What to bring when you renew in Georgia
To renew your Georgia driver's license, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your current license or ID card. The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) requires specific documents — not just any ID or bill. Which documents work depends on whether you are renewing in person, by mail, or online, and whether your license is still valid or has been expired for more than five years.
Most Georgia residents can renew online or by mail without visiting a DDS office, which means you may not need to gather physical documents at all. But if you renew in person or if your situation falls outside the standard renewal path, you will need to know exactly what DDS accepts.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal requires only your current Georgia license number, date of birth, and Social Security number — no documents to bring or mail.
- Mail renewal requires a completed form, your current license, and a check or money order, but no proof of identity or residency documents.
- In-person renewal at a DDS office requires one document proving identity and one proving your current Georgia address.
- If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew by mail or online and must visit a DDS office in person.
- A Real ID-compliant license requires additional documents proving citizenship or lawful presence, even if you are just renewing.
Online renewal — no documents needed
Georgia allows most drivers to renew online through the DDS website. You do not bring or mail any physical documents. Instead, you enter your current Georgia license number, date of birth, Social Security number, and answer security questions based on your driving record. The system verifies your identity using information already on file with DDS.
Online renewal works only if your license is still valid or expired for fewer than five years, you have no medical conditions that require DDS review, and you have not had certain violations or suspensions. The fee is paid by credit or debit card. Your renewed license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Mail renewal — form and current license only
You can renew by mail if your license is still valid or expired for fewer than five years. DDS requires a completed Form DL 44 (process for Driver's License or Identification Card), your current Georgia license, and payment by check or money order. You mail these three items to the address listed on the form.
Mail renewal does not require proof of identity or residency documents because DDS already has your information on file. Processing takes 15 to 20 business days from the date DDS receives your envelope. Your renewed license arrives by mail.
In-person renewal — identity and address documents
If you renew at a DDS office, bring one document proving your identity and one proving your current Georgia address. Proof of identity can be a valid passport, military ID, state ID from another state, or a certified birth certificate. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and Georgia address.
You also need to bring your current Georgia license or ID card and complete Form DL 44. Payment is by cash, check, money order, or debit card. In-person renewal is processed on the spot, and you receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your plastic card is mailed to you.
Expired more than five years — in-person only
If your Georgia license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit a DDS office in person and follow the in-person renewal process: bring proof of identity, proof of residency, your expired license, and complete Form DL 44.
DDS treats a license expired more than five years as a new process rather than a renewal, which is why the online and mail options close. Processing at the office takes the same amount of time as a standard in-person renewal.
Real ID compliance — additional citizenship documents
If you want a Real ID-compliant license (marked with a gold star), you must provide proof of citizenship or lawful presence in addition to the standard identity and residency documents. Acceptable documents include a certified birth certificate, U.S. passport, passport card, naturalization certificate, or employment authorization document (EAD).
A standard Georgia license does not require these documents. Real ID compliance is optional, but a Real ID license is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If you are renewing in person and want to upgrade to Real ID, bring the citizenship document along with your identity and residency documents.
Document checklist by renewal method
| Renewal Method | Documents Required | Form Required | Payment Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | None (information entered online) | No | Credit or debit card |
| Current Georgia license | Form DL 44 | Check or money order | |
| In-person | One identity document, one residency document, current Georgia license | Form DL 44 | Cash, check, money order, or debit card |
| In-person (Real ID) | One identity document, one residency document, one citizenship document, current Georgia license | Form DL 44 | Cash, check, money order, or debit card |
Where to find DDS offices and forms
Georgia has DDS offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and check hours on the Georgia DDS website. Form DL 44 is available on the same website as a PDF you can print and fill out before you arrive, or you can complete it at the office.
If you are renewing by mail, print Form DL 44, fill it out, and mail it with your current license and payment to the address shown on the form. The mailing address is also on the DDS website. Do not mail documents to a local DDS office — use the centralized mailing address only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if I have a suspended license?
No. Online renewal is not available if your license is suspended, revoked, or has certain violations on your record. You must renew in person at a DDS office. The office staff will review your record and tell you whether renewal is possible.
What counts as proof of residency?
A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and Georgia address all work. The document must show your current address — a document from a previous address will not be accepted.
Do I need an original birth certificate or can I use a copy?
If you are using a birth certificate as proof of identity or citizenship, it must be a certified copy issued by the vital records office in the state where you were born. A photocopy or uncertified copy will not be accepted.
How long does it take to get my renewed license after I renew online?
Your renewed license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the online renewal. You can use your current license until the new one arrives.
What if my name has changed since my current license was issued?
If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document showing the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.