What you need to bring to renew your Georgia license

To renew your Georgia driver's license, you need to bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You do not need to retake the written or vision test unless your license has been expired for more than five years, or unless the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) asks you to. Most renewals take about 30 minutes at a DDS office.

Georgia offers two renewal paths: in-person at a DDS office, or online through the Georgia DDS website if you meet certain conditions. The online path is faster and requires fewer documents, but not everyone qualifies. Your current license must not be suspended or revoked, and you must have a valid email address on file.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring your current Georgia license, one proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return) to any DDS office.
  • If you renew online, you need only your current license number and date of birth — no documents to bring — but you must pass a vision test at a participating Walgreens or LensCrafters within 30 days of your online renewal.
  • You do not retake the written test unless your license expired more than five years ago or DDS requests it.
  • In-person renewal costs $32 for a four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license; online renewal costs $20 but requires the separate vision test fee at a pharmacy.

Documents for in-person renewal at a DDS office

Bring your current Georgia driver's license, one document proving where you live, and one document proving your Social Security number. The DDS will not accept expired documents for proof of residency.

For proof of residency, bring one of these: a current utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a current lease or rental agreement, a current mortgage statement or property tax bill, a bank or credit card statement dated within the last 60 days, or a government-issued document with your current address. Your name must appear on the document.

For proof of Social Security number, bring one of these: your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, or a document from the Social Security Administration. A birth certificate does not count as proof of Social Security number.

Online renewal and the vision test requirement

If you renew online through the Georgia DDS website, you bring no documents to an office — you only need your current license number and date of birth. However, you must complete a vision test at a participating pharmacy within 30 days after you finish your online renewal. This is a separate step and a separate fee.

You can take the vision test at any Walgreens or LensCrafters in Georgia that offers DDS vision testing. Call ahead to confirm the location has the service available. The pharmacy will send your test results directly to DDS. If you do not complete the vision test within 30 days, your online renewal will not be processed and you will need to renew in person instead.

You cannot renew online if your license is suspended, revoked, or if you have an active warrant. You also cannot renew online if you need to update your name, address, or other information on your license — you must go to a DDS office for those changes.

When you must renew in person instead of online

Visit a DDS office in person if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need to change your name or address, if your license is suspended or revoked, or if you have an active warrant. You must also renew in person if you are changing your gender marker or if you are a new resident of Georgia and this is your first renewal as a Georgia resident.

If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), you cannot renew online — you must go to a DDS office. The same applies if you hold a hazmat endorsement.

Cost and how long renewal takes

In-person renewal at a DDS office costs $32 for a four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license. You pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Online renewal costs $20, but you pay an additional fee at the pharmacy for the vision test — that fee varies by location but is typically $10 to $15.

In-person renewal usually takes 30 minutes to one hour at a DDS office, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Your new license is printed on the spot. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes to complete on the website, but you must then schedule and complete the vision test within 30 days before your renewal is final.

Finding a DDS office and scheduling an appointment

You can find your nearest DDS office on the Georgia DDS website by entering your county or city. Many DDS offices now require appointments, though some still accept walk-ins. Check the office's page on the website to see whether appointments are required and how to book one. Booking an appointment online usually reduces your wait time to 15 to 20 minutes.

If you cannot find an appointment time that works for you, call the DDS customer service line at 678-413-8400. They can tell you which offices have the shortest wait times and may be able to book an appointment for you over the phone.

What happens if your license has been expired for more than five years

If your Georgia license expired more than five years ago, you must retake the written knowledge test and the vision test, even if you renew in person. You will also need to bring all the same documents as a standard in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.

Schedule an appointment at a DDS office and tell them your license has been expired for more than five years. They will give you the written test on the day of your appointment. You do not need to study — the test covers basic traffic laws and road signs — but you must pass it to renew. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license by mail?

No. Georgia does not offer mail-in renewal. You must renew either in person at a DDS office or online through the Georgia DDS website. If you cannot visit an office, online renewal with a pharmacy vision test is your only option.

What if I do not have a Social Security card?

Bring a W-2, 1099, tax return, or a letter from the Social Security Administration instead. Any of these documents will work as proof of your Social Security number. You do not need the card itself.

Do I need to bring my old license to renew?

Yes. Bring your current Georgia driver's license to any in-person renewal. If you are renewing online, you need your license number and date of birth but do not bring the physical card anywhere.

What if I moved to Georgia from another state?

If this is your first renewal as a Georgia resident, you must renew in person at a DDS office. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Georgia residency, and proof of Social Security number. You do not retake the written test, but you will take a vision test at the office.

How long is my new license valid for?

You choose between a four-year license ($32) or an eight-year license ($64) when you renew. Both are valid for their full term unless you change your name, address, or other information — then you must renew again.