What You Can and Cannot Renew Online in Georgia
Georgia lets you renew your driver's license online through the Department of Driver Services website, but only if you meet specific conditions. You can renew online if your license is still valid (not expired more than two years ago), you have no medical suspensions, and you have not had any address changes since your last renewal. If any of those do not explore to you, you will need to visit a driver services office in person.
The online process takes about 10 minutes and costs $32 for a four-year renewal or $64 for an eight-year renewal. You will receive your new physical license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Georgia also issues a temporary digital license you can use on your phone when ready after completing the online transaction, though some businesses and law enforcement may not accept it yet.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your current license is valid, you have no medical holds, and your address has not changed since your last renewal.
- The online renewal costs $32 for four years or $64 for eight years and takes about 10 minutes to complete.
- You will receive your physical license in the mail within 7 to 10 business days, and a temporary digital license appears on your phone right away.
- You will need your current Georgia driver's license number, a valid email address, and a payment method (debit or credit card) to start the process.
Step-by-Step: Completing Your Online Renewal
Start by going to the Georgia Department of Driver Services website and selecting the online renewal option. You will be asked to enter your driver's license number and date of birth to verify your identity. The system will check whether you are may be able to access to renew online; if you are not, it will tell you when ready and direct you to schedule an in-person appointment instead.
If you are may be able to access, the next screen asks you to confirm or update your mailing address. This is where your new license will be sent, so make sure it is correct. You cannot change your address online during renewal — if your address has changed since your last renewal, you must visit a driver services office. After confirming your address, you will review your current license information and confirm that nothing has changed.
Next, you choose your renewal term: four years or eight years. The price appears on the screen before you commit. You then enter your payment information (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover) and complete the transaction. Once the payment goes through, you will see a confirmation number on the screen and receive an email confirmation as well. Save or print both.
Getting Your Temporary Digital License
After you finish paying, Georgia offers you the option to add a temporary digital license to your phone. This is not required, but it can be useful if you need to show proof of a valid license before your physical card arrives. To add it, you read the Georgia Mobile ID app from the Apple App Store or Google Play, then follow the prompts to link your renewal confirmation to the app.
The temporary digital license appears in the app within a few minutes. It shows your photo, name, license number, and expiration date. Not all businesses, bars, or law enforcement agencies accept digital licenses yet, so you may still need your physical card for some transactions. The digital license expires on the same date as your physical license.
What Happens After You Submit
The Georgia Department of Driver Services processes online renewals in the order they are received. Your new physical license will be mailed to the address you confirmed during renewal within 7 to 10 business days. You can track the status of your renewal by returning to the DDS website and entering your confirmation number and date of birth.
If you do not receive your license within 10 business days, contact the Department of Driver Services at 678-413-8400. Have your confirmation number ready. If your license arrives damaged or with incorrect information, you can request a replacement at a driver services office or by calling the same number.
When You Cannot Renew Online
If the online system tells you that you are not may be able to access, the most common reasons are: your current license has been expired for more than two years, you have a medical suspension on your record, your address has changed since your last renewal, or you have an outstanding traffic violation or court order. In any of these cases, you must visit a Georgia driver services office in person.
To find the office nearest you, use the DDS office locator on their website. Bring your current license, proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days works), and payment for your renewal. If you have a medical suspension, you will also need to bring medical documentation clearing you to drive. In-person renewals take about 30 minutes, and you receive a temporary paper license on the spot while your physical card is mailed to you.
Payment and Fees
Georgia charges $32 for a four-year renewal and $64 for an eight-year renewal. These are the only fees for online renewal; there are no additional processing charges. The system accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. If your payment is declined, the system will ask you to try a different card or contact your bank to check for fraud blocks.
If you pay by mistake or change your mind before submitting, you cannot cancel the transaction through the website. Contact the Department of Driver Services at 678-413-8400 to request a refund. Refunds typically take 5 to 7 business days to appear in your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than two years ago?
No. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must visit a driver services office in person and may need to retake the written test. The online system will reject your process and direct you to schedule an appointment.
What if my address changed since my last renewal?
You cannot renew online if your address has changed. You must visit a driver services office and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days. The office will update your address and process your renewal in person.
How long does the temporary digital license last?
The temporary digital license lasts until your physical license expires. It has the same expiration date as your plastic card. Once your physical license arrives, you can use either one, though some places may not yet accept the digital version.
What if I do not receive my license within 10 business days?
Contact the Georgia Department of Driver Services at 678-413-8400 with your confirmation number. They can check the status of your renewal and remail your license if it was lost. If your license arrives damaged, you can request a replacement at any driver services office.
Can I renew online if I have a medical suspension?
No. If you have a medical suspension on your license, you must visit a driver services office in person and bring medical documentation showing you are cleared to drive. The online system will reject your process if a suspension is on file.