What You Need Before You Start

Georgia lets you renew your driver's license online through the Department of Driver Services website if you meet certain conditions. You'll 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 entire process takes about 10 minutes, and your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Not everyone can renew online. You're may be able to access if your license is not expired by more than two years, you have no medical or vision restrictions that have changed, you're not changing your name or address, and you're not renewing a commercial driver's license. If any of those conditions don't explore to you, you'll need to visit a DDS office in person instead.

Before you begin, gather your current license and have it nearby. You'll also want to confirm your mailing address is correct in the system — if it's not, you'll need to update it at a DDS office before renewing online.

Key Takeaways

  • Georgia's online renewal process works only if your license expired within the last two years and you have no changes to medical restrictions, name, or address.
  • You'll need your driver's license number, email address, and a credit or debit card to complete the renewal on the DDS website.
  • The renewal fee is $32 for a four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license, paid by card at the time of renewal.
  • Your new license will arrive by mail; you can use your old license as proof of identity until the new one arrives.
  • If you cannot renew online, you must visit a DDS office in person, and you can schedule an appointment on the same website to reduce wait time.

Step-by-Step Process on the DDS Website

Go to the Georgia Department of Driver Services website at dds.georgia.gov. Look for the "Online Services" section and select "Renew Your License Online." You'll be taken to a login page where you enter your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. This confirms your identity in the system.

Once logged in, review your personal information — name, address, and date of birth. If anything is incorrect, stop here and visit a DDS office to update it before completing the online renewal. If everything is correct, proceed to the next screen where you'll confirm your vision and medical history. Answer the questions honestly; if your circumstances have changed, you cannot complete the renewal online.

On the final screen, you'll choose your license term (four years or eight years), review the fee, and enter your payment information. Georgia charges $32 for a four-year license and $64 for an eight-year license. After you submit payment, you'll receive a confirmation number by email. Keep this number for your records.

What Happens After You Submit

The DDS processes online renewals within one to two business days. Your new license is then printed and mailed to the address on file. Standard mail delivery takes 5 to 7 business days after that, so plan for 7 to 10 business days total from the time you complete the renewal.

You can use your current license as valid identification until your new one arrives. If you need your new license sooner — for travel or another reason — you cannot expedite an online renewal. You would need to visit a DDS office and pay an additional fee for a replacement license on the spot, which defeats the purpose of renewing online.

If you don't receive your new license within 10 business days, contact the DDS at 678-413-8400 with your confirmation number. They can check the status and remail it if necessary.

When You Cannot Renew Online

If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DDS office. The online system will not allow you to proceed, and attempting to drive with an expired license is illegal in Georgia regardless of how long it's been expired.

Changes to your name, address, or medical and vision restrictions also require an in-person visit. If you've had eye surgery, been diagnosed with a condition that affects your driving, or moved to a new address, you'll need to bring documentation to a DDS office. The same applies if you're renewing a commercial driver's license or a license with a motorcycle endorsement.

If you're unsure whether you're may be able to access, the DDS website will tell you when you attempt to log in. If the system rejects your renewal, it will direct you to schedule an office visit instead.

Scheduling an In-Person Appointment

If you need to visit a DDS office, you can schedule an appointment on the same website where you would renew online. Go to dds.georgia.gov, select "Schedule an Appointment," and choose your county and preferred date and time. Appointments typically have openings within one to three weeks, depending on your location.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). If you're renewing after a name change, bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

The in-person renewal takes about 15 minutes, and you'll receive a temporary license to use while your new one is mailed. The fee is the same as online renewal: $32 for four years or $64 for eight years.

Payment and Fee Information

Georgia's renewal fees are $32 for a four-year license and $64 for an eight-year license. These are the only fees charged for a standard renewal. If you need a replacement license before your renewal arrives, the DDS charges an additional $20 for an expedited replacement printed on the spot.

Online renewal accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. The payment is processed when ready, and you'll see the charge on your card statement within one to two business days. If your payment is declined, the DDS will send you an email with instructions to try again or visit an office to complete the renewal.

There are no refunds for online renewals. If you change your mind after paying, you must contact the DDS to request a refund, which can take 5 to 10 business days to process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it's already expired?

You can renew online only if your license expired within the last two years. If it's been expired longer than that, you must visit a DDS office in person. Driving with an expired license is illegal, so renew as soon as possible.

What if I moved to a different address?

You cannot change your address through the online renewal system. You must visit a DDS office in person and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days. Schedule an appointment on the DDS website to reduce your wait time.

How do I know if my license qualifies for online renewal?

The DDS website will tell you when you try to log in. If you're not may be able to access, the system will explain why and direct you to schedule an in-person appointment instead. You can also call 678-413-8400 to ask before you start.

Can I renew online if I wear glasses or contacts?

Yes. Wearing corrective lenses is not a restriction that prevents online renewal. You can renew online as long as your vision and medical status haven't changed since your last renewal. If your vision has worsened or you've developed a new medical condition, you must visit an office in person.

What if I never receive my new license?

Contact the DDS at 678-413-8400 with your confirmation number if your license doesn't arrive within 10 business days. They can check the status and remail it. You can continue using your old license as valid identification until the new one arrives.