What You Can and Cannot Renew Online

Georgia lets you renew your driver's license online if you meet specific conditions. You can renew online only if your license is still valid or expired less than two years ago, you have no medical suspensions or restrictions, and your address on file is current. You cannot renew online if you need to change your name, add or remove restrictions, update your address, or if your license was suspended or revoked.

The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes and costs $32 for a four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license. You will receive your new physical license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. During that time, you can print a temporary license from your confirmation email if you need proof of a valid license.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew online through the Georgia Department of Driver Services website only if your current license is valid or expired within the last two years.
  • The online process requires your driver's license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method, and takes about 10 minutes.
  • Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, and you can print a temporary license when ready after completing the transaction.
  • If your license has been suspended, revoked, or you need to change your name or address, you must renew in person at a Georgia DDS office instead.

Step-by-Step: Renewing Online Through Georgia DDS

Step 1: Go to the Georgia Department of Driver Services website. Navigate to dds.georgia.gov and look for the "Renew Your License" or "Online Services" section. You will see a link for online renewal. Click it to begin.

Step 2: Enter your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will pull up your current license record. Review the information on screen to confirm it matches your records. If anything is wrong — your name, address, or other details — stop here and renew in person instead, because the online system cannot make corrections.

Step 3: Confirm your address and contact information. The system shows the address currently on file with Georgia DDS. If you moved recently and have not updated your address with DDS, you cannot complete the online renewal. You will need to visit a DDS office in person to change your address first, then come back to renew online later.

Step 4: Choose your license term and pay. Select either a four-year license ($32) or an eight-year license ($64). Enter your payment information — Georgia DDS accepts credit cards, debit cards, and e-checks. The payment processes when ready.

Step 5: Print your temporary license. After payment goes through, you will see a confirmation screen with a temporary license you can print. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and counts as proof of a valid Georgia driver's license. Save or print the confirmation email as well — it contains your transaction number and the expected arrival date of your new physical license.

What Happens After You Submit Your Renewal

Georgia DDS mails your new license to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to do anything else — the license arrives automatically. If you need to drive before it arrives, use the temporary license you printed. The temporary license is valid for 30 days from the date you completed the renewal.

If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact Georgia DDS at 678-413-8400 to check the status. Have your confirmation number from your renewal email ready. DDS can tell you whether the license is in production, in the mail, or if there was a problem with your order.

When You Must Renew in Person Instead

You cannot use the online renewal system if your license is suspended or revoked, if you have medical restrictions or suspensions on your record, or if your license expired more than two years ago. You also cannot renew online if you need to change your name, address, or any other information on your license.

If any of these explore to you, visit a Georgia DDS office in person. Bring your current license, proof of your 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). The office will process your renewal on the spot, and you can get a temporary license when ready. Your new physical license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days, the same as an online renewal.

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

If the online system says your license cannot be renewed online, the most common reason is that your address on file does not match where you currently live. Georgia DDS uses the address from your last transaction — if you moved and have not updated it, the system will reject your online renewal. You must visit a DDS office to update your address first, then you can renew online.

If your payment is declined, try a different card or payment method. If you are using an e-check, make sure the routing number and account number are correct. If the problem continues, call Georgia DDS at 678-413-8400 to troubleshoot. Do not attempt the payment multiple times in quick succession, as this can trigger a fraud hold on your account.

If you completed the renewal but did not receive a confirmation email, check your spam folder first. If it is not there, log back into the Georgia DDS website and look for a "Check Renewal Status" option. You can search by your driver's license number to see if your renewal went through. If the system shows no record of your renewal, contact DDS to confirm whether your payment was processed.

What to Do If Your License Arrives Damaged or Wrong

If your new license arrives with a printing error, a wrong photo, or physical damage, contact Georgia DDS within 30 days. Call 678-413-8400 or visit a DDS office with your damaged license and your temporary license. DDS will reissue your license at no charge if the error was their mistake. If the damage happened after you received it, DDS may charge a replacement fee.

Do not use a damaged license to drive. Use your temporary license instead until your replacement arrives. If your temporary license has also expired, visit a DDS office to get a new temporary license while you wait for your replacement physical license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew online if my license expired more than two years ago?

No. Georgia only allows online renewal if your license is currently valid or expired within the last two years. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a Georgia DDS office. Bring your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.

What if I moved and my address on file is wrong?

You cannot renew online with an outdated address. Visit a Georgia DDS office to update your address first. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days. Once your address is updated, you can return and renew online, or DDS can process the renewal in person at that same visit.

How long is the temporary license valid?

Your temporary license is valid for 30 days from the date you completed your online renewal. It counts as proof of a valid Georgia driver's license during that time. Your new physical license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days, so the temporary license is a backup in case the physical license is delayed.

Can I renew online if my license was suspended?

No. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew online. You must visit a Georgia DDS office in person. The office will tell you what you need to do to lift the suspension before you can renew your license.

What if I do not receive my new license within 10 business days?

Contact Georgia DDS at 678-413-8400 with your confirmation number from your renewal email. DDS can check whether your license is still in production, in the mail, or if there was an issue with your order. If the license is lost in the mail, DDS can reissue it.