How to Renew Your Georgia Driver's License

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 by more than five years, 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 (a 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 document showing that change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You do not need to bring your birth certificate unless you're renewing for the first time or your license has been expired for more than five years.

For an online renewal through the DDS website, you'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The process takes about 10 minutes, and your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Georgia DDS website is the fastest option if your license expired less than five years ago and you have no medical restrictions or address changes.
In-person renewal at any DDS office works for all situations and requires your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address.
Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after online renewal, or you can receive it the same day at a DDS office if you renew in person.
If your name has changed, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order along with your other documents.
DDS offices are open Monday through Friday, and some locations offer Saturday hours — check the DDS website for your nearest office and its hours.

Online renewal through the Georgia DDS website

The Georgia DDS website allows you to renew online if your license expired less than five years ago, you have no medical restrictions listed on your current license, and your address has not changed. Start by going to the Georgia DDS website and selecting "Renew Your License" from the homepage. You'll enter your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to verify your identity.

Once verified, you'll review your current information and confirm it's correct. You cannot change your address online, so if you've moved, you must renew in person at a DDS office. After you confirm your information, you'll pay the renewal fee — currently $32 for a four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license — using a credit card, debit card, or electronic check. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

In-person renewal at a DDS office

To renew in person, visit any Department of Driver Services office in Georgia. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Georgia DDS website. Most offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some locations have extended hours or Saturday appointments. Arriving early in the day typically means a shorter wait.

Bring your current Georgia driver's license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. At the office, you'll check in, have your photo taken, and pay the renewal fee. You can choose a four-year license ($32) or an eight-year license ($64). If everything is in order, you'll receive your new license on the spot, though some offices may mail it to you instead — ask the staff member when you arrive.

If your name has changed since your last license, bring the document that shows the change along with your other paperwork. The staff will verify it and update your record. If your address has changed, you can update it during your in-person visit, and your new license will reflect the new address.

When your license has expired for more than five years

If your Georgia driver's license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it — you must reapply as if getting a license for the first time. This means you'll need to pass a written test and a driving test, not just pay a fee and get a new photo. You'll also need to bring additional documents, including your birth certificate or passport, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address.

Schedule a knowledge test appointment through the Georgia DDS website or by calling your local DDS office. You'll take the written test first, and if you pass, you can schedule a road test. Once you pass both tests, you'll receive your new license. This process takes longer than a standard renewal and requires more preparation, so plan accordingly.

Changing your address during renewal

If you've moved since your last license was issued, you can update your address during renewal. Online renewal does not allow address changes, so you must renew in person at a DDS office. Bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days — along with your current license and proof of your Social Security number.

The DDS staff will update your address in the system, and your new license will show your current address. This happens the same day if you renew in person, so you'll leave with your new license in hand.

License renewal fees and payment methods

Georgia driver's license renewal costs $32 for a four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license. You pay this fee whether you renew online or in person. Online, you can pay with a credit card, debit card, or electronic check. At a DDS office, you can typically pay with cash, check, credit card, or debit card — call ahead to confirm what your local office accepts.

If you renew online, the fee is charged when ready when you complete your process. If you renew in person, you pay at the time of your visit. There are no additional fees for address changes, name changes, or correcting information on your license during renewal.

What to do if you need your license before it arrives

If you renew in person at a DDS office, you receive your new license the same day in most cases. If you renew online, your license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, your current license remains valid until it expires, even if you've already submitted your renewal process online.

If your current license has already expired and you need to drive when ready, you must renew in person at a DDS office to get your new license the same day. An expired license is not valid for driving, so do not wait for mail delivery if your current license has already expired.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Georgia driver's license if I don't have a Social Security number?

No, Georgia requires proof of your Social Security number to renew your driver's license. You must provide a Social Security card, W-2, 1099, or other document showing your number. If you don't have a Social Security number, contact your local DDS office to discuss your options.

What if my name has changed since I got my current license?

Bring a document showing your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — along with your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address. You must renew in person; online renewal does not allow name changes. The DDS staff will verify your document and update your record.

How long does it take to renew in person at a DDS office?

The process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Arriving early in the morning or on a weekday typically means a shorter wait. Some DDS offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce your wait time significantly.

Can I renew my license if I have an out-of-state address?

No, your Georgia driver's license must be renewed with a Georgia address on file. If you've moved out of state, you should explore for a driver's license in your new state instead. If you still have a Georgia address (such as a family member's home), you can use that address for renewal.

What happens if I renew online but my information was incorrect?

Contact the Georgia DDS when ready if you notice an error after submitting your online renewal. Call your local DDS office or visit the Georgia DDS website to report the mistake. Depending on the error, you may need to visit an office in person to correct it before your new license is mailed.

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.