Where to update your Georgia driver's license

You can update your Georgia driver's license at any Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) office. The state operates about 60 locations across Georgia, including full-service offices in major cities and express locations in some areas. You do not need an appointment at most offices, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

The fastest way to find your nearest office and current wait times is the DDS office locator on the Georgia DDS website. You can search by city or county and see which offices handle the type of update you need. Some updates can be done online or by mail, which we cover below.

Key Takeaways

  • Georgia DDS offices let you update your address, name, or other information in person without an appointment at most locations.
  • Address changes can be done online through the Georgia DDS website if you have a valid Georgia driver's license or ID card.
  • Name changes require an in-person visit and proof documents like a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
  • Bring your current license, proof of residency, and any legal documents that support your change (marriage certificate, court order, etc.).
  • Processing times vary: address changes online are when ready, in-person updates usually take a few minutes, and mail requests take 7 to 10 business days.

What information you can change online

Georgia allows you to change your address online without visiting an office. To do this, go to the Georgia DDS website, select the online services option, and log in with your driver's license number and date of birth. You will need a valid Georgia driver's license or ID card to use this service.

The online address change is when ready — your record updates right away, though your physical card will not reflect the new address until you renew it. If you need your card reprinted with the new address sooner, you can request that in person at a DDS office for a small fee.

Other changes — name, gender marker, organ donor status, or medical alert information — cannot be done online and require an in-person visit to a DDS office.

Documents you need for an in-person update

Bring your current Georgia driver's license or ID card to any update. You will also need proof of your current address, which can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement or insurance bill also works.

If you are changing your name, bring the legal document that supports the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers. The document must be an official copy, not a photocopy. If your name change was recent, bring the original or a certified copy.

For a gender marker change, Georgia requires a letter from a licensed healthcare provider stating that you have been diagnosed with gender dysphoria and are undergoing or have completed treatment. The letter does not need to specify the type of treatment.

Processing times and fees

In-person updates at a DDS office are usually processed while you wait. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days, and your permanent card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Address-only changes done online are when ready and do not require a new card unless you request one.

Most updates are free. A duplicate license (if you need a card with your new information before the standard card arrives) costs $20. An address reprint costs $5. Fees are cash or card at most offices.

Updating by mail

You can request a name or address change by mail, though it takes longer than in-person or online updates. read the DL 43 form (process for Duplicate Driver's License or ID Card) from the Georgia DDS website. Fill it out, include a copy of your current license and your proof documents, and mail it to the address listed on the form.

Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after DDS receives your envelope. You will receive a temporary paper license by mail, followed by your permanent card. This route works if you cannot visit an office, but plan for at least two weeks from the time you mail the form.

What happens if your information is already wrong on your license

If your current license shows incorrect information — a misspelled name, wrong address, or other error — bring it to a DDS office with proof of the correct information. DDS will issue a corrected license at no charge if the error was made by the state. If you reported the wrong information when you originally applied, you may be charged a fee for the correction.

Bring documents that show what the correct information should be: a birth certificate for a name spelling, a utility bill for an address, or a court document for a legal change. DDS staff will review the documents and issue a new card on the spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I update my address if my license is expired?

No. You must have a valid, non-expired Georgia driver's license or ID card to update your address online. If your license is expired, you will need to renew it first at a DDS office, which you can do at the same time you update your address.

How long does it take to get a new card after I update my information?

If you update in person at a DDS office, you receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Online address changes do not issue a new card unless you request one; your current card remains valid with the old address until you renew.

Do I need an appointment to update my license at a DDS office?

Most Georgia DDS offices do not require appointments for routine updates like address or name changes. However, some express locations may have limited hours or services. Check the DDS office locator to see if your nearest office recommends arriving at a specific time to avoid long waits.

What if I got married and changed my name but do not have an original marriage certificate?

You can request a certified copy from the county clerk's office where you were married. This takes a few days to a few weeks depending on the county. Bring the certified copy to a DDS office along with your current license and proof of address. A photocopy of the marriage certificate is not accepted.

Can I update my license information if I do not have proof of my current address?

You will need some form of proof of address dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have a utility bill or lease, ask DDS staff what other documents they accept — some offices may take a letter from your employer, a bank statement, or other official mail. Call your local DDS office before you visit to confirm what they will accept.