What You Need Before You Start

Georgia lets you renew your driver's license online if your license is still valid or expired less than two years ago, and you have no medical suspensions or restrictions that changed. Before you go to the Georgia Department of Driver Services website, gather these items: your current driver's license number, your Social Security number, your date of birth, and a valid payment method (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover).

You will also need a mailing address where Georgia can send your new license. If you have moved since your last renewal, update your address during the online process. The state will not mail a license to a PO box, so use your residential address.

Check your license expiration date before you start. If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew online and will need to visit a Driver Services office in person. The same applies if you have any active medical suspensions, if your name has changed since your last license was issued, or if you need to change your height, eye color, or other physical descriptors.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew online only if your Georgia license expired within the last two years and you have no medical suspensions or address changes that require verification.
  • The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes and costs $32 for a four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license, paid by credit or debit card.
  • Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days; you can drive on your old license until the new one arrives.
  • If you cannot renew online, you must visit a Driver Services office, where you will need to bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.

Step-by-Step: The Online Renewal Process

Step 1: Go to the Georgia DDS website. Visit the Department of Driver Services online renewal portal at dds.georgia.gov. Look for the "Renew Your License Online" button on the homepage. Click it to begin.

Step 2: Enter your personal information. The system will ask for your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. This information must match what Georgia has on file. If any detail is wrong, the system will reject your request and tell you to visit an office in person.

Step 3: Review your current information. Georgia will display your name, address, height, eye color, and other details from your existing license. If anything is incorrect, you cannot fix it online — you will need to visit a Driver Services office instead. If everything is correct, proceed to the next step.

Step 4: Choose your license type and length. You can renew for either four years or eight years. The four-year license costs $32; the eight-year license costs $64. Select which one you want and continue.

Step 5: Enter your payment information. Provide your credit or debit card number, expiration date, and CVV. Georgia processes the payment when ready. If the payment fails, the system will tell you why and let you try again with a different card.

Step 6: Confirm your order. Review the summary of your renewal — license type, cost, and mailing address. If everything looks right, click to confirm. Georgia will show you a confirmation number. Write this down or take a screenshot; you will need it if you have questions about your order.

What Happens After You Submit

Once you complete the online renewal, Georgia mails your new license to the address you provided. Delivery typically takes 7 to 10 business days, though it can take longer during high-volume periods. You do not need to do anything else — just wait for it to arrive.

Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives, so you can continue to drive and use it for identification. When the new license comes in the mail, destroy the old one or keep it for your records; Georgia does not require you to return it.

If your new license does not arrive within two weeks, contact Georgia Driver Services at 678-413-8400 to check the status. Have your confirmation number ready. The office can tell you whether the license is in transit, if there was a mailing error, or if there is a problem with your order.

When You Cannot Renew Online

If your license expired more than two years ago, the online system will not let you proceed. You must visit a Driver Services office in person. Bring your expired license, a document proving your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and a document proving your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return).

You also cannot renew online if your name has changed since your last license was issued, if you have medical suspensions on your record, or if you need to update your physical descriptors. In these cases, visit an office and bring the documents listed above, plus any documents that support your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) or medical clearance if your suspension has been lifted.

To find a Driver Services office near you, go to dds.georgia.gov and search for locations by county. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require appointments. Check the office's hours and appointment policy before you go.

Payment and Fees

Georgia accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover for online renewals. The state does not accept cash, checks, or money orders through the online system. Your card will be charged when ready when you submit your order.

The renewal fee depends on how long you want your license to be valid. A four-year license costs $32. An eight-year license costs $64. These are the only two options for online renewal. If you renew in person at a Driver Services office, you may have other options, but the online system offers only these two.

Georgia does not refund renewal fees if you change your mind after you submit your order. If you made a mistake or want to cancel, contact Driver Services at 678-413-8400 as soon as possible. They may be able to stop the order if it has not yet been processed, but they cannot may provide a refund once payment has gone through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than two years?

No. The online system only works for licenses expired less than two years. If yours is older than that, you must visit a Driver Services office in person with your expired license, proof of your current address, and proof of your Social Security number.

What if my address changed since I got my current license?

You can update your address during the online renewal process. The system will ask you to confirm or change your mailing address before you pay. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?

Georgia mails new licenses within 7 to 10 business days of your order. Your old license stays valid until the new one arrives, so you can keep driving. If you do not receive it within two weeks, call 678-413-8400 with your confirmation number.

What if the online system rejects my information?

This usually means something in your records does not match what you entered — your license number, date of birth, or Social Security number. Double-check your entries and try again. If it still fails, visit a Driver Services office in person; staff can look up your record and help you figure out what is wrong.

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

No. If you have any active medical suspensions or restrictions, you cannot renew online. You must visit a Driver Services office. If your suspension has been lifted, bring documentation of the clearance with you.