Where to renew and what you'll need

Georgia allows you to renew your driver's license in person at a Department of Driver Services (DDS) office, by mail, or online through the Georgia DDS website — but not all renewal types work through every channel. If your license is not expired more than five years, you can renew by mail or online. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a DDS location.

For any renewal method, you'll need your current Georgia driver's license or ID card. If you're renewing online or by mail, you'll also need a valid payment method — Georgia accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks. The renewal fee is $32 for a four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license. You cannot renew if your license has been suspended or revoked; you must resolve that status first through DDS.

If you're renewing in person, bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. You do not need to bring original documents for a standard renewal — DDS will verify your information against state records.

Key Takeaways

  • Online and mail renewal are available if your license expired less than five years ago; anything older requires an in-person visit to a DDS office.
  • The renewal fee is $32 for four years or $64 for eight years, and you pay at the time of renewal, not before.
  • For in-person renewal, bring your current license, proof of residency dated within 60 days, and know your Social Security number.
  • Your new license will be mailed to you; processing takes about two weeks after DDS receives your process.
  • If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew until that status is cleared with DDS.

Renewing online through the Georgia DDS website

Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access. Go to the Georgia DDS website, select "Renew Your Driver's License," and follow the prompts. You'll enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. DDS will verify this information against your record.

You'll then answer questions about whether your address, name, or other identifying information has changed. If nothing has changed, the process takes about five minutes. If you've moved, you'll need to provide your new address and proof of residency — you can upload a photo of a utility bill or lease during the online session, or mail it separately before your process is processed.

After you submit, you'll pay the renewal fee when ready using a credit card, debit card, or electronic check. DDS will send your new license by mail within two weeks. You can continue using your current license until the new one arrives.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal uses the same may be able to access rules as online renewal — your license must have expired less than five years ago. Request a renewal process by calling the DDS customer service line at 678-413-8400, or read the form from the Georgia DDS website. Fill out the process completely, including your current license number and Social Security number.

Include a check or money order for the renewal fee ($32 or $64) made payable to "Georgia DDS." If your address has changed, include proof of residency dated within the last 60 days. Mail the completed process, fee, and any supporting documents to the address listed on the form — this address varies by region, so check the form before mailing.

Processing takes about two to three weeks after DDS receives your process. There is no way to track a mail process in real time, so allow extra time if your renewal is time-sensitive. If you don't receive your new license within four weeks, contact DDS customer service.

Renewing in person at a DDS office

In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than five years ago, and it's also an option if you prefer to handle the renewal face-to-face. Bring your current license, proof of residency dated within the last 60 days, and be prepared to provide your Social Security number. You do not need an appointment at most DDS locations, but wait times vary — check the DDS website for your local office's hours and typical wait times.

At the office, a DDS employee will verify your information, take a new photo, and process your renewal on the spot. You'll pay the renewal fee ($32 or $64) in cash, by card, or by check at that time. Your new license will be mailed to you within two weeks; you'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while you wait.

DDS locations are spread across Georgia. To find the office nearest you, use the DDS office locator on the Georgia DDS website. Some offices serve walk-ins only; others allow you to schedule an appointment online. Scheduling ahead can significantly reduce your wait time.

What happens if your license is suspended or revoked

If your Georgia driver's license is suspended or revoked, DDS will not process a renewal until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or accumulation of too many points from traffic violations. Revocation is more serious and typically results from DUI convictions or habitual traffic offender status.

To find out whether your license is suspended or revoked, check the status on the Georgia DDS website or call 678-413-8400. The website will tell you the reason and, in most cases, what you need to do to clear it. For suspensions related to unpaid fines or child support, you'll need to resolve those issues with the relevant agency. For traffic violations, you may need to complete a defensive driving course or pay a reinstatement fee.

Once the suspension or revocation is cleared, you can renew through whichever method you're may be able to access for. There is no additional penalty or fee for renewing after a suspension has been lifted.

Processing time and receiving your new license

Regardless of how you renew, your new license will be mailed to the address on file with DDS. Standard processing takes about two weeks from the date DDS receives your process. If you renewed online or in person, the clock starts when DDS processes your submission. If you renewed by mail, processing begins when your process arrives at the DDS office.

Your new license is valid for four or eight years from the date of issue, depending on which term you chose. The expiration date will be printed on the front of your card. You can use your current license until the new one arrives; there is no gap in validity.

If you don't receive your new license within four weeks of submitting your process, contact DDS customer service. Provide your driver's license number and the date you submitted your renewal. DDS can check the status and, if necessary, reissue your license.

Address changes and other updates during renewal

If you've moved since your license was issued, you must update your address during renewal. For online renewal, you'll enter your new address and upload proof of residency. For mail renewal, include proof of residency with your process. For in-person renewal, bring proof of residency to the DDS office.

Proof of residency must be dated within the last 60 days and show your name and current address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail. A driver's license or ID card from another state does not count as proof of residency.

If your name has changed — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — you'll need to provide documentation of that change. For marriage or divorce, bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate or divorce decree. For a legal name change, bring a certified copy of the court order. These documents are required for in-person renewal; for mail renewal, include copies with your process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it's been expired for more than five years?

No, you must renew in person at a DDS office if your license expired more than five years ago. Online and mail renewal are only for licenses that expired within the last five years. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to any DDS location.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

DDS mails your new license within two weeks of processing your process. If you renewed in person, you'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. If you renewed online or by mail, you can continue using your current license until the new one arrives.

What if I moved and don't have a utility bill as proof of residency?

A lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days all count as proof of residency. If you have none of these, contact DDS customer service at 678-413-8400 to ask about alternative documents they will accept in your situation.

Can I renew my license online if my address changed?

Yes, you can renew online and update your address at the same time. During the online renewal, you'll enter your new address and upload a photo of proof of residency dated within the last 60 days. DDS will verify the document before processing your renewal.

What do I do if my license is suspended?

Check the status and reason on the Georgia DDS website or call 678-413-8400. You'll need to resolve the underlying issue — such as paying a fine or completing a course — before DDS will process a renewal. Once the suspension is cleared, you can renew through any may be able to access method.