What you need before you start
Georgia's online renewal process works only if your license is not expired by more than two years, you have no medical suspensions, and you have not changed your name or address since your last renewal. You will need your current Georgia driver's license number, a valid email address, and a payment method — Georgia accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.
The renewal fee is $32 for a four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license. You cannot renew online if your license was suspended, revoked, or cancelled, or if you have outstanding traffic violations or child support obligations flagged in the system. In those cases, you must visit a Georgia Department of Driver Services office in person.
You also cannot renew online if you need to change your address, name, or vision correction status. Address changes can sometimes be handled through the mail, but name changes and vision updates require an in-person visit with supporting documents.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Georgia Department of Driver Services website works only if your license expired within the last two years and you have no suspensions or legal holds.
- You will need your driver's license number, email address, and a credit or debit card to complete the process.
- The renewal fee is $32 for four years or $64 for eight years, charged to your card at the time you submit your renewal.
- Your renewed license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days after approval.
- If you cannot renew online, you must visit a Driver Services office with your current license and proof of residency.
Step-by-step process on the Georgia DDS website
Go to the Georgia Department of Driver Services website and select the online renewal option. You will be directed to create or log into your account. If you do not have an account, you will provide your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity.
Once logged in, review your current license information on screen. This includes your name, address, date of birth, and vision correction status. If any of this information is incorrect, you cannot proceed online — you will need to visit an office in person or contact Driver Services to correct it first. If everything matches, confirm that the information is correct and proceed to the next step.
You will then answer a series of questions about your medical history and driving record. These questions are the same ones you answered at your last renewal. Answer honestly; false answers can result in license suspension. After you answer, you will review a summary of your renewal and agree to the terms.
Enter your payment information and submit. You will receive a confirmation number by email. Keep this number for your records. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
What happens after you submit your renewal
The Georgia Department of Driver Services processes online renewals in the order they are received. Most renewals are approved within one to two business days, though some may take longer if the system flags your record for manual review. You can check the status of your renewal by logging back into your account on the DDS website using the same credentials.
Once approved, your new license is printed and mailed to the address on file. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the time it ships. If you do not receive your license within two weeks of approval, contact the Georgia Department of Driver Services at 678-413-8400 to report it.
Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives. You do not need to surrender it or take any additional action. If you need to drive before your new license arrives and your old one is still valid, you can use the old one.
When you cannot renew online and must visit an office
If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a Driver Services office. The same applies if you have any suspension, revocation, or cancellation on your record. You will also need to visit an office if you have outstanding child support obligations or unpaid traffic violations that are flagged in the system.
If you need to change your name, you must visit an office and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you need to update your vision correction status or add or remove restrictions, you must also visit in person and may need to pass a vision test.
To find the nearest Driver Services office and check wait times, use the office locator on the Georgia DDS website. Many offices now allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce your wait time significantly. Bring your current driver's license and proof of residency, such as a utility bill or lease agreement.
Proof of residency and address changes by mail
If you moved but your license is not expired and you have no suspensions, you can update your address by mail instead of visiting an office. Send a letter to the Georgia Department of Driver Services with your driver's license number, current address, and new address, along with a copy of a proof of residency document dated within the last 60 days.
Acceptable proof of residency includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail showing your name and new address. Do not send original documents; send copies only. Mail your request to the address listed on the Georgia DDS website under "Mailing Address."
Processing by mail takes 2 to 4 weeks. Once your address is updated in the system, you can then renew your license online if it is not yet expired. If you need to change your address and renew at the same time, it is faster to do both in person at an office.
Common reasons the online system rejects your renewal
The most common reason for rejection is that your license has been suspended or revoked. This can happen for unpaid traffic tickets, child support arrears, or medical reasons. The system will tell you the reason for the suspension. You must resolve the underlying issue before you can renew, whether that means paying a fine, contacting child support enforcement, or providing medical clearance.
Another common issue is a mismatch between the information you enter and what is in the system. If you recently moved and updated your address at the DMV but the system has not synced, or if there is a typo in your record, the renewal may fail. In this case, contact the Georgia Department of Driver Services to verify and correct your information before trying again.
If your license expired more than two years ago, the online system will reject it automatically. You will need to renew in person. The same applies if you have any name change or vision correction update pending — the system will not allow online renewal until those are resolved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Georgia license online if it expired more than two years ago?
No. Online renewal is only for licenses that expired within the last two years. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person at a Georgia Department of Driver Services office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and any required medical documentation if you have health conditions that affect your driving.
How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?
After you submit your online renewal, the system usually approves it within one to two business days. Once approved, your new license is printed and mailed to the address on file. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the time it ships. You can use your old license until the new one arrives.
What if I moved and need to change my address?
If you moved but your license is not expired, you can update your address by mail by sending a letter with your driver's license number, new address, and a copy of proof of residency dated within the last 60 days. Processing takes 2 to 4 weeks. Alternatively, you can visit a Driver Services office in person to change your address and renew at the same time, which is faster.
Do I have to renew online, or can I still renew by mail or in person?
Online renewal is one option, but you can also renew by mail or in person if you prefer. In-person renewal at a Driver Services office is the fastest option if you need your license quickly. Mail renewal takes longer but does not require a trip to an office. Choose the method that works best for your schedule.
What should I do if the online system says my license is suspended?
Contact the Georgia Department of Driver Services at 678-413-8400 to find out why your license is suspended. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, child support arrears, or medical suspensions. You must resolve the underlying issue before you can renew. Once resolved, you can try the online renewal process again.