You can renew in person at a DDS office, by mail, or online depending on your situation

Georgia offers three renewal routes: online through the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) website, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a DDS Customer Service Center. Which option you use depends on whether your license is still valid, how soon you need it, and whether you have a REAL ID-compliant license or a standard one. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office, but some situations require an in-person visit.

The fastest route for most people is online renewal, which takes about 10 minutes and produces a new license in one to two weeks. Mail renewal works the same way but takes longer. In-person renewal is required only if your license is expired, you have medical suspensions on file, you are changing your name or address, or you need a REAL ID-compliant license.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through dds.georgia.gov works if your license is not expired, you have no medical suspensions, and you have not renewed online in the past four years.
  • Mail renewal is available only if your license is still valid and you meet the same restrictions as online renewal; you send documents to the DDS office in Atlanta.
  • In-person renewal at a DDS Customer Service Center is required if your license is expired, you have certain medical conditions on file, or you need a REAL ID-compliant license.
  • DDS offices are located in Atlanta, Savannah, Macon, Augusta, Marietta, Alpharetta, Valdosta, and several other cities; you can find the full list and hours on the Georgia DDS website.
  • Processing times vary: online and mail renewals take one to two weeks, while in-person renewals are usually completed the same day.

Online renewal through the Georgia DDS website

The fastest and most convenient option for most people is to renew online at dds.georgia.gov. You will need your current Georgia driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The process takes about 10 minutes and you can do it from home at any time.

Online renewal is available only if all of these are true: your license is not expired, you have no medical suspensions or restrictions on your record, you have not renewed online in the past four years, and you are not changing your name or address. If any of these do not explore to you, you will need to use mail or in-person renewal instead. After you complete the online form and pay the renewal fee, the DDS will mail your new license to the address on file. The new license usually arrives within one to two weeks. Your current license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue to use it for identification and driving during that time.

Mail renewal for valid licenses

If you prefer not to renew online, you can renew by mail using the same may be able to access rules: your license must not be expired, you cannot have medical suspensions, and you cannot have renewed online in the past four years. You will need to print and complete the renewal form from the DDS website, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail everything to the DDS office in Atlanta.

The mailing address is listed on the renewal form itself. Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal — typically two to three weeks from the time the DDS receives your envelope — so send it well before your license expires. Unlike online renewal, you do not need to provide a payment method online; you include payment with your physical documents. Keep a copy of what you mail and consider using certified mail or tracking so you know when it arrives. If your renewal does not arrive within the expected timeframe, you can contact the DDS to check the status.

In-person renewal at a DDS Customer Service Center

You must renew in person if your license is expired, if you have medical suspensions or restrictions on your record, if you are changing your name or address, or if you need a REAL ID-compliant license. In-person renewal also applies if you have not renewed in more than eight years or if you are renewing a commercial driver's license.

Bring your current Georgia driver's license (or expired license if that is all you have), proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DDS will take a new photo, verify your information, collect the renewal fee, and issue your new license on the spot. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Your new license is valid when ready.

DDS Customer Service Center locations and hours

Georgia has DDS offices in Atlanta (the main office), Savannah, Macon, Augusta, Marietta, Alpharetta, Valdosta, and several other cities. Each location has different hours, and some are open only on certain days of the week. The complete list of offices, addresses, phone numbers, and hours is on the DDS website at dds.georgia.gov under "Locations."

The Atlanta office is the busiest and often has the longest wait times. If you live near a smaller office, you may have a shorter wait there. Some offices accept walk-ins, while others operate by appointment only — check the website or call ahead before you go. During peak times (early morning, lunch hour, end of month), all offices tend to be crowded.

Renewal fees and payment methods

The renewal fee for a standard Georgia driver's license is a set amount that does not change based on your age or how long you have held the license. The fee covers the license itself and processing. If you are renewing online or by mail, you pay by credit card or debit card. If you are renewing in person, the office accepts cash, check, and card.

The exact fee amount is listed on the DDS website and on the renewal form. Some offices may charge an additional fee if you need a replacement license (for example, if yours was lost or damaged) rather than a standard renewal, so confirm the total cost before you visit.

What to do if your license is already expired

If your license has already expired, you cannot renew online or by mail — you must go to a DDS Customer Service Center in person. Expired licenses cannot be driven with, so do not delay. Bring the same documents you would bring for any in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of current address.

The DDS does not charge a penalty or extra fee for renewing an expired license, but you will need to complete the full in-person process rather than a straightforward renewal. If your license has been expired for more than a certain period, the DDS may require you to retake the written test or vision test — ask when you call to confirm what you need to bring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Georgia license if I live out of state?

Yes, you can renew by mail or online as long as your license is not expired and you meet the other may be able to access rules. You do not have to be a Georgia resident to renew a Georgia license. If your license is expired, you will need to visit a DDS office in person, which means traveling to Georgia or contacting the DDS to ask about exceptions.

How long does my new license take to arrive if I renew online?

Online renewals are mailed within one to two weeks of approval. Mail delivery adds another few days, so plan for a total of two to three weeks from the time you submit your renewal. Your current license stays valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue driving and using it for identification.

What if I need to change my address when I renew?

If you are changing your address, you must renew in person at a DDS Customer Service Center. You cannot change your address online or by mail. Bring your current license and proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).

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

Some DDS offices require appointments and others accept walk-ins. Check the website or call the specific office you plan to visit to find out their policy. Appointments can usually be scheduled online or by phone and may help you avoid long wait times.

Can I renew my license if I have a medical suspension?

No, you cannot renew online or by mail if you have a medical suspension on your record. You must visit a DDS Customer Service Center in person. The office will review your medical status and may require documentation from your doctor before they can process the renewal.