What to bring when you renew in person

Georgia requires you to bring four things to a DDS office to renew your driver's license: your current license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your Georgia residency, and a completed DL 44 form. You do not need to bring originals of everything — copies work for most documents — but the DDS staff will tell you on the spot if something is not acceptable.

Your current Georgia driver's license counts as your ID. If you have lost it or it was stolen, bring a passport, military ID, or state ID card instead. The DDS will not accept an expired license from another state.

For proof of your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. A birth certificate does not count as proof of your Social Security number, even though it proves your identity.

For proof of Georgia residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail addressed to you at your current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from your employer counts if it shows your home address. A PO box does not count as residency.

The DL 44 form and what it asks

The DL 44 is Georgia's driver's license process form. You can fill it out at home before you go to the DDS office, or you can fill it out there. The form asks for your name, date of birth, address, Social Security number, and whether you want to be an organ donor. It also asks whether you have any medical conditions that affect your driving and whether you have been convicted of certain crimes.

Answer these questions honestly. The DDS checks your answers against court records and the Georgia Department of Driver Services database. If you lie about a conviction or a medical condition, the DDS can deny your renewal or revoke your license later.

You can read the DL 44 from the Georgia DDS website, or the staff will hand you one when you arrive. Either way, you must sign it in front of a DDS employee — you cannot sign it at home and bring it in.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring your current Georgia driver's license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of residency from the last 60 days, and a completed DL 44 form signed in front of DDS staff.
  • Proof of residency must be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail showing your home address — a PO box does not count.
  • You can fill out the DL 44 at home or at the DDS office, but you must sign it in front of an employee.
  • The DDS checks your answers about convictions and medical conditions against court records, so answer truthfully.

What happens at the DDS office

When you arrive at a DDS office with your documents, you will check in at the front desk and take a number. A staff member will call your number and review your documents to make sure everything is there and acceptable. This usually takes 5 to 10 minutes.

If your documents are complete, you will go to a photo station where a camera will take your new license photo. You will also be asked to sign a digital pad. Then you will pay the renewal fee — currently $32 for a four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license — and you are done.

If a document is missing or unacceptable, the staff member will tell you what you need to bring back. You will not be able to renew that day. Some people make a second trip; others mail in their documents instead.

Renewing by mail instead of in person

Georgia allows you to renew by mail if your license is not expired and you have not had any address changes since your last renewal. You will need to mail in your current license, the completed DL 44 form signed in front of a notary public, proof of your Social Security number, and a check or money order for the renewal fee.

Mail everything to the address listed on the DDS website for your county. The DDS will process your renewal and mail your new license back to you. This usually takes two to three weeks from the day they receive your envelope, though it can take longer during busy periods.

If you have moved since your last renewal, you cannot renew by mail — you must go to a DDS office in person and bring proof of your new address.

Medical conditions and vision requirements

Georgia requires you to pass a vision test as part of your renewal. The DDS will test your vision at the office using a machine. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you — you will be tested with them on.

If you have a medical condition that affects your driving — such as seizures, severe arthritis, or a heart condition — you must tell the DDS on your DL 44 form. The DDS may ask you to have your doctor fill out a medical evaluation form. Your doctor does not have to keep your condition secret; the DDS can contact them directly.

If the DDS determines that your condition makes you unsafe to drive, they can deny your renewal or issue a license with restrictions — for example, glasses required or daylight driving only. You have the right to request a hearing before the DDS makes a final decision.

How long your new license lasts

A Georgia driver's license is valid for four or eight years, depending on which one you choose. The four-year license costs $32 and the eight-year license costs $64. Your new license will expire on your birthday in the year it is due — for example, if you renew in 2024 and choose the four-year option, your license will expire on your birthday in 2028.

You can renew your license up to 180 days before it expires. If you wait until after it expires, you will have to explore for a new license instead of renewing, which costs more and requires additional documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than a year?

No. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must explore for a new license instead of renewing. If it has been expired for one to two years, you may be able to renew, but the DDS will decide when you visit the office. Bring all the documents listed above.

What if I have changed my name since my last renewal?

Bring a document that shows your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DDS will update your name on your new license. You will still need to bring all the other documents listed above.

Do I need an appointment to renew at a DDS office?

Most DDS offices do not require appointments for renewals, but some do during busy times. Check the Georgia DDS website for your local office to see if appointments are needed. If you go without an appointment, you may wait 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the office is.

Can I renew online?

Georgia does not offer online renewal for driver's licenses. You must renew in person at a DDS office or by mail. Mail renewal is the only option if you cannot visit an office.

What if I lost my Social Security card?

You do not need the card itself — you can bring a W-2, 1099, tax return, or other document that shows your Social Security number. If you do not have any of these, you can contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card before you go to the DDS.