Georgia lets you renew online if your license is not expired more than two years and you have no medical suspensions
Georgia's online renewal process through the Department of Driver Services (DDS) website takes about 10 minutes and costs $32 for a four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license. You do not need to visit a location, take a new photo, or retake a vision test — the state uses your existing photo and records from your last in-person visit.
The process works only if your current license is still valid or expired less than two years ago, you have no active medical suspensions or restrictions, and you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. If your license has been suspended, revoked, or you have unpaid traffic fines, you cannot renew online and must visit a DDS office in person.
Key Takeaways
- Georgia's online renewal costs $32 for four years or $64 for eight years and takes about 10 minutes on the DDS website.
- You can renew online only if your license expired less than two years ago and you have no active suspensions or medical restrictions.
- You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card) to complete the transaction.
- Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after approval, and you can use your old license until the new one arrives.
- If your address has changed, you must update it during the online renewal or visit a DDS office to change it separately.
What you need before you start
Have your current Georgia driver's license in front of you — you will need the license number printed on it. You will also need your Social Security number and a debit or credit card to pay the renewal fee. The DDS website accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.
If your address has changed since your last license was issued, you can update it during the online renewal. The system will ask you to confirm or change your mailing address before you pay. If you do not update it online, your new license will be mailed to the address on file, and you would need to visit a DDS office later to correct it.
The step-by-step renewal process
Go to the Georgia DDS website (dds.georgia.gov) and look for the "Renew Your License" option on the homepage. Click on it and select "Online Renewal." The system will ask you to enter your driver's license number and date of birth to pull up your record.
Once your record appears, review your personal information, address, and any restrictions or endorsements on your license. If everything is correct, proceed to the payment screen. Enter your debit or credit card details and confirm the transaction. After payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email.
Your new license will be printed and mailed to the address you confirmed during renewal. Standard processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date of approval. You can continue to use your current license until the new one arrives — Georgia does not invalidate your old license on the date you renew online.
When you cannot renew online
If your license has been suspended or revoked, the online system will reject your renewal and direct you to contact DDS or visit a location in person. The same applies if you have an active medical suspension, which means a doctor or the state has flagged a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely.
You also cannot renew online if your license expired more than two years ago, if you need to change your name, or if you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. In any of these cases, you must visit a DDS office with required documents. Call your local DDS office or check the website for hours and location before you go.
What to do if your renewal is denied
If the online system rejects your renewal attempt, it will display a reason on screen. Common reasons include an active suspension, an expired license that is too old, or a mismatch between the information you entered and what DDS has on file. Write down the reason or take a screenshot.
Contact the DDS customer service line at 678-413-8400 to ask what is blocking your renewal and what you need to do next. If the issue is a suspension or fine, you may need to resolve it before you can renew. If it is a data mismatch, DDS can often correct it over the phone or direct you to the nearest office that can.
How to track your new license after renewal
The confirmation email you receive after paying will include a confirmation number. You can use this number to check the status of your renewal on the DDS website, though the system updates only once per business day. Most renewals move from "approved" to "mailed" within one to two business days.
If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact DDS with your confirmation number. They can check whether it was mailed and to which address. If there was a delivery issue, DDS can reissue it or direct you to pick one up at a local office.
Address changes and other updates during renewal
The online renewal form includes a field to confirm or change your mailing address. If you have moved since your last license was issued, update it before you submit payment. Your new license will be mailed to the address you confirm during renewal.
If you need to change your name, add or remove endorsements (such as a commercial driver's license endorsement), or update restrictions, you cannot do those through online renewal. You must visit a DDS office in person with the required documents — typically a birth certificate or court order for a name change, and a medical certificate for certain restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license is suspended?
No. The online system will reject your renewal if you have an active suspension or revocation. You must contact DDS or visit an office in person to resolve the suspension before you can renew. Call 678-413-8400 to find out why your license is suspended and what steps to take.
What if I enter the wrong information and the system rejects me?
Double-check that you entered your license number and date of birth exactly as they appear on your card. If the system still rejects you, contact DDS customer service at 678-413-8400. A mismatch in DDS records can usually be corrected over the phone or at a local office.
Can I renew online if my license expired three years ago?
No. Georgia's online renewal is only for licenses that expired less than two years ago. If your license is older than that, you must visit a DDS office in person and may need to retake the vision test and written exam depending on how long it has been expired.
Will my old license stop working once I renew online?
No. Your current license remains valid until your new license arrives. You can use it for identification and driving during the 7 to 10 business days it takes for your new license to be mailed and delivered.
What if my new license arrives with the wrong address?
Contact DDS when ready with your confirmation number and the address that was printed on the license. If you confirmed the correct address during renewal and it still arrived wrong, DDS can reissue it at no charge. If the address was incorrect because you did not update it during renewal, you may need to visit an office to correct it.