What to bring to the DDS office
Georgia's Department of Driver Services (DDS) requires you to bring four things in person: a valid form of identification, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your Georgia residency, and your current driver's license. You cannot renew by mail or online in Georgia, so plan to visit a DDS office during business hours.
Your valid ID can be a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or an out-of-state driver's license. If you do not have one of these, you can use a combination of documents — DDS publishes a full list on their website, but the easiest route is to bring your passport if you have one.
For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. A birth certificate alone does not count. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current Georgia address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DDS office in person with your current license, a valid ID, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Georgia address dated within 60 days.
- DDS offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, and you can check wait times on their website before you go.
- The renewal fee is $32 for a four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license, and you pay at the office when you renew.
- Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you complete your renewal at the office.
- If your vision has changed significantly or you have a medical condition that affects driving, DDS may require you to pass a vision test or medical evaluation.
How to find your nearest DDS office and check wait times
DDS operates about 60 offices across Georgia. You can find the one nearest you on the DDS website by entering your city or ZIP code. The site also shows each office's hours — most are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours or Saturday appointments.
Before you drive there, check the current wait time on the DDS website. Many offices post estimated wait times that update throughout the day. If the wait is longer than you want to spend, you can check back later or try a different office in your area. Some offices are consistently busier than others, so it is worth comparing a few nearby locations.
What happens during your renewal visit
When you arrive, you will check in and wait to be called. A DDS employee will review your documents, take a new photo, and ask you to sign the back of your new license. The whole process usually takes 10 to 20 minutes once you reach the counter, though the wait before that depends on how busy the office is.
You will pay the renewal fee at the office — $32 for a four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license. DDS accepts cash, debit, and credit cards. You will receive a temporary paper license that is valid when ready, and your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If you wear glasses or contacts for driving, wear them during your visit. DDS will note that on your license. If you have had any medical conditions since your last renewal — such as a seizure disorder, vision loss, or a condition that affects your ability to control the vehicle — tell the DDS employee. They may ask you to take a vision test or provide a medical evaluation from your doctor before they issue your new license.
When you can renew before your license expires
You can renew your Georgia license up to one year before it expires. This means if your license expires in December 2025, you can renew it anytime starting in December 2024. Renewing early does not change your expiration date — your new license will still expire in December 2025, so you are not extending the life of your license by renewing early.
The main reason to renew early is to avoid the rush near your expiration date. If you know you will be busy or traveling close to when your license expires, renewing a few months early means you will have your new license in hand without time pressure.
What to do if your license is expired
If your license has already expired, you still renew the same way — bring the same documents and visit a DDS office in person. Your expired license still counts as valid identification for the renewal process. However, you cannot legally drive with an expired license, so do not delay if yours has passed the expiration date.
If your license expired more than three years ago, DDS may treat it as a new license rather than a renewal and require additional documents or testing. Call your local DDS office before you go to confirm what you need to bring.
If you need a replacement license instead of a renewal
A replacement is different from a renewal. You need a replacement if your license was lost, stolen, or damaged — not because it expired. Replacements cost $20 and require the same documents as a renewal, but you will get a new license number and expiration date. If your license was stolen, bring a police report or case number if you have one.
If your name, address, or other information has changed since your last license, you still use the renewal process, not a replacement. Just bring proof of the change — a marriage certificate for a name change, or a utility bill for an address change — along with your other documents.
Documents checklist for your DDS visit
| Document Type | Examples | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Valid ID | U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, out-of-state driver's license | Required. One document is enough. |
| Social Security proof | Social Security card, W-2, tax return, 1099 | Required. Birth certificate alone does not count. |
| Georgia residency | Utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement | Required. Must be dated within the last 60 days. |
| Current driver's license | Your Georgia license | Required. Expired licenses are acceptable. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Georgia license online or by mail?
No. Georgia requires all driver's license renewals to happen in person at a DDS office. You cannot renew online, by mail, or through any third-party service. You must visit an office with your documents and pay the fee there.
What if I do not have a Social Security card?
You do not need the card itself. A W-2 form, tax return, or 1099 form counts as proof of your Social Security number. If you do not have any of these, contact DDS before your visit to ask what other documents they will accept.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Your temporary paper license is valid when ready after your visit. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it after two weeks, contact DDS with your confirmation number from your renewal visit.
Do I need to pass a vision test to renew?
Not automatically. DDS checks your vision during the renewal process, and if you can read the chart on the wall, you pass. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during your visit. If DDS suspects a vision problem, they will tell you before you leave and may require a formal eye exam from an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
What if my address has changed since my last license?
Bring proof of your new Georgia address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. DDS will update your address during the renewal process. You do not need a separate form or appointment for an address change.