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 Georgia 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 you have not had certain violations in the past five years.

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 court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree showing the change.

For an online renewal, you will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid email address. You will also need to pay the renewal fee online using a debit or credit card.

Key Takeaways

Georgia lets you renew online if your license is not expired and you have no medical restrictions, which takes about 10 business days.
In-person renewal at a DDS office requires your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address.
Your new license will be mailed to you; you cannot pick it up the same day at the office.
Georgia driver's licenses are valid for eight years, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.

Renewing online through Georgia DDS

Start at the Georgia DDS website and select the online renewal option. You will enter your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your email address. The system will verify your information against state records.

Once verified, you will pay the renewal fee online. Georgia's renewal fee is $32 for an eight-year license. After payment, your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Online renewal is not available if your license is expired, if you have medical restrictions noted on your license, or if you have been convicted of certain traffic violations in the past five years. If any of these explore to you, you must renew in person.

Renewing in person at a DDS office

Find your nearest DDS office on the Georgia DDS website and check their hours before you go. Many offices require you to take a new photo, so plan for that step. Bring all required documents: your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address.

At the office, you will fill out the renewal form (Form DL-44), have your photo taken, and pay the renewal fee of $32. The staff will process your process and mail your new license to you within 10 business days. You do not need to take a written test or vision test unless your license has expired for more than five years.

Wait times at DDS offices vary by location and time of day. Offices are typically less busy on weekday mornings and mid-week. If you want to avoid a wait, you can schedule an appointment through the Georgia DDS website.

What happens if your license has expired

If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it—you must reapply as a new driver. This means taking a written test, a vision test, and a road test. You will also need to provide proof of your Social Security number and address, just as with renewal.

If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can still renew it in person at a DDS office without retaking tests. Bring the same documents you would for a standard renewal. Online renewal is not available for expired licenses.

Timeline and when to renew

Georgia allows you to renew your license up to one year before it expires. This means you can start the process 12 months early if you want to avoid a last-minute rush. Your new license will be valid for eight years from the date it is issued, not from your old expiration date.

If you renew online, expect your new license to arrive within 10 business days. If you renew in person, the timeline is the same—your new license is mailed to you, not given to you at the office. You can drive on your current license while you wait for the new one to arrive, even if it expires during that time.

Renewing if you have changed your name

If your name has changed since your last license was issued, you will need to provide legal proof of the change along with your other renewal documents. Acceptable documents include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order for name change, or adoption papers.

Bring the original document or a certified copy. A photocopy is not enough. If you are renewing in person, the DDS staff will review the document and process your renewal with your new name. If you are renewing online, you may not be able to complete the process if your name in the system does not match your current legal name—contact your local DDS office for guidance.

Renewing if you have medical restrictions

If your current license has medical restrictions (such as corrective lenses required or hearing aid required), you cannot renew online. You must renew in person at a DDS office. The office may ask you to provide updated medical documentation depending on the type of restriction.

Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your address, and any medical documentation your doctor has provided. The DDS staff will review your restrictions and issue a new license with the same restrictions unless you provide updated medical clearance from your doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license by mail?

No. Georgia does not offer mail-in renewal. You must renew either online through the Georgia DDS website or in person at a DDS office. Online renewal is the closest option to mail renewal since you do not have to visit an office.

What if I lose my license before the new one arrives?

You can request a duplicate license at any DDS office. Bring your proof of Social Security number and proof of address. The duplicate will be mailed to you within 10 business days, just like a renewal. You can also get a temporary paper license at the office to use while you wait.

Do I need a new photo for renewal?

For in-person renewal, yes—DDS will take a new photo as part of the process. For online renewal, your photo from your current license is used, so you do not need to provide a new one.

What if my address has changed?

Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days) to your in-person renewal appointment. If you are renewing online, update your address on the Georgia DDS website before you start the renewal process, or contact your local DDS office to update it first.

Can I renew early if my license expires soon?

Yes. Georgia allows you to renew up to one year before your license expires. This is useful if you are planning a trip or want to avoid renewing close to your expiration date. Your new license will be valid for eight years from the date it is issued.

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.