Where to renew your Georgia driver's license
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 requirements. The online option is faster and requires no office visit, but not everyone can use it — you'll need to check your may be able to access first based on your license type and how long it's been expired.
If you're renewing in person, find your nearest DDS office on the Georgia DDS website by entering your zip code. Walk-in appointments are accepted, but you can also schedule a time slot online to avoid waiting. Some offices are busier than others, so calling ahead or checking wait times online can help you pick the best time to go.
The online renewal process happens entirely on your computer or phone. You'll answer questions about your information, pay the renewal fee with a credit or debit card, and receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. During that time, you can print a temporary license to use while you wait.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal is available if your license is not expired more than five years, you have no medical conditions that affect driving, and your address hasn't changed since your last renewal.
- In-person renewal at a DDS office takes about 30 minutes to an hour and requires your current license, proof of residency, and payment.
- Georgia driver's licenses expire on your birthday, five years after they were issued.
- You can renew up to six months before your license expires, so you don't have to wait until the last minute.
- A temporary license printed at the end of your online renewal is valid for 45 days while you wait for your new card in the mail.
What documents you need for in-person renewal
Bring your current Georgia driver's license or ID card to your DDS office visit. If your license is expired, bring it anyway — it still counts as proof of identity. If you've lost your license, bring a different form of government-issued photo ID, such as a passport or military ID.
You'll also need to show proof of your current address. Georgia accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. A cell phone bill does not count. If you've moved recently and your license still shows an old address, bring the proof of your new address with you.
Bring your Social Security number or have it memorized. You don't need to bring a card, but you'll need to provide the number when you explore. If you're renewing in person and your name has changed since your last license, bring a document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
The cost and payment methods
A five-year Georgia driver's license renewal costs $32. You can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card at an office location. Online renewal also accepts debit and credit cards only — no cash or check.
If you're over 65 years old, the renewal fee is $16 instead of $32. Military members on active duty can renew for free, but you'll need to show military ID and proof of active duty status at the office.
Timeline: how long renewal takes
Online renewal is the fastest option. You complete the process in about 10 minutes, and your temporary license prints when ready. Your permanent license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
In-person renewal at a DDS office usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is. You receive your new license on the spot, so you can drive away with it the same day. If you schedule an appointment online, your wait time is typically shorter than walk-in service.
You can start the renewal process up to six months before your license expires. There's no penalty for renewing early, and it gives you time to handle it without rushing.
When you cannot renew online
Online renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than five years. In that case, you must renew in person at a DDS office.
You also cannot renew online if you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely, such as a seizure disorder or vision problem that requires testing. DDS will mail you a notice if a medical review is needed — don't ignore it, because driving with a suspended license is illegal. Schedule an in-person appointment to complete your renewal and any required medical evaluation.
If your address has changed since your last license was issued, you must renew in person. The same applies if your name has changed. Online renewal only works when your personal information stays the same.
What happens after you renew
If you renewed online, print your temporary license when ready and keep it with you. It's valid for 45 days and works just like your regular license for driving. Your permanent license arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Once it arrives, destroy the temporary license — you don't need to return it.
If you renewed in person, your new license is ready to use right away. You can drive with it as soon as you leave the office. Keep your old license until the new one arrives if you renewed online, in case there's a delay in the mail.
Your new license will expire on your birthday, five years from the date it was issued. You'll receive a renewal notice in the mail about two months before the expiration date, which is a good reminder to start the process again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it's already expired?
Yes, but the process depends on how long it's been expired. If it expired less than five years ago, you can renew online or in person. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a DDS office. Driving with an expired license is illegal, so renew as soon as you notice it's expired.
What if I want to change my address when I renew?
You must renew in person at a DDS office if your address has changed. Bring proof of your new address dated within the last 60 days, such as a utility bill or lease. Online renewal only works when your address stays the same.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person?
No, but scheduling one online reduces your wait time. You can walk into any DDS office without an appointment and renew the same day. Check the Georgia DDS website to see current wait times at offices near you before you go.
What if my license was suspended or revoked?
You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. Contact the Georgia DDS to find out why your license was suspended and what steps you need to take to restore it. Once it's restored, you can then renew it normally.
How do I know when my license expires?
Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license. It's your birthday, five years after the license was issued. You'll also receive a renewal notice in the mail about two months before it expires, which is a good reminder to start the renewal process.