You can renew your Georgia driver's license up to one year before it expires, and you must renew it before the expiration date on your card

Georgia lets you start the renewal process 12 months before your license expires. This window gives you time to gather documents, schedule an appointment, or mail in your renewal without rushing. However, you cannot legally drive on an expired license, so the actual important date is the expiration date printed on your card — not a grace period after.

The expiration date depends on your age and license type. A standard driver's license for someone under 65 typically expires eight years after issue. If you're 65 or older, your license expires four years after issue. A commercial driver's license (CDL) has different rules and expires four years after issue regardless of age.

Key Takeaways

  • You can begin renewing your Georgia license up to one year before the expiration date on your card.
  • Your license expires on the date printed on it — there is no grace period for driving after that date.
  • Standard licenses expire eight years after issue for drivers under 65, and four years after issue for drivers 65 and older.
  • You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a Georgia Department of Driver Services office, depending on your situation.

How to find your license expiration date

Your expiration date is printed on the front of your Georgia driver's license in the lower right corner. It appears as a date in the format MM/DD/YYYY. Check this date now if you are unsure when your license expires.

If you have lost your license or cannot read the date clearly, you can call the Georgia Department of Driver Services at 678-413-8400 to confirm your expiration date. Have your Social Security number and date of birth ready when you call.

Renewing online through the Georgia DDS website

Georgia offers online renewal through the Department of Driver Services website for many drivers. To renew online, you must have a valid email address, a credit or debit card for the renewal fee, and you cannot have any medical or vision restrictions on your license. You also cannot renew online if your address has changed since your last license was issued.

The online process takes about 10 minutes. You will answer questions about your current information, pay the renewal fee (currently $32 for an eight-year license if you are under 65), and receive a confirmation email. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license while you wait.

Not all drivers can use online renewal. If you wear corrective lenses, have medical conditions affecting your driving, or need to update your address, you must renew in person or by mail.

Renewing by mail

You can renew by mail if you meet the same requirements as online renewal — no address changes, no medical or vision restrictions, and your license must not be suspended or revoked. The Georgia DDS does not mail renewal forms to you automatically, so you must request one or read the form from the DDS website.

Mail your completed form, your current license, and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address provided on the form. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks after the DDS receives your packet. Your new license will arrive separately by mail. During this time, you can drive on your current license.

Renewing in person at a DDS office

You can renew in person at any Georgia Department of Driver Services office. This is the fastest option if you need your new license quickly, and it is required if you have address changes, medical restrictions, or vision corrections to add. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease).

You can schedule an appointment online through the DDS website or walk in during office hours. Appointments typically take 15 to 30 minutes. You will pay the renewal fee at the office, and you will receive a temporary paper license when ready. Your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Wait times at DDS offices vary by location and time of day. Scheduling an appointment ahead of time usually means a shorter wait than walking in without one.

What happens if your license expires

Driving on an expired license is illegal in Georgia. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can be cited and fined. An expired license is also not valid for identification purposes — you cannot use it to board a plane, enter a federal building, or open a bank account.

If your license has already expired, you cannot renew it through the online or mail process. You must go in person to a DDS office and explore for a new license. Bring the same documents you would bring for an in-person renewal. The fee is the same as a renewal fee.

Renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL)

Commercial driver's licenses expire four years after issue and cannot be renewed online or by mail. You must renew in person at a DDS office. You will need to pass a vision test and answer questions about your medical history. If you have a medical condition that affects your driving, you may need to provide a medical certificate from a doctor.

Schedule a CDL renewal appointment through the DDS website. Bring your current CDL, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The renewal process takes longer than a standard license renewal — plan for 45 minutes to an hour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?

No. If your license expired more than a year ago, you cannot renew it. You must explore for a new license in person at a DDS office. You will need to pass a vision test and written knowledge test. Bring your Social Security number, proof of your address, and proof of your identity.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

Not always. If you renew online or by mail, your photo from your current license is used on your new license. If you renew in person, you will have a new photo taken. You can request a new photo during an in-person renewal even if you are not required to have one.

What if I move to a different state before my Georgia license expires?

You should get a driver's license from your new state as soon as you move. You cannot legally drive on an out-of-state license in your new state of residence. Contact the motor vehicle department in your new state to learn about their requirements.

Can someone else renew my license for me?

No. You must renew your license yourself, either online, by mail, or in person. A family member or representative cannot renew it on your behalf. If you are unable to visit a DDS office, the mail or online renewal options may work for you.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

You must renew in person at a DDS office and bring documentation of your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed.