays are usually less crowded than afternoons or Saturdays. Some DDS offices offer online appointment scheduling through the website. If your office offers appointments, book one before you go — this can cut your wait time significantly. If appointments are not available, arrive early or go during off-peak hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
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. Bring your expired license along with your other documents. The renewal process is the same as for a current license.
What if I lost my current license?
You cannot renew online or by mail without your current license number. You must go to a DDS office in person and bring your proof of Social Security number and proof of address. The staff will look up your license information and process your renewal. You may be charged a replacement fee in addition to the renewal fee.
How long does my temporary paper license last?
Your temporary paper license is valid for 45 days. Your permanent license should arrive by mail within seven to ten business days. If it does not arrive within 45 days, contact the DDS office when ready. You cannot drive legally after the 45 days expire without your permanent license in hand.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?
You can renew your license, but if you have an unpaid traffic fine or court-ordered suspension, the DDS may place a hold on your renewal. Contact the court that issued the ticket to pay the fine or resolve the suspension before you renew. Once the hold is cleared, your renewal will go through.
What if my address is a PO box?
Georgia DDS requires a physical street address, not a PO box. If you only have a PO box, use the address of a friend or family member where you can receive mail, or provide your workplace address if you receive mail there. You will need proof of that address dated within the last 60 days.