What you need before you start
Georgia lets you renew your driver's license online through the Department of Driver Services website if your license is still valid or expired less than five years ago. You will need your current license number, a valid email address, and a payment method — Georgia accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. The fee is $32 for a four-year renewal or $64 for an eight-year renewal, depending on your age and license type.
Before you begin, check that your address on file with the state is correct. If you have moved since your last renewal and have not updated your address with Georgia DDS, you should do that first — either online through their address change form or in person at a DDS office. The renewed license will be mailed to the address on file, so getting this right matters.
You also cannot renew online if your license was suspended, revoked, or cancelled, or if you need to change your name, date of birth, or other personal information beyond your address. Those situations require an in-person visit to a DDS office.
Key Takeaways
- Georgia's online renewal works only if your license expired within the last five years and was never suspended or revoked.
- You will need your license number, email address, and a credit or debit card to pay the $32 or $64 renewal fee.
- The Georgia DDS website processes your renewal, and your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- If your address has changed since your last renewal, update it before you renew online so your new license goes to the right place.
- You cannot renew online if you need to change your name, date of birth, or if your license was ever suspended or revoked.
Step-by-step process on the Georgia DDS website
Go to the Georgia Department of Driver Services website and look for the online renewal option. You will be taken to a form that asks for your driver's license number and date of birth. Enter these exactly as they appear on your license. The system will pull up your record and show you the information Georgia has on file.
Review the personal information displayed — your name, address, date of birth, and license class. If anything is wrong other than your address, stop here and visit a DDS office in person, because the online system cannot fix those errors. If your address needs updating, you can change it during this step.
Next, you will choose your renewal term: four years or eight years. The cost difference is $32 versus $64. Select the term you want, then enter your email address. Georgia will send a confirmation to this email once your renewal is processed.
Enter your payment information — the card number, expiration date, and CVV. Review the summary of what you are paying for, then submit. The system will confirm the transaction when ready and give you a confirmation number. Save or print this number for your records.
What happens after you submit your renewal
Once your payment goes through, Georgia DDS processes your renewal. You will receive a confirmation email at the address you provided. Your new physical license is printed and mailed to the address on file — this usually takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you complete the renewal.
During this waiting period, your old license remains valid. You can continue to use it for identification and driving until your new one arrives. There is no temporary paper license issued for online renewals.
If you do not receive your new license within 10 business days, contact the Georgia DDS customer service line or visit a local DDS office with your confirmation number. They can check the status of your renewal and reissue if needed.
When you cannot renew online
If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a DDS office. The online system will reject your process and direct you to schedule an appointment or visit a walk-in location.
If your license was suspended, revoked, or cancelled at any point, online renewal is not available. You will need to resolve the suspension or revocation first, which usually requires an in-person visit and may involve paying fines or completing other requirements. Contact DDS to find out what you need to do before you can renew.
If you need to change your name, date of birth, or license class, or if you want to add or remove endorsements (like a motorcycle endorsement), you must go to a DDS office. The online system handles address changes and renewal only — nothing else.
Address changes and what to do if you moved
If you have moved since your last license was issued, update your address before or during your online renewal. The new license will be mailed to whatever address is in the system when your renewal is processed, so this step is critical.
You can update your address online through the Georgia DDS website separately from renewal, or you can change it as part of the renewal process itself. Either way, make sure the address you see on the renewal form is where you currently live and where you want your new license sent.
If you realize after submitting your renewal that the address is wrong, contact Georgia DDS when ready with your confirmation number. Depending on how far along your renewal is in processing, they may be able to correct it before the license is printed and mailed.
Payment and fees
Georgia charges $32 for a four-year renewal and $64 for an eight-year renewal. These are the only fees for online renewal — there are no additional processing charges or service fees. The payment is due at the time you submit your renewal, and you must use a credit or debit card.
The card is charged when ready when you complete the transaction. If the charge is declined, the system will tell you right away and you can try again with a different card or contact your bank to find out why the charge failed.
Georgia does not issue refunds for online renewals once the transaction is complete. If you change your mind after paying, you would need to contact DDS customer service to discuss your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license is suspended?
No. The online system will not process a renewal if your license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled. You must visit a Georgia DDS office in person and resolve the suspension first. Contact DDS to find out what steps you need to take.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
Your new license is usually mailed within 7 to 10 business days from the date you complete your renewal. Mail delivery time varies depending on where you live in Georgia. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact DDS with your confirmation number.
What if I made a mistake on my renewal form?
If you made a mistake with your address or email, contact Georgia DDS as soon as possible with your confirmation number. If the error is with your name, date of birth, or license class, you will need to visit a DDS office in person to correct it.
Can I renew online if my license expired more than five years ago?
No. Online renewal is only for licenses that expired within the last five years. If your license has been expired longer than that, you must renew in person at a Georgia DDS office and may need to retake the written test and vision test.
Do I get a temporary license while I wait for my new one?
No. Online renewals do not come with a temporary paper license. Your old license remains valid for driving and identification until your new one arrives in the mail.