What You'll Need Before You Start

Georgia requires you to bring specific documents to a driver's license office when you renew. The exact documents depend on whether you're renewing in person or by mail, and whether your name or address has changed since your last license.

For an in-person renewal, bring your current Georgia driver's license or ID card, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your name has changed since your last license, you'll also need a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

If you're renewing by mail, the process is more limited. You can only renew by mail if your license is not expired, you have no violations or suspensions, and you're not changing your address or name. You'll mail in your current license along with the renewal form and fee.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring your current Georgia driver's license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address dated within the last 60 days to renew in person.
  • If your name has changed, bring a certified copy of the marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order that documents the change.
  • Mail-in renewal is only available if your license is not expired, you have no violations or suspensions, and your address and name haven't changed.
  • Georgia driver's licenses are valid for eight years for adults under 65 and five years for adults 65 and older.
  • You can renew up to six months before your license expires, and you should plan to visit a driver's license office during less busy hours to avoid long waits.

In-Person Renewal at a Driver's License Office

Walk into any Georgia Department of Driver Services office with your documents and complete a vision test and a new photo. The vision test checks that you can read a standard eye chart from a distance. If you fail the vision test, you'll be asked to provide a vision correction certificate from an eye doctor before you can renew.

The office will take a new photograph for your license and print it on the spot in most cases. You'll pay the renewal fee — $32 for an eight-year license if you're under 65, or $16 for a five-year license if you're 65 or older. You can pay by cash, check, or card. Your new license is usually ready the same day, though some offices may mail it to you within a few business days.

Georgia has driver's license offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Georgia Department of Driver Services website. Offices are typically busiest on Mondays, Fridays, and the first and last days of the month, so visiting midweek and midday usually means a shorter wait.

Renewing by Mail

If you meet the requirements for mail-in renewal, you'll mail your current license, the renewal form (DL 43), and the renewal fee to the address listed on the form. The form is available on the Georgia Department of Driver Services website, or you can request one by calling the department.

Mail your renewal package to the address on the form. Processing typically takes two to three weeks from the time the office receives your package. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you need your license sooner, in-person renewal is faster.

What Counts as Proof of Address

Georgia accepts a narrow list of documents as proof of your current address. The document must show your name and address, and it must be dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, or a property tax bill all count.

Documents that do not count include a driver's license or ID card (even from another state), a post office mail forwarding notice, or a letter from an employer. If you've recently moved and don't have a document dated within the last 60 days, ask your utility company or bank for a recent statement, or bring a lease with your current address and a recent utility bill from your old address to explain the timing.

Renewing With a Name Change

If you've married, divorced, or legally changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change. A certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for a legal name change all work. The document must be an official certified copy — a photocopy or uncertified version will not be accepted.

You can request a certified copy of a marriage certificate or divorce decree from the county clerk's office in the county where the event was recorded. A legal name change order comes from the court that issued it. These documents usually cost $10 to $25 each and take one to two weeks to arrive by mail, so plan ahead if you need one.

Vision Test Requirements and Corrections

Every driver's license renewal includes a vision test at the office. You'll read an eye chart from a standard distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, you can wear them during the test. If you fail the test, you cannot renew your license that day.

To pass a failed vision test, you'll need a vision correction certificate from an eye doctor or optometrist. The certificate must state that you have been examined and that your vision meets Georgia's standards for driving. Bring the certificate back to the driver's license office, and you can complete your renewal. Some offices will accept the certificate by mail if you've already submitted your other documents.

License Validity and Renewal Timing

Georgia driver's licenses are valid for eight years if you're under 65 years old, or five years if you're 65 or older. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license. You can renew up to six months before your license expires, so you don't have to wait until the last day.

Renewing early is often a good idea because it avoids the rush near the expiration date and gives you time to resolve any problems — like a failed vision test — before your current license expires. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it, but you'll need to renew in person rather than by mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Georgia driver's license online?

No. Georgia does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail if you meet the requirements, or you must visit a driver's license office in person. The Georgia Department of Driver Services website has a list of offices and their hours.

What if I don't have a Social Security card?

You can bring a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return that shows your Social Security number instead. Any document issued by the government or your employer that displays your full Social Security number will work.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person?

Georgia driver's license offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so you do not need an appointment. However, some offices may offer appointment scheduling during busy times. Check the Georgia Department of Driver Services website for your local office to see if appointments are available.

What happens if my vision test fails?

You cannot renew your license that day. You'll need to see an eye doctor or optometrist, get a vision correction certificate, and return to the office with the certificate to complete your renewal. The certificate must state that your vision meets Georgia's driving standards.

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

If you renew in person, your new license is usually ready the same day or within a few business days. If you renew by mail, processing takes two to three weeks from the time the office receives your package, plus mailing time to your address.