Gather these documents before you go to the DDS office

To renew your Georgia driver's license, you will need to bring proof of your identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. Georgia's Department of Driver Services (DDS) requires specific documents — not just any ID or utility bill. Bringing the wrong papers means a wasted trip.

The documents you bring depend on whether you are renewing in person or by mail, and whether your license is still valid or has expired. Most people renew in person at a DDS office, which takes about 30 minutes once you arrive. If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew by mail and must go to an office.

Key Takeaways

  • You need one document proving your identity (a valid passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate), one proving your Social Security number (a Social Security card or W-2), and one proving your address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).
  • If your license is still valid or expired less than five years ago, you can renew by mail with a completed form and copies of your documents, which costs less than renewing in person.
  • If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a DDS office and will need to pass a vision test and written exam.
  • Bring your current Georgia driver's license to the DDS office, even if it is expired, because it speeds up the process.

Documents that prove your identity

Georgia accepts one of these as proof of identity: a valid U.S. passport, a valid military ID, a certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid visa, or a valid foreign passport with a visa. Your current Georgia driver's license counts as identity proof if it is not expired, but you still need the other documents listed below.

A certified birth certificate means a copy issued by the vital records office in the state or county where you were born, not a photocopy you made yourself. You can order one by mail or online from your state's vital records office. If you use a passport or military ID, it must be valid — an expired passport does not work.

Documents that prove your Social Security number

Bring one of these: your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, a pay stub, or a document from the Social Security Administration. The document must show your full name and full Social Security number.

A pay stub from your current or most recent job works if it shows your name and SSN. If you do not have a Social Security card and cannot get one before your appointment, a W-2 or tax return from the past two years is the fastest alternative. The document does not have to be current — a W-2 from last year is fine.

Documents that prove your current address

Bring one document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and current address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, a homeowner's or renter's insurance policy, or a government-issued document like a property tax bill.

The document must be an original or official copy — a screenshot or photocopy of a utility bill does not work. If you recently moved and your utility bill still shows your old address, bring a lease or rental agreement instead. A post office change-of-address form does not count as proof of address.

Renewing by mail instead of in person

If your Georgia license is still valid or expired less than five years ago, you can renew by mail. You will need to complete form DL 44 (process for Renewal of Driver's License), make copies of your identity, SSN, and address documents, and mail them to the address on the form along with the renewal fee. Mail renewal costs less than in-person renewal and takes about two to three weeks.

You cannot renew by mail if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you are over 80 years old, or if your license expired more than five years ago. You also cannot renew by mail if you need to update your name, address, or other information on your license — those changes require an in-person visit. read form DL 44 from the Georgia DDS website or call 678-413-8400 to request one by mail.

What happens at the DDS office

When you arrive at a DDS office with your documents, a staff member will check them, take your photograph, and collect the renewal fee. If your license is still valid or expired less than five years ago, you will not take a written test or vision test — the office will straightforward issue your new license. You can usually pick it up the same day or have it mailed to your address.

If your license expired more than five years ago, you will need to pass a vision screening and a written knowledge test about Georgia traffic laws. The office will schedule these on the day you renew. You can study for the written test using the Georgia Driver's Manual, which is free online at the DDS website.

Fees and how long renewal takes

In-person renewal costs $32 for an eight-year license if you are under 65, or $16 for a four-year license if you are 65 or older. Mail renewal costs $20 for an eight-year license or $10 for a four-year license. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the office. By mail, you must include a check or money order.

If you renew in person, your new license is usually ready the same day, though some offices mail it instead. If you renew by mail, expect two to three weeks. If you need your license sooner, you can request a temporary paper license at the DDS office, which is valid for 30 days while you wait for your permanent one to arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has been suspended or revoked?

No. You must contact the DDS to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it before you can renew. Call 678-413-8400 or visit a DDS office to learn what is required.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You will need to provide an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring a document that shows your ITIN, such as a tax return or a letter from the IRS. Contact the DDS before your appointment to confirm what documents they will accept.

Do I need to bring my old license to the DDS office?

You do not have to, but bringing it speeds up the process because the staff can look up your information faster. If your old license is lost or stolen, just tell the staff member when you arrive.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

You will need to bring proof of your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You must renew in person — you cannot renew by mail when your name has changed.

Can someone else pick up my renewed license for me?

Yes, if you authorize them in writing. Bring a signed letter giving them permission to pick up your license, and they will need to show a photo ID. Some DDS offices may have additional requirements, so call ahead to confirm.